The Long, Complicated History of Auto-Fellatio
How men have tried—sometimes successfully—to suck their own dicks for millennia.
Let’s cut right to the chase: if you’re a man, you’ve probably heard the joke (or maybe even said it yourself): “If I could suck my own dick, I’d never leave the house.” It’s become a time-honored one-liner at brunch tables and in group chats. Beneath that joke, though, lurks a real fascination with auto-fellatio—the act of literally going down on yourself. Yes, it sounds outrageous. Yes, it’s physically challenging. And yes, it’s part of queer culture’s deeper tapestry of daring, creativity, and sometimes subversive sexual exploration.
In this extended deep dive, we’ll trace the phenomenon of self-sucking back through history, weaving in how gay men in particular have latched onto (pun intended) the concept. We’ll also get practical, exploring whether it’s even feasible to learn within, say, six months. From ancient Egyptian myths to modern internet forums, from hush-hush diaries to explicit webcam performances, auto-fellatio has always been more than a barstool gag—it’s a kinky dream that both tantalizes and terrifies, complete with a rarely met physical challenge.
The Gay Man’s Lens on Self-Sucking
A Candid Curiosity
One reason gay men are more likely to seriously daydream about self-oral is pretty straightforward: we already enjoy giving head. It’s a cornerstone of many gay sexual experiences, so if you’re particularly flexible, you might think, “Hey, I like sucking dick. I also own a dick… why not see if I can combine the two?” That logic might raise eyebrows among straight folks, but it resonates in queer circles where the penis is often a central object of desire. For us, a male mouth on a male cock is hot—whether it’s another guy’s or your own.
The “Extra Gay” Question
Is auto-fellatio “extra gay,” or is it just elaborate masturbation? Honestly, it’s both—and neither. Orientation can influence your motivations, but the act itself remains self–focused. Some guys do it simply to see if it’s physically possible. Others do it because they love the idea of all the sensations that come with oral. Then there are men who see it as an extension of their existing cock-centric fantasies, feeding that pure desire for male-on-male connection (even if it’s your own male self). So it’s not intrinsically gay or not gay—it’s just a niche sexual pursuit that resonates especially loudly among those who already get excited about blowjobs.
Ancient Myths & Medieval Whispers: The (Surprising) History of Self-Oral
Egyptian Deities: Bending Reality
Ancient Egypt seems like an odd place to begin an exploration of gay men’s fantasies, but it’s here that we first find references (albeit mythic) to a god effectively auto-fellating. Atum, the creator deity, was said to produce life from his own semen—sometimes depicted as pleasuring himself. Was this literal self-sucking? The texts are cryptic, but the imagery set a precedent for “self-stimulation” as a creative force. While it wasn’t a detailed how-to guide, it fueled imaginations for centuries to come—especially among those looking for historical hints that the concept existed.
Roman Scorn and Artemidorus’s Dreams
Fast-forward to the Roman era. Romans tolerated some forms of same-sex activity, but providing oral sex generally got you labeled as shameful or low-status. Artemidorus, a Greek dream interpreter in the second century CE, wrote that dreaming of kissing the tip of your penis was one thing, but fully sucking it heralded doom—loss of wealth, family, or social standing. The subtext? “Going down on yourself is so scandalous, it can only signal terrible fate.” That negative vibe likely spilled into real life, further shrouding self-sucking in taboo.
Medieval Gutter Art: Church Carvings and Dirty Jokes
Between 1000 and 1400 CE, references became even more veiled. Some medieval church carvings and manuscripts depict contorted figures that look suspiciously like they’re performing auto-fellatio—though scholars debate whether that’s exactly what’s happening. Even if it is, these images were presumably moral warnings or comedic side notes carved in the shadows by rebellious stonemasons. Yet, the mere presence of such images indicates the idea persisted. If folks in 12th-century Europe had never heard of self-oral, you wouldn’t find it chiseled into a cathedral’s corner.
The Victorian Lockdown and the Lost Records
From Public to Deeply Private
As time marched on, puritanical and Victorian attitudes toward sexuality intensified, especially “non-procreative” acts. Countless references to homosexual or masturbatory practices disappeared from official records. Travel diaries mentioning tribal or exotic sexual customs were censored. Explorers and academics might have found evidence of men pleasuring themselves orally in other cultures, but they often kept quiet to protect their reputations.
Psychological Reports and Closet Cases
By the late 19th and early 20th century, psychoanalysts occasionally jotted down case studies about men who claimed they could “complete the circle,” so to speak. Typically, these reports labeled them with pathological terms—narcissists, sexual deviants, moral degenerates. Homoerotic impulses were considered mental disorders, so self-sucking was lumped in with all the other “forbidden sexualities.” But ironically, these shame-tinged notes also confirmed that men were indeed attempting—and sometimes achieving—auto-fellatio, whether out of a repressed same-sex drive or simple curiosity.
