Even though many men won’t admit it, all guys know there’s nothing quite like masturbation. It’s not that masturbation is necessarily better than other forms of sex or even preferred to other forms of sex - it’s that it’s the most at-hand (in more ways than one) kind of sex, the most accessible. It’s also the form of sex over which a guy can exercise total control (unless he is into masturbation domination, of course). And when you add in that masturbation even has some penis health benefits, it’s easy to see why men spend so much time engaged in "getting to know you" sessions with their penis. But, because it is so accessible and easy to do, some guys find that their masturbation can on occasion lead to penis irritation - and that’s not really what a guy wants.

So what are some of the things that lead to penis irritation from masturbation and what can a guy do to help prevent penis irritation?

- Lube up. Possibly the leading cause of penis irritation - often in the form of red, raw, sore penis skin - comes about from masturbation without sufficient (or any) lubrication. Sure, the penis tends to provide a modest amount of pre-seminal fluid, which definitely helps to lubricate the penis. But most men need more lubrication than that which the penis naturally supplies and so he needs to go to other sources. There are many lubricants out there made just for sexual concerns like masturbation, but there also are other options. Petroleum jelly, hand lotion, coconut butter and in some cases plain old saliva can help lubricate the equipment. Some guys also make use of soap or shampoo, but this can be tricky; using cleansers with fragrances or chemicals may irritate delicate penis skin (and the urethra, if it gets inside the penis).

- Gripping too hard. Next to not lubing up enough, rubbing the penis with a death grip during masturbation is likely to be the next most common cause of penis irritation. "Death grip" refers to squeezing the penis too tightly, which even when lubricated may cause rawness to develop. Loosening the grip can do wonders to protect from penis irritation. (Partners who masturbate a man may need to be told to loosen things up as well.)

- Masturbating for too long. Edging - or masturbating right up to the threshold of ejaculating and then stopping (and repeating many times) - is popular among many masturbators, especially those with plenty of time to engage in this enjoyable practice. But this may mean that a man may masturbate essentially non-stop for several hours - and that may be too much for many penises, even if lubrication is reapplied generously and regularly.

- Misusing toys. More and more men are exploring the wonderful world of sex toys and adding these aids into their sex lives, both partner-based and solo. But there is the possibility that a guy might misuse a sex toy in such a way that penis irritation might follow. For example, using a penis pump for too long a period of time might result in soreness. Making use of an imitation vagina without appropriate lubrication clearly has irritation potential. And leaving a penis ring on for too long a period of time could result in some numbness to the member.

Following appropriate masturbation procedures can help avoid penis irritation, as can the regular application of a top drawer penis health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Look for an oil that contains a combination of moisturizing ingredients, such as vitamin E and shea butter, in order to soothe rough, raw, irritated penis skin. The ideal oil will also contain L-carnitine, the neuroprotective properties of which can help maintain penis sensation when it is rubbed raw.