Syntribation sounds like a big, scary buzzword, but it’s actually a simple masturbation method that many people may have already tried without being labeled!
The hands-free technique offers a number of benefits that can help people with a vulva or penis explore their sexuality and get in touch with their bodies. This article breaks down what syntribation is, why it’s so accessible to people of different bodies and abilities, and some tips and tricks to get the most out of your self-love sesh.
What is
Syntribation is a masturbation technique where a person crosses their legs and rubs their upper thighs together to create pleasurable friction in the genital area. It can be practiced by both vulvar and penile people, and is usually enjoyed by people who like the sensation of humping or grinding against other objects or people.
How to do it
When you crunch, cross your legs over each other and squeeze your thighs together. You can do this while lying in bed, sitting in a chair, or even standing and resting your stomach on a table or bench. Some people with vulva also practice crashing with a sex toy between their legs or during penetrative sex by activating their pelvic floor muscles for stronger contractions.
As we noted above, syntribation is probably an activity you’ve practiced in the past. Many people first stumble upon sexual sensation when they are young hump or rub their thighs together. You can practice syntribation with your clothes on or off.
Syntribation isn’t just for women. Men can try putting the head of their penis between their legs and pressing their thighs together to stimulate it. The pressure of your thighs rubbing together can also create pleasurable sensations in the testicles.
The Mechanics of Syntribation
Rubbing and squeezing the thigh can stimulate the inner and outer parts of the clitoris or the outer head of the penis or testicles. Contract it pelvic floor muscles increases blood flow to the genital area for people with a vulva, which can increase orgasm. Achieving an orgasm through crashing depends entirely on what turns you on and the kinds of sensations you prefer, so try a variety of different positions while exploring your body!
Benefits
Hands-Free Accessibility
One of the biggest benefits of syntribation is that it requires no hands and can be more accessible for people who have problems with fine motor skills. Anyone with a vulva or penis can do it, and you don’t have to hold anything in your hands or move your arms while masturbating, making it a viable option for people with arthritis or other mobility issues.
Pleasure without direct contact with the clitoris
For vulvo-clitoris who find direct stimulation to their clitoris too intense, crashing offers a way to indirectly produce sensation without overstimulating the clitoris. The clitoris is an extremely sensitive part of the body densely packed with nerve endings, and direct stimulation for some people can feel intense to the point of discomfort or pain, hindering their ability to orgasm through direct clitoral stimulation. Indirect sensation of the clitoris through the crash allows full control over the intensity and speed of stimulation.
Indirect stimulation has another advantage – since it is not focused on the genitals, pre-op AFAB or AMAB transsexuals who are not comfortable touching their genitals directly may find it more comfortable.
Distinctive
The brain is your most powerful sexual organ, and a huge part of sexual attraction comes from imagination. Syntribation can be practiced discreetly in public, offering the added psychological allure of stimulating yourself without anyone knowing. For people who enjoy showing off or the idea of doing “something naughty” in public without disturbing the peace, syntribation can be a good option.
Tips and tricks
Try different locations and outfits
We just talked about the subtlety of this technique. Some people may find it sexy to crash at work, in nature, or while on a phone call without anyone knowing. The friction of how different types of clothing feel on your skin can also be fun to play with. Restrictive, bulky clothing such as jeans or corduroy may feel flattering on some people, for example. Others may enjoy the way velvet feels against the skin or blend into a tight pencil skirt (perhaps under your desk at work).
Incorporate different fantasies and forms of eroticism
As with any form of sexual exploration, incorporating different sexual fantasies and forms of eroticism can help one discover what they like. For example, you can listen to audio love songs to paint a picture in your head while you’re having a crush or watching porn.
Use a pillow
Since you’re already squeezing your thighs together during the crunch, you can try putting a small pillow between your legs to heighten the sensation of each contraction. Stuffing a pillow or hand between your thighs creates resistance and friction between your legs, which can help if you’re also doing kegels while crunching.
