What to Do After Masturbation

You’re reading this, so it’s safe to say you are my fellow champion of self-love and you just enjoyed some solo fun time that resulted in mesmerizing orgasms. That’s awesome! Satisfying yourself is not a luxury; it is one of the most healthy ways to boost your general well-being. 

But what do you do next? Well, that’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you nurture yourself afterward. 

Your mind and body have been through an arousing experience and now crave replenishment and rebalancing. So now it’s time for some well-deserved self-care. You deserve to feel good before, during, and after any sexual encounter – even with yourself!

This article will walk you through the essential practices for feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after masturbating. From hygiene and physical recovery to mindfulness exercises and personal growth, we’ve got you covered. 

So settle in, grab a snack, and get ready to learn how to recover from masturbation by pampering yourself post-O like the absolute legend you are. Your body and mind will thank you.

Why is Aftercare Important After You Masturbate?

Before we talk about what to do after masturbation, let’s talk about why you need to do it. Taking care of yourself after some steamy solo time is just as important as the act itself. It’s not just about the act,  it’s about what comes after, and trust me, there’s an art to it. 

Here are key reasons why aftercare is important:

Physical Well-being

Self-pleasure can be an intense physical experience, and aftercare helps your body recover from masturbation side effects and return to its normal state. It allows your heart rate and breathing to stabilize and aids in reducing any muscle tension that may have occurred during the session.

Emotional Support

Engaging in self-pleasure can bring a wide range of emotional side effects, from pleasure and euphoria to vulnerability and release. Here are some common emotions you might feel:

• Relief from built-up arousal and tension
• Joy and bliss from the pleasurable sensations
• Guilt or shame due to cultural or religious beliefs about masturbation
• Loneliness or a desire for an intimate connection with a partner
• Anxiety about how often you masturbate or the types of fantasies you explore

Post-masturbation self-care routine provides a safe space for you to process and embrace these emotions, promoting emotional well-being and self-acceptance.

Self-Connection 

Aftercare allows you to deepen your connection with yourself. It’s a time to reflect, acknowledge your desires and fantasies, and explore your own pleasure. It reinforces the importance of self-love and self-care, fostering a positive and nurturing relationship with your own body and sexuality.

Stress Relief

We all know self-pleasure is a fantastic stress-buster, but why stop there?  Aftercare extends this stress-relieving experience by providing you with an opportunity to relax, practice self-soothing activities, rejuvenate your energy and engage in self-care rituals. It helps you transition back to a state of calmness and tranquility.

Mindfulness and Grounding

Aftercare encourages mindfulness and being present in the moment. It allows you to focus on your sensations, thoughts, and emotions, promoting a sense of grounding and centering. This mindfulness practice can have a positive impact on your overall well-being.

Personal Growth 

Engaging in aftercare after self-pleasure can be a transformative experience. It not only offers an opportunity for recovering from side effects but also self-reflection, self-discovery, and personal growth. Nurturing yourself and honoring your needs enables you to cultivate a deep understanding of your desires and boundaries.

What to Do After Masturbation

1. Clean Up

Once you’ve finished masturbating, it’s important to clean up properly. Leaving fluids and tissues around isn’t hygienic and can make a mess. 

Here are some tips for post-masturbation cleanup:

• Do a quick wipe down: If a full shower isn’t possible, use baby wipes, wet wipes or a damp washcloth to wipe down your genitals and any other areas where fluids like semen or other discharge are stained.
• Throw away used items: Throw away any tissues, paper towels, or other items you used to clean up fluids like semen. Discard them promptly in the dustbin. If you used a condom, tie it off and throw it in the trash immediately.
• Change your sheets (if you masturbated on the bed): If any fluids ended up on your bed sheets during masturbation, change them. Put the soiled sheets straight into the washing machine to wash them.
• Clean Sex Toys: Next, if you used sex toys, clean them thoroughly. Use warm water and mild soap to wash any toys you used and dry them thoroughly before storing. Cleaning your toys after each use will help prevent bacterial growth and ensure they’re ready for next time. For battery-powered or electronic toys, check that any moisture has been wiped away from charging ports or interfaces before plugging them in.
• Wash your hands: Finally, Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after masturbating. This removes any fluids or bacteria and leaves you feeling fresh. Use warm water and scrub for at least 20 seconds.

