Gina Answers: Pornstar Handjobs

Amber Asks:

I have always wondered how porn actors manage to use only their hands to achieve an orgasm for men. Is there a special palm technique that she uses or is just smoke-and-mirrors? 

Dear Amber:

Great question, Amber! The orgasms you see on-screen are likely due to a little of both – technique, and as you say, smoke-and-mirrors, a.k.a. ‘editing’. Remember that anything you see in porn is a show.  Even amateur porn is designed with the intent to provide a visual fantasy, not necessarily to portray reality.  In the clips where actors only use their hands to bring their accomplice to orgasm, the actor may have used their tongue or mouth to help bring him close to orgasm, but that part may be edited out. Everyone’s arousal response to various techniques is unique.  What gets one person off every time without fail may not do a thing for the next person. 

That said, many men bring themselves to orgasm through manual stimulation alone (unless they are incredibly flexible), so there is no reason why the same couldn’t be achieved with a pair of skilled hands belonging to someone else! With some practice and communication (both verbal and non-verbal), helping a male achieve orgasm with the hands only is possible.  Notice that, in many cases, porn actors' act incorporates both hands (likely well-lubricated): one providing pressure at the base of the cock and the other caressing, stroking, and swirling around the glans.  This combination can provide a lot of pleasure by keeping the penis erect (pressure at the base) while simultaneously stimulating the most sensitive areas. The trick here is to understand what feels best for the receiver, usually discovered through experimentation and communication.  Another element present in many videos is eye contact and facial expression.  These elements may seem peripheral for some, but for many men, seeing and feeling that their partner is enjoying pleasing them is a huge turn-on, contributing volumes to the level of arousal and potential for orgasm.

Thanks again! Gina

About Gina: Gina has been working in reproductive health for over 20 years as an educator and researcher.  She approached Pure Pleasure in 2009 about holding a focus group for a research project she was working on and was impressed with Janis and Amy’s welcoming, sex-positive business and their commitment to community involvement and education.   Shortly thereafter, Gina began working with Pure Pleasure part-time as a Pleasure Party Educator and staff member and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Human Sexuality Education.  Also a parent of two boys, she is committed to sex-positive parenting.