HAVE YOU GONE THROUGH PERIODS IN YOUR LIFE WHEN MASTURBATION WAS MORE (OR LESS) ENJOYABLE THAN IT IS NOW?

Like most teens, I was embarrassed that I masturbated. The other kids making fun about it didn't help my insecurity. By the time I was 22, I started to accept masturbating as natural. By the time I was 25 I started to enjoy it. Now that I am in my 30s I think masturbation is most times better than sex: You can climax when *you* are in the mood, you only have to please yourself, and of course you don't spread any diseases. It's selfish probably, but masturbation is all about self-gratification.
- age 31, Pennsylvania

I've had periods when masturbation was both more and less enjoyable. I seem to have constant sexual mood swings. One week I can't seem to keep my hand away from my penis. The next week, I'm just not horny at all (even though I wish I was). I hate it when it isn't as fun, so it's nice when I can hold on to my "up times" for a long time. Why does it change? Maybe it's because I use up all of my best orgasms — then I need a little time to recharge.
- age 15, Wisconsin

When I was a kid, I would make a big production out of masturbation, especially on days when I had the house to myself. I would spread a blanket on the floor, put a few pillows on it, set up whatever visual stimuli I would be using, get undressed, lie on the pillows, squeeze them tight, and rub and bounce on them until orgasm. Then I'd just lie there and savor the post-orgasmic bliss until I was ready to go again. It was absolutely beautiful, but now I just don't have the time or the privacy I used to have.
- age 27, Florida

Since my girlfriend and I had sex, anytime I ejaculate — whether through sex or masturbation — it feels a million times better than before I had sex!
- age 17, Canada

When I was younger, about 12 or 13, masturbation was so new and arousing I found the orgasms incredibly mind-blowing. Also, and I don't know if this is just psychological, but my penis seemed to be a lot bigger then — almost like it has shrunk over the years. Or, maybe I was just overwhelmed at the age of 12 to see this hideously hairy, large penis. When I masturbated back then, I used a different technique and did it *almost always* in the shower. Now, the sessions are more relaxed and the concern about being interrupted has diminished because I live alone. The only time it feels more intense is when a friend comes over and we do it together.
- age 20, Oklahoma

Yes, there are periods in my life when the pleasure has varied. And, for some reason, right now I'm in a period when the pleasures have been oh so enjoyable. Such changes are likely due to being comfortable with my lifestyle as well as with myself.
- age 46, California

Masturbation now is more enjoyable for me. In these later years of my life, I have been unable to sustain a proper erection. However, by using some of the methods advocated in JackinWorld, I have been able to prolong my orgasms and feel totally relaxed afterwards.
- age 65, United Kingdom

I think that right now is the most pleasurable time for my masturbation career. I have gotten to the point where I know my bodily responses, what to touch and when, favorite fantasies, and I have given myself permission to indulge in anal and oral stimulation without guilt. The only time that might compare is when I was just beginning as a 12-year-old, exploring all those new sensations, and feeling really dirty — but in a very good way.
- age 46, Massachusetts (female)

Since I was circumcised five years ago, my masturbation sessions have become more enjoyable. My whole penis feels great now — not just the head. I can masturbate much longer, and it's easier to delay my orgasm. My orgasms are extremely powerful now and last longer.
- age 25, Belgium

I was taking Paxil [an anti-anxiety drug] for social phobias and panic attacks. One of the side effects was poor sexual performance. I'm not sexually active, so it wasn't a big concern. But eventually, after being on the medication long enough, I would try to masturbate but to no avail. Before I started the medication, it would normally take me around five minutes at most to orgasm. However, due to these side effects, I was masturbating for an hour without climax, and would wind up going limp. In the end, I would be terribly sweaty and very frustrated. Now, I'm thankful to say I no longer need Paxil to cope with life, and I'm masturbating happily as before. Now, if I could just convince my friend to tell me about the lesbian experience she hinted about recently...
- age 15, Maryland