2. Clear Up any Trace of Masturbation

It’s important to do a quick check to make sure everything looks in order before heading back out into the world. So, ensure you do the following:

Clear Your Digital Footprints  

• Save for Later: If you’ve found any content you want to enjoy again, save it discreetly and ensure it’s not easily accessible by others. Encrypt the content with a strong password for an added extra layer of security. 
• Log Out: If you signed in to any websites to help you get in the mood, always log out. This is like locking the door after you leave the house. It keeps your accounts safe and stops the next person who uses the computer from accidentally accessing your stuff.
• Close All Tabs: Just as you would turn off the TV if you were watching something that requires some privacy, make sure you close any open tabs on your browser that have adult content in them. This way, the next person won’t open the browser and get a surprise.
• Clear Browsing Data: Your browsing history, cache, and cookies reveal the websites you’ve visited. Clearing them helps maintain privacy by preventing others from easily tracking your online activities especially if you are using a shared computer. 
  
  Most browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari make this pretty easy to do. Just go into your settings, find the “privacy” or “history” section, and select “clear browsing data”. Next, clear the “Browsing history”, “Download history”, and “Cooking and other site data”. Poof, your racy rendezvous with the web is erased.

Physical Items and Devices

• Erotic Literature: Place any used books or magazines back in their original place, ensuring that you hide the well.
• External storage devices: If you’ve used a USB stick, an external hard disk or any other storage device to store adult content, safely eject it from the computer and store it in a private, secure place in a place where only you can find it.
• Sex Toys: After cleaning well, hide your sex toys as if they’re secret agents going off the grid. Find a spot where they can stay out of sight and won’t be stumbled upon accidentally. Discreetly store your sex toys in storage options or specialized containers designed for discreteness.

Check how you look

Run through a checklist of things like:

Do a quick check in a mirror to make sure you don’t have any evidence on your face or other visible areas of your body. Clean up as needed.

1. Have you put your clothes back on properly? 
2. Is my hair a mess? Fix it if needed.
3. Are my hands clean?
4. Is my pant’s fly zipped? 
5. Are my clothes wrinkled or disheveled? Smooth them out.
6. Is there anything else that needs tidying before walking out the door?

Even if you think you were careful, double-check. It’s easy to miss something in the heat of the moment, and you don’t want any surprises later on.

We’ve shared the basic tips on what to do after you’re done with your “me time” under points 1 and 2. Now, as your private moment wraps up, you can go ahead with your schedule if you don’t have much time. 

But hey, if you’ve got some extra time and you’re curious for more helpful tips especially on emotional post-care, keep reading the next part!

3. Take a Shower

Next order of business? A glorious shower. 

I know you are feeling like a rockstar but you know what? There’s something about washing away the pleasures and the effects of masturbation that adds an extra layer of relaxation and satisfaction. 

Taking a shower and cleaning your private area after masturbation is key to feeling fresh and clean. It’s all about maintaining good hygiene and ensuring you’re ready to conquer the world. 

So, even if you are not feeling dirty after masturbation, hop into the shower, grab that soap and do your body justice. 

4. Physical Recovery 

Hydrate

Now let’s talk about hydration! Masturbation dehydrates you, so replenishing fluids is essential so grab a glass of water and give your body the hydration it deserves. Trust me, it’ll make you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

Relax and Rest

After the climactic finale, you are likely lounging in bed, feeling like a melted puddle of contentment. If not, it’s time to embrace this blissful relaxation. Feelings of fatigue are common after orgasm since your body expends energy during arousal and release. Take a few minutes to unwind and reflect. You’ve earned it! There’s no need to rush off right away.

Find a cozy spot, get comfortable, and allow yourself some well-deserved rest after masturbation. Do some light stretches. Breathe deep. Listen to calming music. Read an inspiring book. Meditate or journal your thoughts. After all that, get enough sleep. 

Refuel

You will need energy after masturbation. Have a snack like fruit, nuts or a smoothie. Your activity burns energy, so refueling with nutritious foods will recharge you.

Open a Window

Circulate the air in your space. Light a candle or spray some air freshener to mask any smells. Fresh air is rejuvenating and helps you transition back to usual activities.

