There is no shortage of myth and misconception surrounding supposed harms of self-pleasuring; men will find no mention of hairy palms and blindness here. Self-pleasuring is, generally, an important component of sensual and manhood health, as it promotes healthy performance function and helps a man “get in touch” with what he likes, both concerning types of physical stimulation and the fantasies that turn him on.

That said, it is not impossible for the practice of self-gratification to become problematic, and this occurs when it interferes with a man’s sensual life or causes injury to the male organ. The following self-pleasuring don’ts should be heeded if a man wants to keep his cranking safe and conducive to a healthy sensual life.

1. Don’t choke it. Sure, the squeeze of a tight grip may feel great in the moment, but there are a couple reasons not to use, or at least not to rely solely on, a strangle hold grip when jerking it.

First, a man who does so is subjecting his tissues to a lot of pressure. Bruising could result, and even if it doesn’t, his member might be too sore to enjoy stimulation, either solo-based or with a partner, for up to a few days. Is it really worth it?

Second, a guy who uses this method all the time trains his male organ to respond sensually to this particular type of stimulus. Sure, a partner’s orifices offer tight accommodations, but they aren’t going to provide the same pressure as a man’s own hand strangling it. So he may experience difficulty performing with a partner.

2. Beware the dry rub. Lots of guys forego the lube while self-pleasuring because the friction of the hand against the male organ feels great. And some guys, particularly those with a prepuce, produce sufficient natural lubrication to make products unnecessary.

But constantly skipping the slippery stuff can leave the member sore and chafed, as with the choke hold, meaning it won’t be ready for other activities for some time. Chronic chafing can occur if dry rubbing is a man’s habitual technique.

Over time, skin that is exposed to friction can undergo a process called keratinization in which the outer layer of skin toughens. This can lead to reduced sensation in the male organ, something no man wants.

3. Mind what one is sticking it in. Using a vacuum hose or cramming the member between mattresses might sound like a ton of fun, but these methods could place far too much pressure on a man’s member. Some guys use vacuum pumps in hopes of making it bigger, and may see this as a good way to get stimulated, but these devices are best reserved for men with performance dysfunction. They shouldn’t be used with regularity by others, since, over time, they can weaken manhood tissues that contribute to strong tumescence.

4. Easy on the visuals. Some men find that, over time, their tastes and preferences concerning adult videos become more extreme. Some guys find they can’t self-pleasure without these visual aids, and others need a specific kind to get off.

This can be problematic because it indicates that a man has trained his male organ to respond sensually to a certain stimulus, and he may not be able to feel the same type of pleasure with a partner. Men should mix up their viewings, avoid the super hardcore stuff and occasionally rely on their imaginations for stimulus during solo play. If adult videos have become a problem, a man can take some time off and see a sensual therapist to learn how to retrain his male organ through healthier self-pleasuring practices.

Along with adequately lubing during a solo session, guys should consider using a moisturizer daily to promote healthy skin and protect the skin against chafing, dryness and keratinization. A male organ health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) with Shea butter and vitamin E can do just that; one moisturizer provides hydration while the other locks it in. Tag team common manhood skin issues with Man1 Man Oil to help keep the rod ready to go.

Visit http://www.menshealthfirst.com for additional information on most common male organ health issues, tips on improving organ sensitivity and what to do to maintain a healthy member. John Dugan is a professional writer who specializes in men's health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer to numerous websites.