Self-pleasuring is one of the most popular pastimes of people, especially men. While various surveys and studies have turned up differing results, it’s safe to say that it is the rare male who does not engage in self-gratifying at least occasionally. And if website traffic statistics for adult literature sites are to be believed, most men self-stimulate with considerable frequency. And why not? Few things are as fun as self-pleasuring or require as little equipment; basically, it can be enjoyed anytime and anywhere (although it’s best to limit that “anywhere” part to non-public places). And since men who release seed more often have a lowered chance of prostate cancer, there’s even a male organ health benefit to the activity. But when two people are talking about self-pleasuring, can they be sure they are using the same definition? The answer might be surprising.

Classic

Naturally, there are some instances where the definition is not really in doubt. It’s hard to believe anyone would disagree that the following scenario doesn’t fit the definition of self-pleasuring: A man is alone in a room with his manhood exposed. He is tumescent and has wrapped one of his hands around his member so he is gripping it fairly tightly. He moves his hand up and down the manhood until he reaches a point where he releases seed.

That’s a pretty classic definition, and one that would likely be universally recognized as self-pleasuring. But suppose that scenario was changed slightly. Instead of stroking himself until he releases, let’s say the man stops before achieving that release. Is it still self-pleasuring? There are some who would argue that it’s not.

Other scenarios

Following are a number of other scenarios that some people would believe constitute self-pleasuring, but which some others might not:

• A man is tumescent. He exposes his member, then lies face down on a bed and begins thrusting his hips back and forth against the mattress and sheets. He continues doing so, over and over, until he releases seed.

Self-pleasuring? Not to someone who believes that self-gratification involves manual stimulation of the member by one’s own hand or hands.

• A man is tumescent but keeps it tucked inside his pants. He rubs his manhood through his pants until he releases.

There’s manual stimulation by hand here, but the hand isn’t actually touching the member; it’s touching the fabric of the pants – and therefore some would disqualify it as self-pleasuring.

• A very limber man is naked and tumescent. He somehow contorts his body into a twisted shape such that his head is in contact with his member. Opening his mouth, he is able to suck on his own manhood.

Is self-oral gratification the same as self-pleasuring? To some yes, but to others it isn’t; it is “simply” oral sensual activity with oneself instead of with another person.

• To bring relief to his insistent tumescence, a man inserts it into a tube with an opening resembling a female organ and thrusts it in and out of the tube until he achieves release.

As with self-oral gratification some people would argue that this kind of sensual toy penetration is not self-pleasuring; it lacks the direct application of the hand to the member.

• Inserting and withdrawing an object in his posterior, a man achieves seed release from stimulating his prostate but not his manhood.

Again, with no direct manual stimulation of the manhood, this would not be considered self-pleasuring by some.

• A woman strokes a man’s member with her hand until he releases.

To some people, self-pleasuring is restricted one person stimulating themselves and no one else.

Whether a person considers any, some or all the scenarios above to be a definition of self-pleasuring, it’s worth remembering that being too enthusiastic in self-handling can lead to a raw and sore member. Regular use of a superior male organ health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) can help. Choose one with moisturizing and soothing agents like Shea butter and vitamin E to help ease the soreness. And find one with L-carnitine, because rough handling often de-sensitizes the manhood. L-carnitine’s neuroprotective properties can help restore lost sensation.

Visit http://www.menshealthfirst.com for additional information on most common male organ health issues, tips on improving member sensitivity and what to do to maintain a healthy manhood. John Dugan is a professional writer who specializes in men's health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer to numerous websites.