Contrary to what some people may think, there is no definitive way to masturbate. It’s totally up to your individual preferences and wants, which opens up a lot of variations. You can do it in bed, with or without a sex toy, while reading erotica, or by listening to a masturbation playlist. But while there’s no right or wrong way to masturbate, if you haven’t tried masturbating in the shower or bath just yet, allow us to tell you why it could elevate your solo sessions.

What Are the Benefits of Masturbating in the Shower?

There are a lot of health benefits to masturbating in general. Not only can masturbating release feel-good hormones like endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin, but it can also help you “get rid of headaches and body soreness, reduce cold symptoms, and even reduce menstrual cramps,” Antonia Hall, a psychologist and sex expert, previously told POPSUGAR.

In the shower, there’s no (or at least less) mess and therefore little clean up, too, sexologist Marla Renee Stewart, a sexpert for Lovers sexual wellness brand, says. It’s also a completely private space that won’t allow for any sort of random knocks on the door from your roomies or parents. Plus, being in the shower “helps to mitigate some of the noise that you might make when you’re on your way to orgasm,” Stewart says.

Lastly, Sarah Ricco, sex educator and cofounder of Delicto, notes that “unlike masturbating in bed, solo shower play demands full nudity, which can enhance arousal, boost confidence, and encourage a deeper connection with your body.”

How Do You Masturbate in the Shower?

Honestly, the same way you would masturbate anywhere else, just with water. The most important difference is that, if you don’t already, you’ll want to use some sort of lube instead of just relying on the water itself. Though it sounds counterintuitive (isn’t water slippery?), “running water can actually wash away your natural lubricant,” Ricco explains. For this reason, “silicone-based lube is ideal for shower play because it contains polymers that repel water and keep it from washing away,” she says.

You can try out silicone-based lube products from this article – just note that silicone lube should not be used with silicone-made sex toys as it will break down the material of the toy. (If that’s a predicament you find yourself in, use a water-based lube like this one instead. You may just need to reapply more frequently.)

Speaking of toys: if you prefer to masturbate with a sex toy, make sure your accessory of choice is waterproof – not just water resistant. “Water-resistant toys can withstand some splashes of water and regular toy cleaning, but they can easily be damaged if submerged or soaked,” Ricco says. If you are interested in trying some waterproof toys, check out some options here. “Experiment with different angles, and make the most of the experience,” clinical sexologist Rachel Sommer, PhD, cofounder of My Sex Toy Guide, suggests. “Try different speed settings until you get the rhythm that works for you.”

If you don’t want to bring a toy into the shower, Dr. Sommer suggests using the shower head on your clitoris, vulva, or erogenous zones instead. If you don’t have a hand-held shower head, you can use this Waterslyde product to experience similar sensations – just note it’s better suited for a bath than shower. Or, of course, you can go product-free and just use your hands, clench or rub your thighs together, or do whatever you usually do to get off solo.

What Are the Best Positions For Masturbating in the Shower?

Simply do whatever feels most comfortable for you, adjusting as you need to in order to stay safe in the slippery, sometimes cramped space of your shower. You can try standing up, sitting down on the shower floor, or running a bath and lying down in it instead. Dr. Sommer recommends starting on your back: “Simply lie on your back, and reach down there.”

For the more adventurous, Dr. Sommer suggests getting into the classic lotus yoga position (feet together, knees in a butterfly stance). “Not only is the clitoris more accessible from this position, but your pelvic muscles are engaged, and you can clench them down for intensified orgasms,” she says.

Lastly, you could try a position that involves a suction-cup dildo. “Stick it to the bottom of the tub, the side of the shower, the faucet – any place that offers an angle and depth of penetration that feels good,” says Ricco. Then, get into position.

What Are Some Shower-Masturbation Tips?

1. Adjust the temperature of the water for the ultimate sensory experience. “Enjoy 10 minutes of steamy shower water, followed by a quick burst of cold, then back to hot. The sudden change in water temperature will activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which can trigger a big boost in energy and send a yummy current of blood flow to your genitals,” Ricco says.

2. Take your time to appreciate the sensations. “Don’t try to rush yourself into having an orgasm,” Stewart says. Allow yourself to feel all the things without putting pressure on an end goal.

3. Set the mood with candles and music. “Turn on your favourite music that makes you feel good, sexy, and sexual. When you put yourself in the mood, it can help you to have a better time with yourself,” Stewart says. Plus, candles make everyone feel sexy.

4. Invest in a no-slip shower mat like this one. No one wants to fall while experiencing a mind-blowing orgasm.