Overview

Masturbation is a normal, common way to explore your body and relieve sexual tension. Below is non‑graphic, practical guidance focused on safety, comfort, and sexual health for an adult (35‑year‑old).

1. Prepare

  • Privacy: choose a comfortable, private place and time so you can relax.
  • Hygiene: wash your hands and, if desired, the genital area with mild soap and water. Trim fingernails to avoid scratches.
  • Comfort: sit or lie in a position that lets you relax your pelvic muscles and breathe easily.

2. Use lubrication

  • Lubricant reduces friction and irritation. Water‑based lubes are a safe, easy option and work with condoms and most sex toys.
  • Avoid petroleum jelly or household oils around sensitive skin; they can cause irritation and damage condoms.
  • If you use sex toys, follow manufacturer cleaning instructions and use condoms on toys if they are shared.

3. Gentle, attentive technique

  • Start gently and pay attention to what feels comfortable and pleasurable. Everyone’s preferences differ — explore variations in pressure, speed, and hand position to find what feels best.
  • There’s no single “right” motion. Use the parts of your hand or different grips, change pace, and focus on sensations rather than forcing a particular method.
  • Stop or reduce intensity if you feel pain, strong numbness, or skin irritation.

4. Safety and things to avoid

  • Do not insert sharp or unclean objects into the urethra or other openings; this risks injury and infection.
  • Avoid excessive force or very tight devices that could cut off circulation or cause tissue damage.
  • Be cautious with numbing creams or sprays — they can mask pain and make injury more likely.

5. Aftercare

  • Clean up with warm water and mild soap. If you used a condom or toy, clean or dispose of it appropriately.
  • If you notice persistent redness, swelling, bleeding, discharge, or pain that doesn’t improve, see a healthcare provider.

6. When to seek medical help

  • If an erection lasts more than 4 hours (priapism), seek emergency care.
  • If you experience unexplained pain, changes in urinary function, lumps, bleeding, or persistent numbness, consult a doctor.
  • If concerns about sexual function or compulsive behavior affect your life, a primary care physician, urologist, or licensed sex therapist can help.

7. Emotional and mental aspects

Feelings about masturbation vary. If you feel persistent guilt, anxiety, or it interferes with work or relationships, consider talking with a mental health professional experienced in sexual health.

Reliable next steps

  • For medical questions about pain, erectile concerns, or medication effects, speak with your primary care provider or urologist.
  • For sexual wellbeing or relationship issues, look for a licensed sex therapist or counselor.

If you want, I can summarize this into a short checklist, explain how certain medications can affect sexual function, or suggest questions to ask a clinician.