Sexual Techniques

Sexual Techniques

Sexual techniques can include solitary activity or activity with a partner. Masturbation is a solitary sexual behavior that can be therapeutic. “Masturbation involves direct stimulation to the genitals” (Rathus & Nevid, p. 263). People use a variety of techniques to achieve pleasure from masturbation including fantasy or with a partner. People masturbate for a variety of reasons including, sexual tension release, stress release, gain pleasure, or to help sleep. Vibrators, dildos, videos, and photos are some items people can use during masturbation or with a partner. People have different views on masturbation, foreplay, and sexual pleasure. Communication is essential to receive the types of sexual arousal and sexual pleasure that one desires.

Masturbation

According to Rathus & Nevid (2005), “The word masturbation derives from the Latin masturbari, from the roots for ‘hand’ and ‘to defile.’” Some cultures view masturbation as sinful and harmful. Historically, masturbation in the eighteenth century was told to be a disease ridden act – mentally and physically. Medical personnel and some clergy believed masturbation could be controlled by the diet. Masturbation was condemned in the nineteenth century, stating it was psychologically harmful. People in the twentieth century have different views on masturbation. Some who view masturbation as a problem may have other issues that need resolving. Guilt, anxiety, fear, or aversion of masturbation, are signs professional help may be needed. Others view masturbation as helpful in solitude or with a partner to enhance sexual pleasure.

Sexual Fantasies

According to Rathus & Nevid (2005), “People may use sexual fantasies when they are alone or to heighten sexual excitement with a partner” as stated by Eggers (2000), Leitenberg & Henning (1995). Fantasies can be about the partner or about someone else. The fantasy can also include other scenarios and environments. When with a partner, other sexual behaviors occur such as, foreplay, kissing, touching, and stimulation of other areas of the body. Communication is an important technique to master with a partner. It can increase sexual desire, enhance sexual activity, and enrich the relationship.

Foreplay

Foreplay is a form of various techniques that include kissing, touching, and stimulation of other body parts. Foreplay typically occurs prior to sexual intercourse but foreplay can occur alone, without sexual intercourse. Kissing, touching, and stimulation are forms of techniques that increase sexual desire. Kissing involves mouth to mouth contact; however kissing of the body often brings pleasure, increase of desire, and often leads to other sexual types of foreplay. Touching is another form of foreplay. Touching can occur at anytime skin to skin contact is made, sexual or non-sexual. Sexual touches can occur both in and out of the bedroom and can lead to an increase of foreplay. Sexual touches include brushing of the skin, soft caresses, hugging, massage, and holding each other. Some people prefer light touches and others may prefer more direct contact. Direct stimulation of erogenous zones is another form of touching.

Erogenous zones are particular areas on the body that increase sexual desire when stimulated, such as the breasts and genitals. However, each person has different erogenous zones. Most people enjoy receiving sensual touches and kisses from his or her partner on various places on the body. The most common areas of extra sensitivity include the breasts, ear lobes, neck, back, buttocks, and the thighs. Many men prefer direct stimulation to the genitals; however a few men still enjoy foreplay. Most women enjoy gradual touches and stimulation, increasing as the pleasure and desire increase. Each person has different stimulation pleasure points; that is why communication is so important. Communication between partners is essential for sexual arousal and pleasure.

Resources

S.A. Rathus and J. S. Nevid (2005). Human Sexuality in a World of Diversity. Pearson Education, Inc. Sixth Edition.