Does Masturbating Before Sex Affect Your Performance?

Does it?

Masturbation is an enjoyable, natural, and safe method to explore your body, practice self-care, and get a clearer idea of what arouses you in bed.

However, there’s no scientific proof that masturbating prior to sex has any measurable impact—positive or negative—on sexual performance or the likelihood of orgasm. Though many anecdotal accounts focus on male masturbation, there isn’t a confirmed connection for female masturbation either.

Read on to learn why people believe masturbation influences sexual performance and how you (and your partner) can use it to add excitement.

Why do people think masturbating before sex can help them last longer in bed?

The explanations vary.

Some feel that masturbating ahead of partnered sex releases built-up tension, essentially getting early arousal out of the way so it won’t trigger a quick climax.

Others notice temporary hormonal changes that may dampen libido and extend the time it takes to orgasm.

These shifts can also alter your body’s natural lubrication. Vaginal intercourse can be uncomfortable for either partner if lubrication—natural or added—is insufficient.

So masturbating won’t make you last longer?

Masturbating can help you last longer for some people, but it’s not guaranteed.

Everyone experiences a refractory period—or recovery phase—after orgasm. Orgasm marks the point at which your body has reached its threshold for sexual stimulation; stimulation beyond that can be unpleasant.

During the refractory period, your body reduces responsiveness to stimulation to avoid discomfort and to return to its baseline state.

The duration of an individual refractory period usually depends on factors like:

• age
• sex
• sensitivity

For instance, younger men may need only a few minutes to recover, while older men might require 12 to 24 hours.

Women often have shorter refractory phases—many can experience multiple orgasms in a single encounter.

Know your bodyIf your refractory period is lengthy, masturbating could keep you from climaxing for the rest of the day—or even into the next day. Partnered sex can still be pleasurable without orgasm, but a previous climax may reduce your libido and lessen your desire for further intimacy.

What about masturbating with your partner?

Many people find watching their partner masturbate erotic. Mutual masturbation is an excellent way to discover what arouses your partner and learn how to better meet their needs.

Want to include masturbation in foreplay? Try these setups:

Face-to-face.This position is easy to weave into a heated foreplay session. While cuddling on the bed—or floor—sit up and face your partner. Choose a seated posture that feels comfortable and lets you comfortably enjoy some solo stimulation.

Side-by-side.Side-by-side is ideal for morning play. If you wake up feeling frisky, start pleasuring yourself while lying next to your partner. When your sounds rouse them, explore their erogenous zones, like their nipples, while they start to pleasure themselves.

The classic 69.The trusty 69 position isn’t only for mutual oral stimulation. You can also sneak in some solo play between oral exchanges. Take a few minutes—or longer—to enjoy yourself while watching your partner do the same.

Can masturbating during sex help you orgasm?

Yes. If you struggle to climax during intercourse, using your hand or a favorite toy can bring you closer to orgasm or push you over the edge.

You know what sensations your body responds to, so self-stimulation may heighten arousal. The more sensitive your genitals and body are to touch, the stronger the sensations will be.

And don’t assume solo stimulation has to be separate from penetration. You might find it far more enjoyable—often much more so—if you pleasure yourself while being intimate.

The bottom line

Pay attention to your body. If you feel like masturbating before sex, go ahead. If not, that’s fine too. There’s no single correct approach.

Your expectations could be the deciding factor.

If you believe masturbating beforehand will improve your orgasm, that expectation may make it so. The same applies if you expect a negative effect. Ultimately, do what feels best for you.