So you want to diddle the skittle or stroke the poker in a prone position. What are the pros and cons of self-pleasure on your stomach? Join me as I discuss prone masturbation!

What is Prone Masturbation? 

Prone self-pleasure describes lying face-down on your stomach instead of on your back or side when you masturbate. Most people who masturbate this way grind against a pillow, a sex toy, or their hand. Some penis owners may wrap their hands around the penis and testicles before pressing into a pillow or mattress. 

Also known as prone-bation, the prone position can make masturbation feel more intense and pleasurable by increasing pressure on the genitals. 

Learn more: 6 Reasons Why You Should Masturbate 

Is Prone Masturbation Safe for the Penis? 

Prone masturbation may feel pleasurable for some of us, but is it safe to do? Well, that depends on whether you have a penis or vagina, and how gently you grind. 

If you have a penis and masturbate regularly in a prone position, you can develop something called traumatic masturbatory syndrome. Grinding against a firm object puts excessive pressure on the base and shaft of the penis. This can increase the risk of the following:

• Injury to the penis
• Nerve damage
• Sexual performance issues
• Premature or delayed ejaculation

You may also find it difficult to achieve an erection or have an orgasm without the firm pressure you experience during prone masturbation. These issues are similar to what's called "death grip syndrome," which can result from chronic masturbation of the penis with a hard grip.

Keep in mind that the penis is designed to penetrate the human body, but not to withstand sustained pressure. Hard squeezing or excessive pressure can cause potentially permanent injury and sexual dysfunction. This is why it's best to avoid prone masturbation if you have a penis, and choose gentler forms of stimulation instead. 

Learn more: What is Death Grip Syndrome?

Is Prone Masturbation Safe for the Clitoris?

Prone-bation isn't a safe way to masturbate if you have a penis, but prone masturbation can be a great way to switch up sensation and enjoy different positions if you have a clitoris. A grinding toy like the Vibepad series can be the perfect accessory for this, so feel free to watch my reviews of these toys for all the details about how to use them.

Check out my reviews of the Vibepad and Vibepad 2

Now, prone masturbation may be safer for vagina owners, but remember: it's easy to become accustomed to the intense pressure that results from masturbating this way. Doing it prone-style every time can condition your body to require a certain level of pressure, and ultimately make other forms of stimulation less pleasurable.

Learn more: What is the Clitoris?

• Take it easy. Enjoy prone self-pleasure in moderation! Prone-bation is fine every three or four solo sessions
• Switch it up. Change up positions and toys often to keep your body guessing and make it easier to orgasm in different ways
• Cut back. If you find it difficult to orgasm in other positions, wean yourself off gradually by applying less pressure each time you masturbate in a prone position. If you typically thrust into your vibe with all your might, scale that back more and more until you feel ready to try a different position
• Take a break. Try giving self-pleasure a rest altogether. Once you've taken a break of at least a couple weeks, you can gradually return to masturbating. But when you, do don't jump right back into the same method every time. The more you explore new positions, new toys, new sensations, the less you become reliant on one path to pleasure