How to Play with Balls: Your Guide to Testicle Massage

Go Nuts: Tips and Tricks for Proper Ball Play

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Have you ever wondered why it’s so agonizing getting hit in the nuts? Well, for starters, it’s a natural defense system to protect your sperm factory from threat or harm, but it’s also the same reason they feel so good being played with. You see, the testes have a ton of sensory nerve-endings, meaning pain and pleasure can become analogous. This is one of the main reasons testicles are often neglected.

“It’s universally known that getting hit in the tesicles equals pain,” says Melanie Pollock, sexual health and product knowledge expert at PinkCherry. “So a lot of us tend to stay far away from the area because we’re worried about hurting them and their owners. This is more true for people who don’t own a pair.”

‘Ball play’ may be more common than you thought. A survey from sex toy manufacturer MysertyVibe found 50 percent of men incorporate testicle stimulation into their masturbation routine, with 87 percent liking when a partner plays with them.

But the real question is: What exactly do you do down there? How much pressure is too much? Should you suck or squeeze them? Both? Neither?

Since the male orgasm is far more complex than stroking or sucking the penis (hey, let’s keep that up, too), this guide’s got you covered. Ready? Play ball!

What Not to Do When Massaging the Testicles

With a man’s balls being uber sensitive, let’s start with what you shouldn’t do when handling one’s precious jewels. As is true with any sexual encounter, communication is most important. “Even the most stoic, quiet penis owner will let you know if you’re doing something they don’t like around their balls,” notes Pollock. “Pay attention to body language! If they pull away, cringe, or stop responding, stop. Communicate.”

The ball handler should also be weary of their nails, take off their rings and get rid of any dangly bracelets or watches. When it comes to pressure, be gentle, but not to the point that he can barely feel anything – these are genitals, not fine china. Then, gradually increase pressure, communicating throughout. A touch or lick that’s too light might tickle.

And do not – I repeat, do not – twist them. “Testicles move within the scrotum, but they’re not just floating there,” says Pollock. “Keep the right on the right and the left on the left. Too much movement can hurt.” Also, don’t shame a man’s balls. Guys already know testicles aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing appendage. You can think they look and feel weird, but remember that they’re part of their body. Keep any negative opinions to yourself.

How to Manually Stimulate Testicles

You’re on the pitcher’s mound, balls in hand. Now what? “Hold the scrotum in the palm of your hand and squeeze gently,” explains Pollock. “Trace the shape of the scrotum with your fingers. Remember, a very light touch can tickle, so touch confidently, but carefully. Gauge your partner’s reaction and adjust accordingly.”

Try a soft stroke during sex to start out. Some great positions for easy access to the testicles are cowgirl, reverse cowgirl, doggy-style, 69 and standard oral sex. Try tracing up the scrotum with your fingers, focusing on the ‘seam’ (or raphe, in proper terms) which might be visible up the middle of the scrotum. “It’s usually more sensitive to touch than the skin around it,” notes Pollock. “Try tracing a figure 8 or W shape around the testicles and over the raphe. Better yet, come up with your own design.”

If he’s enjoying it, Pollock recommends applying more pressure, as well as some different versions of cupping and gentle massage. “You should be playing more with the scrotum than the actual testicles,” she says.

It’s also not a bad idea to kick things off from the underside and work your way up.

“Gently run your fingers through the hair, holding the scrotum firmly in your hands and then relax,” says sexologist Lanae St. John. “Draw your fingers along one side and drag your thumb along the other side, tracing the line up the crease between his balls and his inner thighs. Use your index finger to draw a little circle lightly at the base of his penis and the top of his scrotum.”

Mix and play with these combinations and gauge his reactions. When he verbalizes pleasure, do more of that!

How to Orally Stimulate Testicles

You can mimic some of these manual techniques using your mouth and tongue, too. “Lick up the raphe, starting from the base of the balls and finishing at the top of the shaft,” says Pollock. “Try gently pushing the scrotum up for maximum balls-mouth contact. Lick with your whole tongue first, then try targeting specific areas with the point of your tongue.”

Afraid to take the testicles into your mouth? Just go slow. Don’t suck aggressively, but don’t hold them in your mouth and do nothing, either. Pollock suggests swirling your tongue around each testicle in combination with some gentle lip pressure. You can also suck an individual testicle into your mouth while pulling away to give a little tug. To sweeten the deal, try incorporating a flavored lube.

Don’t forget the perineum! The area is extra sensitive because of its close proximity to the prostate. If you hum or make some noise, the reverberations can create a little vibration that adds a little something extra.

The Best Toys for Testicle Stimulation

While you don’t need a toy or tool to help stimulate the testicles, there are definitely some fun options to explore. Why not take advantage? “Vibration is an easy way to add a little something extra to ball play, and chances are you’ve got a vibrating something-or-other lying around,” says Pollock. “Experiment by tracing a vibrator (at a low setting, to start) over their scrotum.”

A small bullet vibe is a great place to start. It’s tiny and non-intimidating. Pollock recommends starting with a finger vibe, too, which can give you a little more control. “Even a standard vibrating cock ring can be flipped so that the vibrating portion (intended for a partner’s clitoris/perineum) is facing the scrotum,” she says. She also recommends the Big O2 Double Pleasure Vibrating Ring, which boasts two vibes — one to stimulate the receptive partner and one to stimulate the testicles. Another, the Mojo Apeiros, loops over the shaft and around the back of the scrotum, holding a little vibrator at the front of the scrotum.

Ball stretchers are also an option. Prior to orgasm, the testicles move toward the body, and a ball stretcher prevents this from happening to potentially slow the orgasm. It can also make the big finish more intense. “Lube is a great tool to employ during ball play,” adds Pollock. “It makes things nice and slippery, helping your hands and fingers glide smoothly over the scrotum. A water-based lube is going to be your best bet.”

If you’re looking for something around the house, St. John recommends something like a feather or necklace. “Use a long wax candle (unlit) like a tiny gentle rolling pin, or a warm wet washcloth,” she says. “Get creative!”

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Source: AskMen