Alfred Kinsey and the Secret Society of 0.2%
How the Infamous Sexologist Reignited the Conversation
In 1948, Alfred Kinsey published Sexual Behavior in the Human Male. Tucked in there was a reference to men who had tried to perform auto-fellatio—something Kinsey’s team discovered was more common than many suspected. He claimed only about 0.2% actually succeeded. That statistic, right or wrong, went on to become a weird cultural footnote: “Huh, so it’s a real thing, but super rare.”
What Kinsey Missed: Queer Determination
Of course, the sample might have been skewed. Men in the 1940s—especially gay or bisexual men—weren’t exactly eager to talk about taboo fantasies to clinical researchers. If they had tried, they might not have felt safe disclosing it. Also, some might have needed more time to develop the necessary flexibility or technique. So that 0.2% figure could have been an underestimation, leaving room for the possibility that more determined men were quietly achieving it—and especially men in queer subcultures who prioritized exploring different sexual frontiers.
Porn’s Gaze: From Straight Shock Value to Gay Fetish Fuel
1970s Adult Films and the “Novelty Act”
When hardcore porn hit mainstream discussion in the 1970s, fellatio became more visible, and inevitably, someone asked, “Hey, can we show a guy blowing himself?” Straight porn flicks occasionally featured self-sucking as a brief shock moment—like a circus trick. Ron Jeremy famously teased it, but he rarely went the full distance. Viewers were often left with the impression that it was just a comedic gimmick, not a genuine sexual practice.
The Gay Porn Perspective
In contrast, gay porn has sometimes tackled auto-fellatio in a more earnest or fetishistic way. Performers might hype it up as the ultimate “cock worship,” a scenario where a man embraces his own maleness in an almost looped experience of top-meets-bottom. Still, it remains niche, partly because so few can physically pull it off convincingly on camera. But when it appears, gay fans often react with a mix of awe, envy, and arousal: “It’s real, and he’s doing it well!”
The Internet Explosion: Forums, Urban Legends, and Tutorials
Marilyn Manson and the Ribs Removed Myth
By the 1990s and early 2000s, the internet was ablaze with rumors—chief among them the infamous claim that Marilyn Manson had his ribs removed to facilitate self-fellatio. Did that rumor spring from some deeply rooted gay curiosity about “If you can’t do it, maybe you can medically cheat it!” Possibly. It served as comedic tabloid fodder, but it also signaled a rising tide of interest: people wanted to believe self-sucking was so desirable that celebrities would physically alter their bodies to achieve it.
Online Communities and “Yes, I Can!” Threads
In gay forums and chat rooms, men openly admitted, “I’m trying to do it,” or “Hey, I can do it a little but can’t deepthroat.” Others sought advice: “Should I do yoga? Which stretches help?” A small but dedicated subculture emerged, featuring explicit how-to guides, personal success stories, and the occasional lament about pulled muscles. Some men posted (and still post) pictures or videos proving they can get the head in their mouth, or even swallow the entire length, sparking envy or disbelief from onlookers.
Why Are Gay Men So Into This Idea?
The Cock Worship Factor
Let’s be blunt: many gay men adore the penis—both giving and receiving blowjobs. The possibility of offering yourself that same oral worship merges two beloved sensations: the pleasure of being sucked and the pleasure of doing the sucking. For some, it’s a mind-blowing concept: “I already love cocks. This is the chance to taste and feel my own, in one fluid moment.”
Flirting with Taboo and Self-Love
Auto-fellatio also dips into a playful narcissism. Is it narcissistic to get off on your own cock? Maybe a bit—but so what? In gay culture, where self-expression and body-confidence are celebrated (or at least pursued), the idea of being that flexible can spark admiration. “Hell yeah, I’m proud of my body, I’m proud of my dick, and I’m physically gifted enough to do that.” That sense of taboo—some would say it’s the ultimate kink—adds an extra jolt of excitement.
The 6-Month Plan: Can You Really Learn This?
So you’re sold on the dream. You want to do more than crack jokes; you want to see if it’s physically possible. Many self-suck enthusiasts claim you can get results in six months with consistent effort. Let’s break down the “training program” with a wink and a nudge—because you’re basically embarking on a very kinky yoga routine.
Daily Stretching
Target your hamstrings, lower back, and hips. Moves like Forward Fold (reach for your toes), Downward Dog, and Happy Baby can gradually increase flexibility. Aim for 15–20 minutes daily. Push yourself gently over time; no sudden heroics.
Yoga-Style Core Strength
A strong core keeps your spine supported. Planks, crunches, and Boat Pose can help you hold a folded position without collapsing. Some men also recommend light Pilates for a balanced blend of flexibility and strength.
Experiment with Postures
Options include lying on your back, flipping your legs over your head (similar to Plow Pose), or trying to stand and fold forward. Figure out which angle feels less strenuous. Some guys prefer a couch or bed edge to help with leverage.
