It’s our favorite time of the year again. Masturbation Month is here, everybody! As sexperts, we believe that a better and healthier sex life begins with a good sense of self. And there is no better way of knowing what your body needs than pleasuring yourself.💦

How did International Masturbation Month Start?

For most of us, we don’t know that Masturbation Awareness Month is a thing. Some people celebrate it on May 7th and others on May 28th, but because you can never get too much self-love, the entire month of May is dedicated towards raising awareness on the right to self-pleasure. Its origin is quite fascinating, and we are going to tell you all about it!

It all started when President Bill Clinton fired then-Surgeon General Jocelyn Elders for suggesting that masturbation be incorporated into the sex education curriculum.

This incident sparked anger amongst businesses and sex-positive organizations, particularly Good Vibrations, a sex shop based in San Francisco who declared May 7th, 1995 National Masturbation Day in retaliation of that decision.

Why talk about masturbation at all then?

It's controversial, yes, and makes most of us squeamish when put on the spot to talk about it, but of all sexual acts, masturbation is the most universal. Almost everybody has either done it or thought about doing it! Don't believe me?

Well, "according to Health24's Great South African Sex Surveys for 2008 and 2009, between 71 and 82 percent of South African men confirmed that they masturbate (the figures for women are between 67 and 75 percent) and more than 85 percent say they first started to masturbate before the age of 18", Andrew Luyt writes in a News24 article.

However, due to stigma, it's not openly discussed or talked about as it's termed 'sinful' by conservatives and clouded by myths like people who masturbate grow hairy palms. I know! I know! Buzzkill right?😫

Thanks to masturbation month and drivers of sexual health awareness, platforms are created to educate on the benefits of masturbation and remove the shame in jerking off. In fact, they encourage self-pleasure as a healthy way of coping with your sexual needs or urges. Everyone has a right to enjoy their bodies, even some married couples admit to masturbating!

Lockdown has also contributed to the rise in masturbation, especially amongst millennials and Gen Z's as a result of reduced face-to-face contact, as observed by Hein Kaiser in a 2021 article on The Citizen, Masturbation preferable over ‘sex’ since lockdown last year.

The same article also touches on how a sensual massage can lead to orgasm and may result in energetic healing by removing internal blockages and healing past trauma, preventing you from living a fulfilled life. So, besides sexual pleasure, masturbation may help you reconnect with your higher self and grow on your own terms.

five masturbation facts

In celebration of masturbation month, here are some fun and steamy ways to masturbate and ultimately be more sex positive:

Why not get that new sex toy?

It’s about time you leveled up your fap game. As you celebrate, how about you order something from our store you can enjoy on your solo mission.

For women, get the Everfun Magic Wand Vibrator with Touch Control packed with powerful vibrations giving you explosive orgasms in no time. I'm sure you've seen the rise of The Rose Vibrator on the socials. This is another amazing option! Not sure what I'm talking about? You can read all about it here. If these toys don't do it for you, check out more options in our For Her collection.

For men, how about spicing things up a lil? We know men and their attachment to their hands. Boohoo! Boring, right?👎 How about trying a masturbator, its soft inner texture, ribbed to match the feel of a vaginal canal or tongue and throat will bring you to orgasmic heavens in no time. For more options, check out our For Him collection.

Try new masturbation methods

After tons of research about wanking, why don't you try something new and spicy? Haven't tried humping your pillow, be my guest! Never stimulated your G-spot or prostate, cum-on, insert that finger or try an anal plug! Never indulged in a vibrating toy, grab one NOW! You'll open up new avenues of pleasuring yourself by trying new methods.

Engage in mutual masturbation 

For some, this might seem uncomfortable, but I promise you, you might end up liking it more than going solo! It's about time you experience the 'happy' in happy masturbation month by indulging in mutual masturbation with your partner. 

For some of you who are a bit unsure what this means... It’s a sexual activity where you masturbate with your partner, all while not kissing nor touching each other, just watching each other get off! TBH it's hot AF! You can also spice things up with a bit of roleplaying or add libido boosters into the mix for heightened sensation.

Write your own erotica 

Flick on your creative juices (plus other juices, IYKWIM). Get creative and write your own erotica. You don't need to go full Danielle Steel; just a few pages will do. What's more intriguing about this is that you can add real-life characters and your own sexual fantasies.

After you’re done, you can use your own stories to wank. Nothing says ‘Happy Masturbation Month’ than a nut. You can even send them to your partner and get them fapping along too!

Create your sexy playlist 

Sensuous tunes/music get you in the mood for solo play. So, why don’t you create your own playlist for your one-on-one session. There is no better way of keeping yourself in the mood than listening to sexy and raunchy jams while your hands do the talking.

Here are some of our steamy suggestions to set the tone:

  • Skin – Rihanna
  • All to You – Sabrina Claudio
  • Ride – SoMo
  • I Wanna Be Yours – Arctic Monkeys

If you're looking for more options, check out this awesome Spotify playlist: Yes, Master, and Sexy Time

Masturbate in public 

Saying that out loud sounds so wrong! But it's exciting and nerve-racking at the same time. Are you up for the challenge? It's time to get a little naughty and fap in public. We don’t want you to get arrested for public indecency, so stay vigilant at all times, clean up after yourself and keep the volume on zero.

  • Your car
  • Library
  • Public or work bathroom
  • Fitting/changing room

Freaky couples can get the Wireless Remote Controlled Vibrator and use it on date night. One partner wears the discreet toy and the other controls the vibration modes via the remote. We dare you to try it! 😈

Post and talk about it

If we're being real, one of the best ways to celebrate International Masturbation Month isn't by wanking or sending funny texts to your friends; you can still do that, but the ultimate aim is to de-stigmatize masturbation.

Share a post, engage in online conversations, and create an online movement by supporting blogs and other media forms that advocate for sexual wellness and self-love. 

We mark this annual event because someone got fired for speaking her mind regarding education on one's sexual health. Let’s break the chain and remove all the shame and taboo associated with masturbating.

Final word 

Let's celebrate and protect at all costs our right to masturbate. We hope that we've given you some raunchy and explicit ideas of how to celebrate this month in style. Embrace your playful side and explore your sexuality. Happy Masturbation Month! Ciao!

Sources and publications

1. Kaiser, H., 2021, The Citizen, accessed 30 April 2022,<https://www.citizen.co.za/lifestyle/health-lifestyle/2882561/will-masturbation-replace-penetration/>

2. Luyt. A, 2010, News24, accessed 30 April 2022, <https://www.news24.com/health24/sex/sextips/masturbation-is-good-for-you-20120721>

3. Married couple image <a href='https://www.freepik.com/vectors/wedding-people'>Wedding people vector created by storyset - www.freepik.com</a>

4. Conversation image <a href="https://storyset.com/online">Online illustrations by Storyset</a>

5. Launch image <a href="https://storyset.com/business">Business illustrations by Storyset</a>

6. Zen image <a href="https://storyset.com/people">People illustrations by Storyset</a>

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