The Benefits of Masturbation

In the US, 90% of men state that they’ve already masturbated at least once in their lifetime, and 72% within the last year (Herbenick et al., 2010). Across the channel in France, 92.6% of men aged between 18 and 69 years old have already masturbated before (Inserm, 2023).

Regarding women, in the US 88% of women report having already masturbated, and 40% within the last year (Herbenick et al., 2010). For French women, we see an increase in the trend, going from 42.4% in 1992 all the way to 72.9% in 2023. These figures reflect more relaxed customs and diverse sexual practices (Inserm, 2023).

Concerning frequency, in the US, 65% of men and 40% of women aged between 18-29 masturbate at least once a month. The older the demographic, the more the frequency with which people masturbate decreases. Amongst both sexes aged between 50 and 60, 56% of respondents say they masturbate at least once a month, compared to 28% of those aged 70 and over (Herbenick et al., 2010).

The most commonly cited motivations are arousal, stress reduction, and relaxation. The most common reasons to avoid masturbation tend to be a lack of sexual interest, being in a romantic relationship, and viewing masturbation as incompatible with one’s moral or religious values (Herbenick et al., 2022).

Masturbation is a completely natural practice that can be observed amongst most mammals, such as primates and dolphins. Masturbation amongst humans is seen in both sexes and at all ages. Even foetuses exhibit behaviours likened to that of sexual self-stimulation! (Rodríguez Fernández & López Ramón Y Cajal, 2016).

Masturbation also plays a big role in discovering the body, understanding the erogenous zones and learning your own sexual responses. This practice also contributes to a heightened awareness of one’s own body and positive body image. What’s more, thanks to the autonomy of such a practice, masturbation also aids in the reduction of sexually related risks (Herbenick et al., 2010).

For men, ejaculating more often is linked to a reduced risk of contracting prostate cancer. One scientific journal indicates that 44% of studies carried out state masturbation and ejaculation as having a protective effect (Aboul-Enein et al., 2016). Subjects that have been studied over a longer period, like those by Leitzmann et al. (2004) and Rider et al. (2016), also confirm that regular ejaculation is linked to a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. Besides prostate health alone, masturbation contributes to better overall health.

During arousal and orgasm, sexual pleasure leads to a release of various neuromediators and hormones — dopamine (the reward and pleasure circuit), endorphins (a natural analgesic), oxytocin and prolactin (affection, relaxation and post-orgasmic satisfaction) — that favour feelings of relaxation and well-being (Gimpl & Fahrenholz, 2001).

Masturbation is known as a strategy for reducing pain. Research has been conducted on headache sufferers that have had sexual encounters during an attack (Hambach et al., 2013). 60% of patients suffering from migraines have reported improvements in their symptoms, and 33% reported an aggravation in their symptoms. Orgasms and masturbation can also help to alleviate period pains (Ellison, 2000). Orgasms and genital stimulation increase one’s pain threshold, attesting to its analgesic properties (Whipple & Komisaruk, 1988).

Finally, masturbation can be used as a strategy to provide emotional relief. When experienced in a free, shameless way, it can promote relaxation and emotional regulation. It also reinforces self-confidence (Love, 2018).

Masturbation is a tool of sexual exploration and education (e.g., practices that provide pleasure such as learning how to delay ejaculation or discovering clitoral stimulation ), which can help to improve sexual satisfaction both solo or within a couple. Nevertheless, some partners perceive masturbation as a sign of loss of interest or compensation, especially in cases where it’s practiced in secret or replaces desired intimate relations within a couple. Open communication and consensually integrating masturbation into a couple’s sex life generally improves intimacy and sexual satisfaction (Herbenick et al., 2022).

Masturbation, just like any gratifying behaviour, may become problematic if it takes up an overwhelming amount of space in a person’s life, for example if it interferes with work, relationships, or one’s mental health. At this point, we may consider one’s practices to be a form of compulsive sexual behaviour disorder (CSBD), now recognised in the ICD-11- international classification of diseases (World Health Organization, 2019). This diagnosis applies when the behaviour causes significant distress or impairment in functioning. Such issues require adapted psychotherapeutic care (Kraus et al., 2018).

Additionally, masturbation, when associated with risky practices (unsterilised objects, too often and too much pressure), can cause injury to the area. The real question, therefore, is not “do I have to masturbate?”, but “in what conditions can masturbation be good for me?” The answer depends on the levels of independence, pleasure, and freedom with which each person engages with and enjoys the experience.

The issue of pornography frequently comes up in discussions about masturbation. However, watching porn isn’t always synonymous with sexual dissatisfaction. A meta-analysis comprised of 41 studies indicates a negative correlation between porn and sexual satisfaction amongst women only (Abdi et al., 2024).

When discussing masturbation, the problem isn’t with porn itself, but instead with:

• The type of content consumed (stereotyped, unrealistic, violent)
• The context in which it’s consumed (boredom, stress, isolation)
• Frequency and compulsion (intrusive, hindering the individual’s mental, physical and social functioning of the individual) (Nolin et al., 2024).

Like any behaviour, masturbation can become problematic when it is used automatically, repetitively, and unconsciously. It is not the action itself that is at issue, but rather its inclusion in a cycle of systematic unloading and/or compensation. Thus, it may be beneficial to verify from time to time whether you’re able to masturbate without watching porn, by being able to rely on your imagination (fantasies) to access pleasure. Because beyond compulsion, the danger would be needing increasingly stimulating images to become aroused, to the point of being conditioned by pornography to feel desire or pleasure. Being in the sharing of bodies, slowness, communication, and participating in simpler and more natural intimate scenes is therefore important to continue enjoying accessible excitement with your partner(s).

With its presence online and on social media, the ‘NoFap’ movement makes promises of newfound energy, mental clarity and virility thanks to abstention from masturbation. There are, however, no scientific studies to corroborate such statements. On the other hand, a rigid ban on self stimulation can provoke heightened psychological tension and even promote compulsive behaviours.

Zimmer & Imhoff (2020) show that imposed abstinence can accentuate intrusive thoughts of a sexual nature, as well as feelings of guilt and unease, without providing any sexual health benefits. Members of the ‘NoFap’ movement actually report feelings of guilt and personal moral rigidness (Zimmer & Imhoff, 2020).

In reality, the NoFap movement is an example of a complex sociocultural dynamic that mixes pseudoscientific beliefs, a quest for self-control, and moralistic ideologies linked to sexuality. This is a warning, therefore, to be careful when it comes to forms of unreliable discourse that claim to have a medical basis…

First and foremost, it is essential to consider masturbation as a normal and non-pathological practice in sex education and health consultations. Bodily self-exploration and communicating with your partner on the subject is perceived as a basis for positive sexuality. If impediments and unpleasant feelings persist, or in the event of medical concerns (pain, physical symptoms, or suspected compulsive behaviour), do not hesitate to speak to a doctor or sexologist.

Research confirms that masturbation is a healthy practice that provides various benefits in terms of pleasure, emotional regulation, self understanding, self-esteem, and general health benefits. Masturbation is much more than a simple mechanical gesture: it’s a practice that focuses on exploration and recentring oneself. Just as the sexologist Philippe Brenot (2021) reminds us, discovering one’s own body is the starting point for a free and happy sexuality.

Masturbating is a great way of better understanding your own body and desires. To accompany you in your exploration, the LOVE Team has chosen a few high quality products that favour comfort, curiosity and sensory discovery. These tools will no doubt transform your solo moments into veritable experiences of personal fulfilment.