Partner Assist (If You Dare)
If you have a trusting partner, they can gently press your legs while you guide your torso. Emphasis on “gently.” Breaking your back for a blowjob from yourself is… definitely not worth it.
Consistency and Patience
Like any fitness goal, it takes time. Rushing leads to injuries. Men who claim they’ve succeeded say it took them months, if not a year. Some realize halfway through, “This is too much work,” and bail. Others find the incremental progress motivating.
Safety Warnings
Neck strains, back spasms, or even herniated discs can occur if you push too hard. Always warm up, and if you feel intense pain, stop immediately. No orgasm is worth permanent spinal damage.
Reality Check: Is It Really All That Amazing?
Tickling Yourself vs. Someone Else
One common analogy: tickling yourself doesn’t produce the same involuntary laughter as being tickled by another person. Similarly, performing oral on yourself can never fully replicate the psychological (and relational) thrill of a partner. You know exactly what you’re about to do. You control the pace. There’s no spontaneity or external turn-on from another human’s presence. Some men say it’s hot once or twice, but it doesn’t beat a real partner’s mouth.
The Awkward Angles
Even if you get your cock into your mouth, maintaining that folded position can be physically taxing. Breathing can be tricky—some men say they come up gasping for air every few seconds. Others can’t quite maneuver enough to create a satisfying suction. So even “successful” auto-fellators may find it’s more of a novelty act than a go-to way to get off.
The Fetish Factor
Of course, there are men who love it, treating it as a specialized fetish. They might feel an extreme erotic charge from controlling both ends of the experience—like a closed loop of pleasure. There’s also an element of self-worship: “I’m so into cock that I can literally blow myself.” For them, it’s not just a gimmick but a genuine turn-on. If that’s you, hey, no shame—go for it.
Historical Footnotes in Gay Culture
The Dr. Infinity Legend
In the 1970s adult film scene, a performer nicknamed Dr. Infinity claimed he had a spiritual philosophy behind auto-fellatio. He wanted to star in porn to “enlighten” viewers about self-love and bodily autonomy. Directors reportedly had to rein him in, using his self-sucking primarily for shock value. But his fervor showed that for some gay men, auto-fellatio could be more than a stunt—it was an ideological statement about owning your pleasure entirely.
Creative Queer Adaptations
Some gay zines and underground erotica from the ’70s and ’80s included cartoonish or stylized depictions of men blowing themselves, especially in places where homosexuality was heavily policed. If hooking up with another guy was risky, these fantasies offered a “safer” alternative—still taboo, but at least you weren’t involving a second party. It might also have appealed to men who felt conflicted about physical contact with others but were deeply curious about male oral sex.
The Obsession Continues: Pop Culture and Gay Banter
A Fixture in Gay Jokes and Conversations
Walk into any gay bar, mention self-sucking, and you’ll likely spark either laughter, an eyeroll, or a “Wait, have you tried it?” question. It’s a testament to how deeply it’s integrated into our cultural banter. We love the comedic angle—it’s bizarre, physically extreme, and undeniably sexual. But we also love flirting with possibilities that challenge mainstream comfort zones.
Dan Savage and the Ongoing Q&A
Syndicated sex columnist Dan Savage has fielded countless queries from men wanting tips or disclaimers about auto-fellatio. Over time, he’s treated it less like a bizarre outlier and more like a quirky corner of the sexual menu. The normalization in popular sex advice circles hints that while it’s not common, it’s definitely not unknown—particularly in queer spaces where men share fantasies more openly.
Final Thoughts: Why We Just Can’t Let It Go
Auto-fellatio hits a sweet spot (pun intended) for gay men. It’s taboo enough to remain an edgy punchline, physically challenging enough to stay elusive, and enticing enough to keep us half-seriously daydreaming. It’s also a microcosm of everything that makes queer sexuality so fascinating: boundary-pushing, body-positive, a tad rebellious, and laced with a sense of humor.
For some, it’ll remain a fantasy best left in the realm of jokes. For others, it’s a genuine goal—complete with nightly stretches and incremental achievements. Even if the final act of blowing yourself doesn’t deliver the fireworks you imagined, the quest alone can be a playful exploration of your body’s limits. And in a culture where men’s bodies and desires often collide in erotic celebration, that quest is undeniably queer.
So the next time someone cracks the old line, “If I could do that, I’d never leave my bed,” you can laugh—but you’ll also know the deeper story. Gay men have been flirting with this idea for centuries, from ancient mythic allusions to modern web tutorials. It’s part comedy, part kink, part body challenge—and it’s not going away anytime soon. Whether you ultimately succeed or not, the real triumph might be in letting your curiosity lead you down new (and very bendy) roads of self-discovery. Enjoy the ride—just mind your neck.