5. Emotional Recovery

Steps To Emotional Recovery After Masturbation:

Identify, Process and Understand your Emotions

As we have mentioned before, experiencing a range of emotions is normal after masturbation and the intensity of climax. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about. There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to feel after masturbating.

Many people report feelings of sadness, anxiety, or guilt after masturbation. This can be due to a drop in dopamine, the feel-good hormone that surges during arousal and release. Don’t worry, your dopamine levels will bounce back to normal in no time.

Another likely emotional side effect of masturbation is feeling disappointed in yourself for giving in to temptation or like you have less self-control. Focus on the enjoyment you felt rather than any regret.

You may also find yourself worrying about what your partner might think or feeling less connected to you after solo play. But masturbation and sex with a partner can absolutely co-exist. Your partner likely also masturbates on their own and it doesn’t make you any less desirable or your relationship any less meaningful.

The emotional aftermath will pass as your brain chemistry balances out once again. However, being aware of and addressing the potential psychological side effects can help you maintain a healthy and fulfilling masturbation life, both solo and with a partner.

Take some time to process how you’re feeling. Honor whatever emotions arise and be gentle with yourself.

Here are some things you can do to work through challenging feelings without judgment:

• Journaling your thoughts and feelings. This can help gain perspective and release negative emotions.
• Practicing self-care like deep breathing, a warm bath, or light exercise. Engaging in relaxing activities releases feel-good hormones and helps you reconnect with your body.
• Reassuring yourself that masturbation is healthy and normal. Talk to yourself with empathy and compassion.
• If needed, consider speaking to a therapist. They can help address the root causes of difficult emotions and give you strategies for self-acceptance.

Be Compassionate with Yourself

Once you’ve identified your feelings, speak to yourself with compassion. Offer yourself encouragement and praise for taking time to nurture yourself. Remind yourself that you are deserving of pleasure. Be present in the moment and open to whatever feelings surface.

Don’t ignore difficult feelings but try to understand them with empathy and gentleness. Accept all your thoughts and let them pass without judgment. 

Mel Robbins said: “The single behavior change that has the biggest and most profound impact on the quality of your day-to-day life is simply being kinder to yourself.”

Extend the same kindness and empathy to yourself that you would offer a close friend. Make self-care a priority and be gentle with yourself as you explore what you need to feel at peace in your body and mind.

Reflect on your Feelings

Take some time to reflect on your emotional response and try to understand the underlying triggers. Are there any specific beliefs, societal expectations, or personal experiences that contribute to your emotional state? Identifying these triggers will help you work towards addressing and challenging them, fostering personal growth and emotional well-being.

Next, take time to reflect on your overall experience. Identify what you’ve discovered or learned about yourself. Use this reflection to continue growing and maintaining a healthy relationship with your body and sexuality.

Seek Support and Connection

If your emotional response to masturbation is affecting your overall well-being, reach out for support from trusted friends, family members, or even a therapist. Sharing your feelings with someone you trust can provide validation and help you navigate through any conflicting emotions you may be experiencing. You don’t have to face these emotions alone.

6. Take Care of Your Mental Well-being

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques are important for your mental health and overall well-being after masturbation. 

Steps to Cultivate Mindfulness After Masturbation:

Bring Your Awareness to the Present Moment

After engaging in masturbation, take a moment to bring your attention to the present moment. Notice the sensations in your body, the sounds around you, and the thoughts and emotions that may be present. When you ground yourself in the present, you can cultivate a sense of mindfulness.

Do some Relaxation Exercises

Giving your body time to unwind is key. Some simple exercises include:.

• Progressive muscle relaxation: Systematically tense and relax different muscle groups in your body one by one. Start at your toes and feet, then ankles, calves, knees, thighs, hips, abdomen, chest, shoulders, arms, hands, neck, and face. Release any tension on an exhale.
• Visualization exercise:
  Close your eyes and imagine yourself in a peaceful and serene setting. It could be a beach, a forest, or any place that brings you a sense of calm. Visualize the sights, sounds, and smells of this place, allowing yourself to fully immerse in the experience. Spend a few moments in this visualization, allowing yourself to relax and let go of any lingering tension or stress.