The best was when I was in grade school before I knew what was happening — climbing up the tetherball poles on the playground. Also good was in my teens, once I figured out what I liked. And now, masturbation is very, very good. I am dating someone in his early, 30s and I masturbate at least once a day while fantasizing about him. We also include masturbation as part of our lovemaking. When I was a very young girl, my mom actually took me to the doctor because I was always touching myself. Thank God the doctor told her to ignore me. My explorations certainly have made me a better lover.
- age 45, Ohio (female)

I thought masturbating was less enjoyable before I visited JackinWorld. I had no idea about this wealth of techniques for masturbating that were available on the Internet. Now, I use new techniques and masturbate more often and better.
- age 12, Illinois

I started masturbating at age 9. To this day, I have never had more intense, pleasurable, and overwhelming orgasms as in those first few years. Perhaps when we are very young, the physical sexual sensations are so new and mind-boggling, it's like a physical and psychological overload of pleasure that we will never experience again in the same way.
- age 28, California

I could ejaculate when I was 10 1/2, and I've enjoyed every orgasm since — sometimes 5 or 6 per day. But now I enjoy it much more if at least one other guy friend or cousin does it with me. Though it's still fun doing it alone, sometimes it gets kind of boring, and I take longer to climax. But watching another guy masturbate and ejaculate makes me really horny, and I ejaculate harder and faster. I can't wait to masturbate with a female so I can enjoy it even more.
- age 14, Maine

When I first started masturbating — or "discovered" it — it was way better. It was new and exciting. All of these new feelings I had never experienced before were rushing around inside of me. It was pretty great. It's not that it doesn't still feel great, but it'll never be like it was when I first started, or that first time.
- age 20, Illinois (female)

I have never enjoyed masturbation as much as I do now. When I first started, it wasn't all that great. During the years that I was married to females who enjoyed sex, I had no reason to masturbate. Now I am old, my wife is 18 years younger, but she doesn't want sex anymore. So masturbation is all I have to look forward to for sex, and I enjoy it immensely.
- age 72, Missouri

Masturbation doesn't seem to be fun for me anymore. I'm moving on to bigger and better things...I hope.
- age 15, California

Up to now, I never gave masturbation much thought. I would try it, but it never did anything for me. My boyfriend and I now masturbate each other frequently, and I can totally relax and enjoy it. I still cannot pleasure myself because: (1) I have nails (ouch!) and (2) I like not knowing what is going to happen. When my boyfriend fingers me, he is creative, sending stimulating chills up and down my spine. He incorporates hot and cold stimulation with constantly caressing my entire body. I just can't get that reaction when I do it to myself. I prefer someone else's touch.
- age 17, Florida (female)

Masturbation is more enjoyable now than ever before. My wife has lost interest in sex; consequently, masturbation has become my primary sexual outlet. When my wife permits intercourse, she just lies there and complains, so sex is more or less just using her vagina to masturbate. When I masturbate alone, I can fantasize, look at pornography, and take all the time I want to enjoy the feelings.
- age 60, Texas

Nowadays I'd say things are at a "medium." I used to enjoy masturbation a lot more when I was 18. Back then, it just felt better. The orgasms were more intense, and the general feeling was better. I have no idea why, but it might be that I felt better back then than I do now. And I enjoyed masturbation much less when I was around 14 because I had to hurry my sessions — my parents could come home at any minute from their shopping!
- age 20, Norway

Just a few months ago, for about 2 months, I just couldn't get myself to enjoy masturbation. I'd do it to relieve tension, but it wasn't fun. It was a chore. Now, though, I'm back to the program, and I can't figure out what changed. Maybe it was the whole starting-high-school thing weighing on my mind, or something else — strange.
- age 15, Utah

When I was with my boyfriend we experimented a lot with masturbation because we both chose not to have sex until marriage. It was a great time in my life to express myself sexually with someone I really liked, and it was the first time I masturbated in front of the opposite sex. It made it even better to watch him climax in front of me. We would time ourselves to do it at the same time, and do each other also. I learned so much from that experience — it made my "personal" sessions that much better from then on.
- age 20, Alabama (female)

