Self-gratification is, without question, a popular activity for both men and women – but mutual self-gratification is a much rarer occurrence. Yet sharing one's solo pleasure with another person can be a rewarding experience for both parties. Naturally, male participants will want to make sure that they engage in adequate male organ care so that the organ looks good and healthy when displayed in this way. But once any shyness or hesitation about manhood appearance is allayed, a man should be ready to plunge head first into the mutual self-gratification experience.

Overcoming the taboo

It is undoubtedly true that there is much more openness about self-gratification today than in years past. Certainly the subject is discussed more freely. In the past, a man would have been loath to admit that he self-gratified, even to his best friend. Today it's a given that men enjoy fondling themselves at least occasionally, and some men are unashamed to admit to their friends that pleasuring themselves is a regular activity. Organized events such as National Self-Gratification Month help to de-stigmatize a pastime that is enjoyed by almost all.

Nonetheless, there is still a bit of a taboo around the subject of self-gratification. This can especially be true when dealing with two people in a sensual relationship. For example, a man and a woman who are regularly coupling may feel awkward discussing the subject of self-gratification. If the relationship is one of some duration, it may be increasingly awkward. Many times, a woman may be dismayed to know that the man with whom she is regularly intimate also enjoys self-stimulating. There can be a feeling that this is somehow "cheating" or that coupling is not satisfying enough.

It's natural

In fact, self-gratification is part of the menu of sensual activities and a man who self-gratifies while in a relationship is neither cheating nor expressing dissatisfaction with the pleasure he derives from coupling. Spending some sensual "me time" is a legitimate need, and one that can vary from man to man. One man may self-stimulate more times in one week than another man does in an entire year.

Getting mutual

Couples who can overcome a reluctance to self-gratify together can find that the experience has many rewards, such as:

• Deepening trust. Self-pleasuring in front of another person demonstrates a deep trust in that person. This expression of trust can strengthen an existing bond and make two people feel closer to each other.

• Excitement. By definition, self-gratification is an exciting act – but self-gratifying together with another person increases the excitement quotient considerably. Watching another person engaging in what is considered a very private act can be deeply sensual.

• Education. There is a great deal that one can learn from watching a partner self-stimulate. One can see how she handles herself and what things she does differently; a man can learn a great deal about what causes pleasurable sensations and can use this information when he is touching her or coupling with her. (And the reverse is also true: She can learn about ways she can enhance the pleasure that she gives to her partner as well.) As a couple progresses, they may move from manually pleasuring themselves to manually pleasuring each other – and that can also be a rather pleasurable educational experience.

Like a bit of everyday solo pleasure, mutual self-gratification is more enjoyable for both partners when the manhood is in good health. Regular application of a quality male organ health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can help to ensure that health. Self-gratification can get a bit overheated, sometimes leading to a man handling himself too roughly or exerting a grip that is too tight in the quest for release. This can lead to de-sensitization, but a crème with neuroprotective acetyl L-carnitine can help repair the peripheral nerve damage that causes loss of sensation. A well-pleasured member may also be a bit sore; using a crème with Shea butter and vitamin E can help to alleviate the soreness that comes from being overly-aggressive with the member. And asking one's partner to apply the crème can be yet another way of establishing pleasurable tenderness in a relationship.

Visit http://www.menshealthfirst.com for additional information on most common male organ health issues, tips on improving manhood 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.