There’s a long-running stigma around male masturbators, which can make some men nervous to even consider buying one. But the truth is, whether you’re single or in a relationship, using sex toys can boost pleasure in many ways. Plus, they’re a great tool for learning how to satisfy yourself. Masturbators for men can also be used to introduce partners or loved ones to the sensation of self-pleasure.

Masturbators are sex toys that allow users to place their penis into a textured opening. They can be manual or automatic. Manual models require you to slide your shaft in and out to control the intensity of the sensations, whereas automatic strokers use a built-in motor to pump the stimulating sleeve up and down your shaft for hands-free sensory overload. Most masturbators come in a variety of sizes and materials to suit different needs and preferences. They can be made of medical-grade silicone or TPE that’s soft and flexible, or even latex for those who like a more heightened experience.

Many types of masturbators can be found on the market, but the most popular are sleeves or cock rings that mount to the base of your penis to provide a hands-free masturbation sensation. These sex toys are often made of soft, smooth materials like silicone and TPE and can be worn in the shower or while in bed. They’re easy to clean and are often designed for disposable use, though some can be re-used provided that you’re careful with how you treat them.

Other sex toys on the market include strokers that use built-in vibration to stimulate your shaft, as well as more elaborate mannequin-like toys that can take on the form of an entire body or a specific part of a body like the anus. Some of these can be worn in a similar way as sleeves and are perfect for couples or groups of friends who want to explore the pleasures of hands-free masturbation together.

Whatever type of sex toy you choose, always remember to apply plenty of lubrication, warm up the device with your fingers and tongue first, find a comfortable spot to use it, experiment with different techniques, and clean the toy thoroughly after every use. The best lubricants to use are water-based and non-toxic. They’re also easy to wipe away if you get the toy wet or dirty.