Practice Gratitude

Cultivating gratitude can shift your focus from the negative side effects of masturbation toward the positive aspects of your experience. Reflect on the pleasure and satisfaction you derived from the act of masturbation and express gratitude for the opportunity to explore your sexuality and experience pleasure.

7. Communicating Your Needs To Your Partner

If you are in a relationship, bringing your partner into the conversation post-orgasm can be an intimate way to build a connection. So, go ahead and open up a caring dialog about your experience.

Create a Safe and Comfortable Space

Find a quiet and private space where you and your partner can have an open and honest conversation without interruptions. This can help create a safe and comfortable environment for communication.

Reflect on Your Experience

Take some time to reflect on your own experience of masturbation. Think about  how it made you feel physically, emotionally, and mentally. Reflecting on your own experience can help you articulate your thoughts and feelings to your partner.

Be Honest

Be open and honest about your feelings and desires when discussing your masturbation experience with your partner. Share your motivations, preferences, and any concerns you may have. Remember to approach the conversation with respect and empathy, allowing space for your partner to express their thoughts as well.

Use “I” Statements

Use “I” statements to express your feelings and experiences rather than placing blame or making generalizations. For example, say, “I felt curious and wanted to explore my own pleasure,” instead of saying, “people say they masturbate because of curiosity.”

Listen actively

As your partner shares their thoughts and feelings about your masturbation, practice active listening. Give them your full attention, maintain eye contact, and refrain from interrupting. Validate their feelings and show empathy by reflecting back on what you hear to ensure understanding.

Explore Your experience together

Open communication about masturbation and sharing details of your experience with a trusted partner can help overcome shame, build intimacy, and improve your sex life together. However, it’s important to make sure you both consent and feel comfortable before disclosing sensitive details about masturbation or engaging in any sexual activity.

 Here are some of the questions you might explore together:

• How are you feeling emotionally and physically?
• Was there anything particularly pleasurable or meaningful about your experience today?
• Do you have any needs I can help meet to support your aftercare?

Discuss Boundaries and Consent

Use this opportunity to discuss boundaries and consent within your relationship. Talk about what is comfortable for both of you and establish clear communication about your sexual needs and desires. This can help foster a healthier and more satisfying sexual connection.

Explore Mutual Masturbation

If your partner is comfortable, explore mutual masturbation as a way to enhance intimacy and connection with your partner. Discuss the idea and see if it aligns with both of your comfort levels and desires. A mutual masturbation routine can be a bonding experience that allows you to explore each other’s pleasure in a shared and consensual manner. Make eye contact, kiss, hold hands or cuddle. Reassure your partner with affirming touch and words.

Check in Regularly

Make it a habit to have regular check-ins with your partner about your sexual experiences, including masturbation. This ongoing communication can help you both stay connected, address any concerns, and ensure that your sexual needs are being met within the relationship.

8. If You Masturbate Often,  Focus on Personal Sexual Development

Focusing on personal sexual development after masturbation is the heart of enhancing your overall well-being.

Here is how you can do that:

Set Intentions

Setting intentions after masturbation is key to fostering a healthy relationship with yourself and your sexuality. Think about your experience and how you’re feeling, then set a positive intention to carry forward. 

Set personal growth goals

Use your post-masturbation clarity to evaluate where you’re at in life and where you want to be. Come up with concrete steps to improve your relationships, career, health, or hobbies.

Establishing personal goals will help you create positive habits and a self-care routine post-orgasm. Having a purpose will also boost your confidence and self-esteem. Think about what you need at that moment to feel content and cared for. Do you crave rest, nourishment, connection? Make a plan to meet those needs.

Foster self-acceptance

Remind yourself that masturbation is a natural and healthy human activity. Release any negative feelings and be kind to yourself. Practice positive self-talk and affirm your worthiness.

Explore your fantasies

Use masturbation as an opportunity to explore your desires and fantasies. It can be a chance to learn more about what brings you pleasure and what turns you on. Think about what scenarios aroused you and piqued your interest. 

Figure out new things you’d like to try with yourself or a partner. This self-exploration can help you better communicate your needs and desires with a partner, leading to more fulfilling sexual experiences.