There was a time when I was going through a very bad time in my life, and I masturbated to cope with the stress. It wasn't that enjoyable. Now, though, I masturbate simply for the way it feels so good.
- age 43, Texas

I don't enjoy masturbation as much now, because I feel like I have to do it. I try to wait a week so my orgasms will be better, but I can't make it that long. It seems that I just *have* to masturbate. In the beginning when I first started, it was just something fun to do. But now if I go a day or two without masturbating, I start to get angry. Because of this, my orgasms are not as good as they used to be, and I hope this will change very soon.
- age 14, Pennsylvania

Now is the best time for masturbation, as it is in all other parts of my life. The methods change, but not the frequency, or the enjoyment. My wife and I have a great sex life, but just as when I was 19, I simply love the freedom of being alone in bed, naked, and spanking it at my own pace with no pressure. I have a 22-year-old friend with whom I spend a lot of time. We talk about everything, including masturbation. I find that I enjoy it as much at my age as he does at his. It's a great life!
- age 57, Illinois

Masturbation is both better and not as good as when I was 15 or 16. When I was younger, I was so much hornier and definitely masturbated more. The belief that teenagers masturbate more often when they're bored is totally true. On boring summer days I used to try to set a personal record for how many times I could reach orgasm in one day. I also used to do more exciting stuff, like masturbate outside or in public washrooms. Now that I'm older I have the privacy to have one really good long session rather than to have a bunch of quick ones. However, there's nothing like being 15 and having incredible urges to masturbate 2 or 3 times a day.
- age 19, Canada

Presently, I seem to be going through a dry patch (excuse the pun). When I first discovered masturbation, I did it almost every day — even more sometimes. But recently I have been on antidepressants, and they have the most annoying effect of making me unable to get off! I try. I feel a little horny, but nothing! It has really started to annoy me, because I get a successful session in only about once a month.
- age 17, United Kingdom (female)

I'm currently in the middle of a period when I just don't seem to give masturbation as high a priority as before. I no longer find myself at work thinking of going home for a good stroke, or planning some time away from my partner for some solo fun. When I do have an opportunity to masturbate, I don't spend as much time concentrating on my penis and what makes me feel good. This has been going on for a few months, and I'm certain it's related to my very stressful job. I feel like I'm missing a good friend — I'm kind of mourning a (hopefully temporary) loss.
- age 39, North Carolina

Masturbation is much more enjoyable now in college than it was when I was in middle school and high school. My orgasms are much more intense and powerful than before, and I ejaculate more semen at a much farther distance also. Several factors play into this increased pleasure. The fact that I have sexually matured is a key factor; in addition, I used to masturbate standing up when I was younger, but now I always masturbate while lying on my back in bed. It feels good to be naked in bed, and I can moan and shudder when I ejaculate more easily; plus, I can see how far I ejaculated. My sex life is also more active. All of these contribute to better masturbation.
- age 18, California

In my teens, masturbation was "how many times and how far." In my 20s it was a supplement to good sex when I needed "service." My 30s turned quantity into quality with a whole new approach to the art of masturbation. My whole body began to share in the experience. I gained a greater appreciation for my complete pubic area — pubic hair, scrotum, and penis, in their many stages. Through her own sensitivity, my wife made me realize how my masturbating should be like an artist slowly creating a masterpiece, culminating in my entire body ejaculating with love.
- age 42, New York

When I have my period or am in the middle of it, I am more horny than can be! It's different when I'm cramping; I'm too busy bitching to enjoy anything. After my period, I can be the horniest girl in the world! Thank you Mother Nature for this awesome gift!
- age 16, Delaware (female)

Right now I can't seem to get enough of myself! My wife and I are talking about separating. I have noticed in the past that I need to masturbate more at the end of a relationship. This time, with divorce looming, I am doing it 3 or 4 times a day! I'm not ready for another relationship right now, and I am not fantasizing about anything — just masturbating a lot.
- age 44, New Hampshire

