Quick answer: To get more out of penis masturbation, go beyond the classic grip-and-stroke. Vary your grip, speed and pressure. Explore the frenulum and perineum. Try edging to build intensity. Use a vibrating stroker like the VUSH Sol for sensations your hand can’t replicate. Lube makes everything better.
Let’s be real: most penis owners have been masturbating since their teens, and most have been doing it more or less the same way ever since. Same hand, same grip, same speed, same finish. It gets the job done, sure. But what if solo play could be so much more than just getting the job done?
Self-pleasure with a penis tends to get reduced to one motion. But your body is capable of way more sensation than that routine is giving you. Different grips, different zones, different rhythms, different tools, there’s a whole world of pleasure that most people never explore, simply because nobody ever told them it existed.
This guide is here to change that. We’re going beyond the basics with techniques, anatomy, toys and tips to make your solo sessions genuinely better. No judgement, no awkwardness, just practical advice from VUSH. (This article is part of our Complete Guide to Self-Pleasure series.)
Know Your Anatomy
Before we talk technique, let’s talk about the zones most people overlook. The penis has far more going on than the shaft alone.
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The frenulum: That small V-shaped area on the underside of the penis, just below the head. It’s one of the most sensitive spots on the entire body, packed with nerve endings. Many people find that focused stimulation here, light rubbing, tapping, or vibration, is more intense than anything the shaft can deliver.
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The glans (head): Rich in nerve endings, especially around the corona (the ridge where the head meets the shaft). Varying pressure here, from featherlight to firm, creates very different sensations.
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The perineum: The area between the base of the penis and the anus. Often completely ignored during masturbation, but applying gentle pressure here stimulates the internal root of the penis and the prostate externally. It can intensify orgasm significantly.
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The shaft: The most commonly stimulated area, but even here there’s room to explore. The underside tends to be more sensitive than the top.
Takeaway: if your entire masturbation routine is shaft-only, you’re leaving a lot of pleasure on the table.
Techniques Worth Trying
Here’s where things get interesting. Try one of these next time you have a solo session.
Switch hands
It sounds simple, but using your non-dominant hand creates an entirely different sensation. The grip feels unfamiliar, the pressure is different, and it forces you to slow down and pay attention rather than going on autopilot.
The twist
Instead of a straight up-and-down motion, add a gentle twist at the top of each stroke, rotating your wrist as your hand passes over the head. This stimulates the corona and frenulum simultaneously.
Frenulum focus
Use your thumb or a fingertip to rub the frenulum in small circles or a back-and-forth motion. Start light and build pressure. Some people can orgasm from frenulum stimulation alone.
Two-handed
One hand works the shaft while the other focuses on the head, the frenulum, or the perineum. It takes coordination, but the payoff is a fuller, more layered sensation.
Edging
Build yourself to the edge of orgasm, then stop or slow down. Let the intensity drop, then build again. Repeat. When you finally let yourself finish, the orgasm is typically far more intense and full-bodied. Edging also helps you learn your arousal patterns and build stamina.
Perineum pressure
While stroking with one hand, use two fingers from the other to apply firm, steady pressure to the perineum. This externally stimulates the prostate and can make orgasms feel deeper and more powerful.
Why a Toy Changes Everything
Your hand is great. It’s free, it’s always available, and it knows what it’s doing. But a purpose-built toy delivers sensations that your hand physically cannot — vibration, texture, adjustable pressure, and consistent rhythm without fatigue.
The VUSH Sol is a vibrating stroker designed to make solo (and partnered) play more interesting:
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10 vibration settings — from teasing pulses to deep, rumbly vibrations that hit different depending on the intensity.
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Ribbed interior — textured for layered stimulation with every stroke. Way more complex than a flat surface.
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Flexible wings — adjust the grip strength to suit your mood. Lighter, tighter, somewhere in between.
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Open-ended design — the head stays exposed, so you can combine the stroker with manual frenulum play, oral from a partner, or just enjoy the freedom.
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100% waterproof — shower sessions are very much an option.
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Medical-grade silicone — body-safe, hypoallergenic, and easy to clean.
Also worth exploring: the Orb pleasure ring. It’s designed for couples play, but wearing it solo adds vibration and a firmness-enhancing ring that changes the solo experience too.
A Word About Lube
If you’re not already using lube during masturbation, start. It’s one of the simplest upgrades you can make. Lube reduces friction, heightens sensitivity, and makes every technique in this article feel noticeably better.
Use water-based lubricant with silicone toys like the Sol. Silicone-based lubes can degrade silicone toys over time. Apply generously and reapply when needed, there’s no such thing as too much.
Slow Down. Seriously.
One of the biggest upgrades you can make has nothing to do with technique or toys. It’s simply slowing down.
Most penis owners treat masturbation as a means to an end — get hard, stroke, finish, move on. But when you slow the whole experience down, pay attention to what you’re feeling, experiment with rhythm, and stop treating orgasm as the only goal, the quality of your solo play improves dramatically.
This is essentially mindful masturbation, and it’s not just for vulva owners. Presence, intention and patience work for every body.
Aftercare + Cleaning
After your session, clean any toys with warm water and mild soap, or use a dedicated toy cleaner. Sol is waterproof, so a quick rinse does the trick. Store somewhere dry and dust-free.
And give yourself a moment. Self-pleasure is a form of self-care. You don’t need to jump straight back to your inbox.
Related: Complete Guide to Self-Pleasure | The Benefits of Masturbation | Mutual Masturbation Guide | Best Sex Toys for Couples
FAQs
Is there a “right” way to masturbate with a penis?
No. Whatever feels good and doesn’t cause discomfort is the right way for you. This guide offers techniques to expand your range, but there’s no single correct method.
How often should I masturbate?
As often as feels right. There’s no medical guideline for frequency. Daily, weekly, occasionally, it’s all normal, as long as it’s not interfering with your daily life.
Can masturbation cause erectile dysfunction?
No. There’s no evidence that masturbation causes ED. However, if you’re used to a very tight grip (sometimes called “death grip”), you may find it harder to orgasm from lighter stimulation. The fix? Vary your grip and try a toy like Sol that trains your body to respond to different sensations.
Is edging safe?
Completely. Edging is simply bringing yourself close to orgasm and then backing off. It’s a well-established technique that can lead to more intense orgasms and better awareness of your arousal. There are no health risks.
Do I need lube to use the Sol?
It’s not required, but strongly recommended. Water-based lube enhances the sensation and protects the silicone. Apply to yourself and inside the stroker for the best experience.
Sources
Prause, N. & Pfaus, J. (2015). “Viewing sexual stimuli associated with greater sexual responsiveness, not erectile dysfunction.” Sexual Medicine, 3(2), 90–98.
Herbenick, D. et al. (2018). “Women’s and men’s experiences with genital touching, sexual pleasure, and orgasm.” Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 44(2), 201–212.
Komisaruk, B.R. & Whipple, B. (2005). “Functional MRI of the brain during orgasm.” Annual Review of Sex Research, 16.
Your Solo Play, Upgraded
Self-pleasure with a penis deserves the same attention, creativity and care as any other part of your sex life. You’ve got the techniques. Now get the tools.