Just be sure to distinguish between fantasy and reality.

Educate Yourself

Continuously educate yourself about sexuality, sexual health, and relationships through apps, YouTube, websites, podcasts, or communities. Stay informed about consent, communication, and healthy sexual practices. This knowledge can empower you to make informed decisions, foster healthier relationships, and promote personal growth. 

Make self-care a priority

Establishing a self-care routine and practicing mindfulness after masturbation will help you build a healthy long-term relationship with your body and sexuality. Set your intentions and commit to your own well-being. You deserve nothing less.Make it a habit and watch your confidence and self-love grow.

What to Do After Masturbation: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions and self-care tips for after masturbation:

Should I clean up after masturbating?

Yes, it’s generally recommended to clean up after masturbating for hygiene reasons. Start by wiping yourself with wet wipes or a tissue after masturbation. Next, use warm water and mild soap to wash your hands and genital area. Finally, dispose of the tissues or wipes properly.

Is it normal to feel tired after masturbation?

Yes, it’s common to feel relaxed and tired after sexual release. This is due to the release of hormones and the relaxation response triggered by orgasm.

Can I go about my regular activities immediately after masturbating?

Absolutely! You can resume your regular activities soon after masturbating as there are no specific restrictions. Just ensure you’re comfortable and have cleaned up if needed.

Should I urinate after masturbating?

It’s generally a good idea to urinate after any sexual activity, including masturbation. This helps to flush out any bacteria that might have entered the urethra and reduces the risk of urinary tract infections.

Can I masturbate multiple times in a row?

It is okay and possible to masturbate multiple times in a row, but it’s important to listen to your body’s signals to avoid excess masturbation. If you’re feeling fatigued or experiencing discomfort, it’s advisable to take a break and allow your body to rest. Also, it is best to do solo sessions with great moderation so that you don’t sink into masturbation addiction.

What can I do to relax after masturbation?

There are many ways to relax after masturbation, such as taking a warm bath or shower, reading a book, listening to soothing music, practicing deep breathing exercises, or engaging in a calming hobby.

Is it normal to experience a range of emotions after masturbation?

Yes, it’s normal to experience a variety of emotions after masturbation. These can include feelings of relaxation, contentment, or even a sense of guilt or shame, depending on individual beliefs and experiences. Remember that everyone’s emotional response can differ, and it’s important to be kind and understanding towards yourself.

How long should I wait before any strenuous activity after masturbating?

It’s important to give your body enough time to rest and recover before engaging in any intense physical exercise or stressful activities. Waiting for around 30-60 minutes allows your body and mind to replenish and regain energy.

Should I tell my partner that I masturbated after masturbation?

Whether or not to tell your partner about your masturbation habits is a personal choice. Honest and open communication with your partner(s) about sexual preferences and boundaries can help strengthen intimacy. Sharing your solo exploration can also be a source of excitement and connection. However, it’s important to respect each other’s privacy and individual desires. Solo exploration of fantasies can be enjoyable and doesn’t require disclosure if you prefer to keep it private.

How can I establish a self-care routine after masturbation?

Set an intention to nurture yourself after masturbating. Set an intention to nurture yourself post-masturbation. It could be as simple as making a cup of tea, reading an uplifting book, or journaling your thoughts. Creating a consistent and compassionate routine will support your self-care and help you maintain a positive mindset.  Creating a consistent and compassionate routine will support your overall well-being.

Is it normal to feel dizzy after masturbation?

No, while some people may experience temporary changes in blood pressure or heart rate due to sexual activity, feeling dizzy is not a common or expected reaction. It is best to consult with a healthcare professional If you are experiencing dizziness after masturbating.

Conclusion

Masturbation is a natural and healthy act, but what you do afterward is just as important for your well-being. 

Make sure you clear any trace, stay hydrated, shower if needed, and give your body time to rest. Check-in on your emotions and be gentle with yourself. Try some meditation or deep breathing to unwind your mind and release any tension. 

If you have a partner, touch base with them to stay connected. Think about any fantasies you explored and if you’d like to share them. Most of all, be kind to yourself and set an intention to make self-care a priority. 

Your sexual health and happiness depend on the relationship you have with yourself. Treat yourself well – you deserve it!