Female Masturbation: Risky Practices

The Internet is full of masturbation ideas and techniques for girls and women to try out for themselves. Unfortunately many of these ideas are probably little more than male fantasies, put up by males for their own entertainment, rather than for our enlightenment. This would not be a problem if the ideas put on the net were all safe but this is not the case and there has to be a real danger that someone is going to hurt themselves if they try to test out some of the things they read. For this reason we are providing some advice, not on does and don'ts, as its up to you what you do, but more on the risks and safeguards you should know about before indulging in some of the suggested activities.

The information given is not complete. Someone somewhere will have put up details of a practice we don't yet know about and so by definition we can't write about its risks. If you read about any unusual and potentially risky practices please let us know and we will do our best to hunt out and post any relevant information for you.

Water Play

The average tub, shower, and Jacuzzi, and yes, even the bidet, can be transformed in a place of masturbation bliss! Many sources describe the pleasure to be had from directing water jets from showerheads, faucet, Jacuzzi jets, etc at the genitals. The attraction is that the speed and stream style of the water can be controlled, which adds to making the experience more exciting. Provided the jet is directed onto the vulva and not into the vagina, the water temperature is not too hot or too cold, and if the water pressure is kept at a comfortable pressure, the practice is safe and fun. The risks come if these guidelines are not followed. Water play into which the jets are directed into the vagina can potentially cause damage and in some instances can result in a condition called an embolism, which is often fatal. If the water gets too hot, as can happen on many showers because someone else turns on a faucet else where in the house, puts you ate risk for a scalding burn. Lying under the facet can also add, but again be aware of the potential water changes in temperature.

"Using the water massager from the shower, I can control my orgasm by varying the water pressure on my clit."

"The water spilling out of the faucet directly on my clit relaxes me and eventually my orgasm comes in incredible waves."

"I love the feel of the water streaming from the showerhead onto my balls as I stroke my cock. I cum harder and faster."

Sex Toys

Whether you buy your toys from a reliable source, or create some of your own from things found around the house, sex toys need to be kept clean and hygienic to prevent infection. Non-rubber toys can be cleaned in a very weak solution of ordinary household bleach and water, warm soapy water, or you could use the baby feeding bottle sterilizing solutions that are available on the market. Do not ever soak electrical or battery operated items but instead wipe them with a cloth saturated with the disinfecting solution. Rubber items, including dildos, gloves, sleeves off vibrators and even rubber clothing can harbor bacteria, but chlorine based disinfectants should NOT be used on them as the rubber can be damaged. Soap solutions that contain bacteria fighting agents can be used safely. Remember to rinse after cleaning and dry the item completely before putting away. (Washing up after masturbating may not sound like fun but it will ensure your toys are safe and ready for the next time). For more information on the care and cleaning of sex toys, please refer to the Adult Toy Section.

"Adding a vibrator to my masturbation sessions has made my orgasms more intense and I love the control I have developed in using one."

"I use an anal vibrator which is held secure in my ass, and while it buzzes, I stroke my cock. The orgasms couldn't be any better."

Food And Vegetables

Bananas, carrots, cucumbers, and corncobs, are probably some of the commonly used sex toys, given that they are easily obtainable, have no stigma attached when buying, and promoted for use by all sorts sources. Many a girl or woman have enjoyed the experience of using such items as makeshift dildos but there are risks to be taken into account if you want to use them for masturbation pleasure. Any item to be inserted into your body must be cleaned thoroughly as many fruits and vegetables will have dirt, chemicals or yeast spores on their skins when purchased. Nothing should be inserted that could break and leave parts inside you. Items that are too short to leave a 'handle' when inserted to the required depth are a risk too. Additional risks come from the fact that some foods may leave sugars behind that could encourage yeast growth (thrush).

Eating the item after use is a matter of choice but it would be safest to wash it thoroughly before consuming it, given the slight risk of bacterial infection. (Anally inserted items are obviously more dangerous than vaginally used items.)

"I have been using cucumbers for years and find them to be the easiest, cheapest, and safest item to use. People just think I love salads!"

"I use carrots for anal play and simply throw them away when I am done. I have been doing this since I was a young teen."

Anal Insertion

Dildo and object insertion into the rectum can be pleasurable but there are dangers to be taken into account. Firstly, there is the risk of mechanical injury. If the dildo is too large or is not sufficiently lubricated before being inserted the anus and inner walls of the rectum may be torn or bruised. If the dildo is worked over enthusiastically, as may happen if a partner is using it on you the risk of injury is also increased. Secondly, there is the risk of losing an inserted item. If the object inserted does not have a flange or similar at the base it may accidentally be pushed in too far and become lost. Even strings attached to the object may not be enough to enable recovery and a visit to the hospital may be the only option. Thirdly, there is a risk of infection. Objects inserted have to be thoroughly cleaned before and after use. Failing to do this can result in bacteria from the rectum being introduced to other parts of the body where the object is used (vagina or mouth) and can lead to cross infection if you share the toy with a partner. It should be noted that most dildos and household items you may want to insert are porous and can harbor bacteria even after the surface is thoroughly washed. Silicone toys are safe but for anything else consider using a condom each time you play to stop the toy becoming contaminated.

"Adding anal play has greatly increased the sensation I get when I masturbated." (Male)

"My friend and I were playing one day and he inserted marbles into his ass. He ended up in the emergency room so they could dig them out."

