Men lounging with a hand down their pants isn’t just a frat-boy move – it’s a bizarrely common habit seen everywhere from couches to crosswalks.
While it might earn a few side-eyes, this ball-cupping behavior is surprisingly normal.
For many men, putting their hands down their pants is as automatic as checking their phone. It doesn’t necessarily mean anything is wrong or inappropriate. In fact, as bizarre as it might look from the outside, the reasons behind it are rooted in biology, psychology, and plain old comfort.
Warm and cozy
In a popular subreddit called Ask Men, one user asked why her male friends constantly had their hands in their pants, and the responses came pouring in. One said it was “warm down there,” while a second suggested it’s “comforting to lightly massage.”
A third explained that “it’s cozy and makes them feel all safe.” And another joked: “They’re very insecure about their masculinity, so they need to reassure themselves that they still have a penis.”
A few even admitted they barely even noticed they were doing it.
Calming
Psychotherapist Lisa Spitz said the habit is often subconscious and often “self-soothing.”
“I would say that some men touch their genitals mostly as an unconscious act of self-soothing, like checking themselves is an act of masculinity and making sure everything is in its place, a calming technique or even displacement of genitalia,” she told Cosmopolitan.
Meanwhile, Dr. Babak Ashrafi, a general practitioner with Superdrug Online Doctor and a specialist in sexual health, agreed that “some men may engage in this behaviour absentmindedly or as a coping mechanism.”
“Rubbing certain parts of your body in a non-sexual way releases oxytocin, a calming hormone which reduces nerves,” Dr Ashrafi told Cosmopolitan, before adding: “Just don’t do it during your work presentation.”
Adjustment
Beyond psychology, the experts say that sometimes, it’s about plain and simple adjustment.
As Ashrafi explains, men might experience discomfort caused by friction or shifting in the genital area, especially if their underwear is too tight or bunches in awkward places.
“Men may need to adjust their genitalia for comfort. This is a routine, physiological response to discomfort caused by friction or shifting of the genital area. Maybe their boxers are too tight, or they just need to readjust downstairs,” the doctor said.
Itchy
Other times, there’s a medical reason. Skin irritation, fungal infections, or general itching can cause men to unconsciously touch or scratch the area. While not exactly a polite dinner party move, it can be a quick fix for minor discomfort.
“Medical conditions such as fungal infections or irritation can lead to itching or discomfort in the genital region. Men may put their hands down their pants to relieve this itching or discomfort,” Ashrafi said.
Of course, if the scratching seems excessive, it could be time to gently suggest a trip to the doctor.
Climate control
Temperature regulation is another surprisingly valid reason.
Dr. Ashrafi explains that the genital area is extremely sensitive to temperature shifts, and men may instinctively use their hands to warm things up or cool things down.
“The genital area is sensitive to temperature changes, and men may adjust their hands or genitals to regulate temperature. This could be due to feeling too hot or too cold in that area, which in turn can cause further discomfort,” the doctor shared.
Self-protection
But according to Men’s Health, there’s another possible reason: self-protection.
Vanessa Van Edwards, body language expert and author of “Human Lie Detection” and “Body Language 101” told the outlet that guys may do it instinctively as a way to shield their most vulnerable parts.
“You could think of the hand there like insurance against a friend who might give them a nut jab or a kid who accidentally hits a ball at them,” she said.
It’s not paranoia – it’s just being prepared.
So, the next time you see a guy casually parked with one hand down his pants, don’t be too quick to judge. Remember that they aren’t just randomly fondling themselves in public – they’re regulating stress, maintaining comfort, and maybe even staying safe.
Why do you think men are frequently caught with their hand in their pants? Please let us know your thoughts and then share this story so we can get the conversation started!
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