I thought that when I first masturbated at age 12 or 13 it was the most enjoyable — mainly due to the newness of it all. But now that I have masturbated for a few years, I have learned how to really enjoy it — not just to ejaculate, but to really let it be okay to try different things with my body. And yeah — even to experience masturbating with my best friend and have us experiment with different techniques. We both prefer girls. I think that because we are best friends, I have enjoyed masturbating with him and keeping that separate from what I enjoy with my girlfriend. So, I enjoy masturbation more *now* because I take my time to enjoy it, either by myself or with my friend.
- age 17, Louisiana

Solitary masturbation was much more enjoyable before I was sexually active. Now I find that I use masturbation only as a stand-in for my boyfriend.
- age 22, Canada (female)

Masturbation for me was less enjoyable when I was younger because I did it too fast. Now that I know more about my body, I can play with myself for a long time. When I finish, I have a better orgasm.
- age 20, Lithuania

Masturbation is becoming less enjoyable now, because I live in the dorms. And anyone who lives in a dorm knows there is absolutely no privacy. People are always running in and out, or you always have to be on guard for your roommates. As soon as I do get some privacy, someone either calls, or my roommate comes in. When I do have enough time to masturbate, it is not enjoyable because of all the other stuff I went through to do it.
- age 18, Michigan

Since I was 12 years old I have enjoyed masturbating several times a day. Only when I was really sick did I have to stop, because my body didn't want to cooperate. Even during very nice sexual relationships, I have masturbated as frequently as when I'm without a partner.
- age 31, the Netherlands

Masturbation was better before I started my period.
- age 13, Cuba (female)

I went through a period in my mid-teens when I felt I was masturbating compulsively. I was wanking nearly every time I stepped into the shower. It was a compulsory chore, almost like Saxon math problem sets. I felt I was a slave to the less-than-satisfying instant of pleasure and teaspoon of thin semen I coaxed from my body. I was also concerned about the size of my penis and the bulge (or complete lack thereof, more precisely) in my jeans. Since becoming active with a partner, however, I feel much better about my endowment and sexuality, and masturbation has never been better.
- age 24, Illinois

When I am having troubles with my girlfriend, I usually log onto the Internet and chat with friends. This, in turn, usually makes me masturbate. I don't do cyber-sex, but it usually turns me on to hear another guy talk about masturbating. But afterwards, I feel almost twice as guilty as usual. All in all, masturbating feels the best when I'm having emotional struggles.
- age 15, Kentucky

I have been masturbating since I was 13 or 14. I first found out about masturbation from my mother. She told me I was going through puberty, and she mentioned masturbation. Being the curious little girl I was, I went right to work. It felt good when I rubbed my vagina. Eventually I began to have orgasms. I would definitely have to say masturbation is much more enjoyable now than it was then. I am more experienced now, and I know what spots to touch and how. I usually masturbate once a day. The time and place vary, however — it could be at the office or at home in bed just before I go to sleep — it depends on my mood.
- age 25, Ontario, Canada (female)

I noticed that when I first started going out with my girlfriend, I didn't masturbate very much. But after a while, I just couldn't help it and started to do it again. Also, sometimes during basketball season I don't get much time to masturbate.
- age 14, New Hampshire

I used to come to JackinWorld regularly back when I was 16 and 17, but for some reason, I slowed down as the initial thrill of masturbating calmed down. Back a few years ago, masturbation was the coolest thing in the world, and I eagerly looked forward to each update on this site. It provided a way to find out what other people were doing, and taught me that no matter how I felt I was perfectly normal. I suppose that after trying all the pillow, cucumber, and plastic baggy techniques I realized masturbation just wasn't as exciting as it used to be. Don't get me wrong — I still enjoy it today and am still trying new techniques. But I don't think I'll ever be able to get back into that mid-teens excitement. Thanks JackinWorld, for being there and helping me through it.
- age 19, Connecticut