Electric Shock

One of the most talked about sex toys (and for good reason) are the electric massagers. These things are great and are usually safe but you have to remember that electricity has the potential for being dangerous. Using any electrical device near or in water is especially dangerous; however there are some companies that advocate the use of the toys in the shower and this is total nonsense. Also, keep in mind that many of the personal massagers have a heating element to them, and this can be harmful to the genital tissues if over heated. Remember that some of the more popular lubrication jells are water based so if you like to lube up before using your massager keep the gel off the switch and out of any openings the massager may have.

It is also important to keep an eye on the condition of the massager and its wire components. Some women have massagers of 10 or more years of age and these are often hidden away in rough conditions where the wires can be damaged. If your massager is looking warn or damaged why not treat yourself to a new, safer one.

"The nice thing about my personal massager is no one really knows what I do with it late at night when I am all alone."

"My wife and I share her vibrator. Her clit gets a workout and then my balls. Sharing toys now is so much better than sharing them as kids."

Ice Play

Increasing references exist to the practice of putting ice cubes or Popsicles into the vagina or anus, or rubbing them on the clitoris. Ice straight from the freezer can be very dangerous. It is so cold and requires so much heat to bring it up to melting point that it can and will freeze liquids it touches and can stick to your skin. (Remember the scene in Dumb and Dumber with the ski lift pole and the tongue?) Tissue damage and days of pain are likely consequences of using ice of this temperature. Using 'warmer' ice, where it is already becoming wet and has not got that 'smoking' effect when in warm air, is less dangerous. If you want to try cold sensations on your body stick with ice of this type. Inserting ice is a different matter. If ice on your clitoris is uncomfortable you simply have to move it away but if you have inserted a cube, removal may be tricky or impossible, with the result that you would just have to put up with the discomfort/pain until the ice melted away on its own. Consider this before popping one inside!

"My husband and I tried using a Popsicle one hot summer evening, but unfortunately things never got going. The pain I felt after I removed the Popsicle from my vagina was unreal. Never again."

"I suck on ice then my husband's penis, then rinse my mouth with warm water. The change in temperature sensations on his penis send him right over the edge."

"I hold the ice over my wife's nipples and as it melts in my hands and drips on them, she seems to become more excited."

Bottles And Bulbs

"Finding things around the house to use was always a challenge and I know I used things that were dangerous."

"I once used a hairbrush with the bristles inside of me. I ended up with some bleeding that eventually went away, but it scared the hell out of me.

Vacuum Cleaner Masturbation

Many people have the idea of using the household vacuum cleaner to stimulate themselves to orgasm. A couple of things that need to be considered if this is an idea you want to try out: Hygiene: the vacuum will have been used to clean up dirt and dust and will be likely to harbor lots of things you would not really fancy on your genitals (dust mites, hairs, dust, cigarette ash, stuff off the bottom of people's shoes and lots of bacteria). How a used vacuum could be made hygienic is beyond us so the only safe option would be to go for a new unit. Suction: if the head of the cleaner is put into contact with your skin while the motor is running it could cause a painful 'love bite'.(hickey). NEVER, ever place your penis directly into the vacuum unit. The motor is run with blades and you could damage your penis with severe lacerations!

"I have put my cock in the vacuum tube, but I am not sure it added to the overall experience."

"I have heard some horror stories, so no thanks!"

Sensitizing Creams And Substances

The sex industry sells mild irritant creams that make the genitals feel hot or tingly. Such creams usually go under names like 'Female orgasm cream' and are, provided you are not sensitive (allergic) to them and you use them in moderation, reasonably safe to use. As a tip, if you are new to a cream first try it on as small an area of your vulva as possible and be ready to wash it off with cold water if the reaction is uncomfortable. Others advocate the use of other irritants on the genitals as a way of increasing sensitivity and pleasure. Substances such as ginger powder, toothpaste and muscle rubs are suggested. There are potent chemicals, which can give a long lasting and intense irritation to the sensitive tissues, so their use should only be contemplated if you are prepared for the possibility of significant pain and discomfort. Be careful!! Know what the product does and it is potential side effects.

"I accidentally discovered that Vicks cream can add a 'spark' to my clit when rubbed. I use it, but only a tiny, tiny dab."

"I have used one of the creams that say my orgasm will be more intense. I was robbed. I felt nothing different except my vagina felt hotter."

Piercing

There is quite a fad for body and genital piercing and pictures of those that have had it done are all over the Internet. Claims that having labial, clitoral and nipple piercing's gives sensual pleasure are common. Maybe they do and maybe they don't but if you are considering finding out for yourself, remember the following: Piercing is only really safe when done by an expert and when recommended hygiene and aftercare rules are followed. If you go to a 'back street' practitioner the risk of infection is high with hepatitis, septicemia and even AIDS being possible risks. Doing it yourself is also risky. You would have to get sterile and noble(gold or platinum) jewelry, you would have to take care of any infection risk from the tools used and from bacteria on or around the area to be pierced and you would have to ensure bacterial and fungal infections could not take hold while your wounds heal. On top of this is the likelihood that doing it yourself would be painful, slow and possibly would not give such a pleasing result as would a professional. If you still want to have body jeweler, take our advice, get it done by a registered professional.