Masturbation is a regular part of most adult men’s sex lives and can be a fine way to help maintain certain aspects of penis health (in much the same way that exercise helps maintain the body’s general health). The rate of masturbation can vary considerably from one man to the next - with one man’s "normal" being an overload to another man and deprivation to a third. For that matter, one man’s rate of masturbation can also vary considerably, from frequent one week to non-existent the next. However, 1 study found that about 20 percent of men masturbate 4 times a week or more, which might be defined as frequent. And with frequent masturbation comes the increased risk of a sore penis. But can that be prevented?

Sore penis prevention

The short answer is yes. Many men who masturbate frequently do not have a chronically sore penis; indeed, some never have a sore penis (at least, not due to their masturbatory habits). And yet some men do complain that when they masturbate a lot, their penis does get sore. So what are they doing differently than the frequent masturbators whose equipment remains pain-free?

In some cases they may be doing absolutely nothing different. After all, every man is different, and what one man does while masturbating 3 times a day without getting a sore penis may make another man yelp in pain after just a few "self-help" sessions.

However, there are a few tips and tricks a guy can use that may help reduce the possibility of a sore penis from masturbation (frequent or otherwise).

Tips

- Always lubricate. Probably the number one reason for a sore penis after masturbation is due to too much friction being present. Some friction is good and is necessary for the nerve endings in the penis to receive the stimulation they need that ultimately results in ejaculation and orgasm. But too often men engage in masturbation with too much friction, usually due to not using a lubricant. For those who are inexperienced with lubricants, there are a multitude to choose from: petroleum jelly, cold cream, hand lotion, body lotion, and so on, including products designed specifically for sexual lubrication. Try out one and see how it works, and move on to another if the selected lubricant does not do the trick.

- Don’t grip too tightly. It’s likely the second biggest cause of a sore penis from masturbation is squeezing the penis too tightly - also known as the infamous "death grip." Again, this creates a situation where there simply is too much friction., rubbing the penis "raw." Using a somewhat looser grip can make a big difference in whether a sore penis results.

- Change things up. People are creatures of habit, and that comes to our masturbation habits, too. Most men use the same hand always when masturbating, and the same position, and the same degree of pressure on the same spots. All of this can result in the penis getting sore from overuse. Changing things up - masturbating with a different hand and/or in a different position and while stroking different parts of the penis at different rates - can give a break to the overworked parts of the penis and prevent soreness.

When a man does get a sore penis from masturbation, application of a first-rate penis health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) on a regular basis can help. This is especially true if the oil contains appropriately soothing moisturizing agents, such as shea butter and vitamin E. And if the oil also contains alpha lipoic acid, a potent antioxidant, it can help prevent further rawness caused by oxidative stress.