Masturbation Prevalence, Frequency, Reasons, and Associations with Partnered Sex in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from a U.S. Nationally Representative Survey

Abstract

Despite well-documented individual, relational, and health benefits, masturbation has been stigmatized and is understudied compared to partnered sex. In a US nationally representative survey of adults, we aimed to: (1) assess the prevalence and frequency of participants’ prior-year masturbation, (2) describe reasons people give for not masturbating, (3) describe reasons people give for masturbating, and (4) examine the association between masturbation frequency and actual/desired partnered sex frequency in the prior year. Significantly more men than women reported lifetime masturbation, past month masturbation, and greater masturbation frequency. The most frequently endorsed reasons for masturbating related to pleasure, feeling “horny,” stress relief, and relaxation. The most frequently endorsed reasons for not masturbating were lack of interest, being in a committed relationship, conflict with morals or values, or being against one’s religion. Among women, those who desired partnered sex much more often and a little more often were 3.89 times (95% CI: 2.98, 5.08) and 2.07 times (95% CI: 1.63, 2.62), respectively, more likely to report higher frequencies of past-year masturbation than those who desired no change in their partnered sex frequency. Among men, those who desired partnered sex much more often and a little more often were 4.40 times (95% CI: 3.41, 5.68) and 2.37 times (95% CI: 1.84, 3.06), respectively, more likely to report higher frequencies of past-year masturbation activity than those who reported that they desired no change in their current partnered sex frequency. Findings provide contemporary U.S. population-level data on patterns of adult masturbation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10508-022-02505-2.

What Sexual Problems Does a Sample of LGB+ People Report Having, and How Do They Define Sexual Pleasure: A Qualitative Study to Inform Clinical Practice

“…In a study conducted in a sample of 2068 women from the USA and Hungary, with a mean age of 28.8 (SD = 9.9; range 18-95), 94% reported masturbating in the last 12-24 months, with a medium of once per week or every two weeks [18]. These findings are partially supported by another recent study with 3878 participants from the U.S. with a mean age of 48.1 years (SD = 18.3, range 18-93) [17] that showed that significantly more men (60%) reported masturbating in the past month when compared to women (36.5%). Both men and women reported a patterned reason for solitary sex: to alleviate sexual tension [19,20].…”

“…Historically, engaging in solitary sexual experiences, commonly designated as "masturbation", has been associated with negative connotations, immoral behavior, and illness [16]. Nowadays, it is widely recognized as a common and beneficial sexual practice [17]. In a study conducted in a sample of 2068 women from the USA and Hungary, with a mean age of 28.8 (SD = 9.9; range 18-95), 94% reported masturbating in the last 12-24 months, with a medium of once per week or every two weeks [18].…”

“…Studies have shown that there are differences in the outcomes of solitary and partnered sexual activities, particularly in terms of their impact on relationships. Partnered activities tend to bring more benefits for those in a relationship, such as increased emotional intimacy [17,21]. On the other hand, solitary sex may have an indirect negative impact on some aspects of a relationship, as it is often associated with increased feelings of autonomy [13].…”

Actual and Desired Masturbation Frequency, Sexual Distress, and Their Correlates

“…The act is usually accompanied by sexual fantasies or erotic literature, pictures, or videos and may also include the use of mechanical devices (e.g., a vibrator) or self-stimulation of other body parts, such as the anus or nipples. Masturbation is a common sexual behavior with, for example, 60% of men and 36.5% of women engaging in it over the preceding month in a US sample (Herbenick et al, 2023). The corresponding figures in a UK 16-44-year-old sample were 73% and 37% (Gerressu et al, 2008).…”

The Role of Mutual Masturbation within Relationships: Associations with Sexual Satisfaction and Sexual Self-Esteem

“…In fact, one sexual behavior that may help with pleasure inequalities is masturbation (solo and mutual) as orgasm rates and orgasm satisfaction do not differ between men and women, and between women in same-sex and women in mixed-sex relationships during self-stimulation (Blair et al., 2018 ; Wetzel & Sanchez, 2022 ). Also, although people report various reasons to masturbate, the primary cited motivation is pleasure (Carvalheira & Leal, 2013 ; Herbenick et al., 2023 ; Rowland, Kolba, et al., 2020 ). As sexual pleasure is linked with diverse sexual experiences (Ford et al., 2021 ; Mitchell et al., 2021 ; Reis et al., 2021 ), understanding the joyful aspects of types of masturbation (solo and mutual) in relationships is important.…”