New research shows 85% of women participate in self-pleasure at least once a week. This finding challenges what we've always assumed about women's masturbation habits. Studies reveal that one-third of these women are "Super Users" who practice self-pleasure more than three times weekly.
Women's masturbation patterns change based on their age and relationship status. About 70% of women have tried self-pleasure at some point. A newer study from Switzerland found women masturbate roughly nine times per month, and their stress levels play a big part in how often they do it.
This piece dives into the newest research about how often women masturbate. It covers their main reasons, health benefits, and what affects self-pleasure habits among women of different ages and relationship situations.
Latest Research on Female Masturbation Frequency
Recent 2023 research shows the global masturbation gap between men and women has grown from 47% to 57.7%.
Global masturbation statistics 2025
Women's masturbation habits vary greatly by region. American women top the global charts with 90 masturbation sessions annually. French women record the lowest numbers at 66 times per year. Women masturbate about 3.24 times weekly on average.
A study of 1,068 people, mostly from Europe (46%) and North America (43%), revealed that 40.3% of women pleasure themselves more than once a week. Most women prefer using sex toys (44%) or manual stimulation (42%) during masturbation.
Age group differences
The data shows clear patterns across different age groups:
- Ages 20-29: More than 40% masturbate monthly
- Ages 16-24: 37% pleasure themselves regularly
- Ages 65-74: 10% keep up regular masturbation habits
- Ages 70+: 12% reported activity in the past month
Relationship status impact
Being in a relationship plays a big role in how often women masturbate. Women who are single but dating masturbate more than those who aren't dating. Women in committed relationships tend to keep steady masturbation patterns.
The link between relationships and sexual satisfaction reveals some surprising facts. Women without partners report better sexual satisfaction than those with partners when we look at intercourse frequency. Among women who masturbate, 59% reach orgasm during solo activities, while only 15% do so with partners.
Latest numbers show about 25% of women worldwide don't masturbate, up from 21% in earlier studies. These changes point to evolving sexual behaviors and society's views on female self-pleasure.
Why Do Women Masturbate? Key Motivations
Research shows that women's reasons to self-pleasure go way beyond physical satisfaction and help their psychological well-being and emotional health.
Stress relief benefits
Studies show that masturbation helps women cope with psychological stress. The brain releases helpful hormones like serotonin and dopamine that create pleasure and satisfaction. The release of oxytocin helps reduce anxiety levels and processes negative emotional triggers.
Women with high stress levels tend to self-pleasure more through clitoral stimulation. The research points out that masturbation releases endocannabinoids, which play a significant role in reducing anxiety and controlling emotional behavior.
Sexual exploration
Self-pleasure helps women understand their bodies and priorities better. Research proves that women who keep practicing masturbation report higher levels of sexual satisfaction and know how to express their needs to partners better.
Studies show that women who explore self-pleasure often experience:
- Better sexual confidence
- Better partner communication
- Clear understanding of personal priorities
- More sexual satisfaction in relationships
Health advantages
The physical health benefits of masturbation are many. Regular self-pleasure makes pelvic floor muscles stronger through natural contractions. Women who practice self-pleasure regularly show better heart health and are less likely to develop type-2 diabetes.
Research proves that masturbation works as a natural pain reliever, especially when dealing with menstrual pain. This practice improves blood flow to the vulva and helps women with vaginal dryness or atrophy. Regular self-pleasure might boost immune function because of small increases in cortisol levels after orgasm.
Self-pleasure works great as a sleep aid because it releases vasopressin and melatonin after orgasm. These hormones work with oxytocin's calming effects to create perfect conditions for deep, restful sleep.
Common Barriers to Female Self-Pleasure
Women today are more aware of their sexuality, yet deep cultural barriers still affect their relationship with self-pleasure. A newer study shows that 25% of UK women aged 18-34 see masturbation as shameful.
Cultural taboos
Religious and cultural beliefs shape how people view female self-pleasure. Western religious perspectives have made masturbation a cultural stigma. Sexual liberation has come a long way, but Americans still don't deal very well with sex-positive attitudes, especially when it comes to female sexual activity.
These cultural barriers show up through 'slut shaming,' which makes women feel 'dirty' even in private moments. Female masturbation faces extra challenges because society tends to view women's sexuality only through their relationships with others.
Lack of education
Schools fall short when teaching about female self-pleasure. Only 20 U.S. states provide medically accurate sex education. A detailed analysis shows these worrying statistics:
- Schools cover just a few sexual health topics
- Most states either have no clear curriculum or push abstinence-only education
- Medical schools spend only three hours teaching about menopause
This lack of education has serious effects. Young people feel frustrated about not getting enough information about sexuality and sexual behavior in their classes. Nobody talks about female anatomy and sexuality, which creates shame and makes it hard for women to talk with partners about their sexual needs.
Education gaps affect age groups differently. Studies show younger women struggle more, with 61% of girls reporting never having masturbated, compared to only 7% of boys. This difference comes from old gender stereotypes that make male self-pleasure normal while judging female exploration.
Poor education continues past the teenage years. Healthcare professionals get minimal training in female sexual health, which limits their knowledge to help with concerns effectively. Women might avoid getting needed medical care because they don't feel comfortable asking for sexual health support.
Health Benefits of Regular Self-Pleasure
Self-pleasure gives women many scientifically proven health benefits. A detailed study shows that 95% of women experience better well-being after they engage in self-pleasure.
Physical benefits
Self-pleasure makes cardiovascular health stronger as it increases heart rate and blood flow. Women who regularly practice self-pleasure show better resistance to type-2 diabetes and coronary heart disease.
This practice helps prevent cervical infections and treats urinary tract infections through natural processes. Yes, it is true that the orgasmic response 'tents' or opens the cervix and protects against infections. The blood flow to the vulva increases during masturbation, which helps with vaginal dryness and atrophy - common problems during menopause.
Regular self-pleasure gives these physical benefits:
- Better immune function through post-orgasm cortisol increases
- Less menstrual cramps because of endorphin release
- Stronger pelvic floor muscles from natural contractions
Mental health improvements
Self-pleasure releases multiple beneficial hormones. We noticed that dopamine and serotonin create feelings of pleasure and satisfaction that boost overall mood. Women use masturbation as a great way to cope with psychological distress.
The practice releases oxytocin, the 'love hormone' that creates feelings of well-being and affection. Gloria Brame, Ph.D., describes an orgasm as "the biggest non-drug blast of dopamine available". These hormonal changes help fight cortisol, the main stress hormone.
Sleep quality enhancement
Sexual activity with orgasm helps you sleep better according to scientific studies. Your body releases prolactin and vasopressin after orgasm that work with melatonin to control sleep cycles. Research shows that 95% of individuals sleep better after an orgasm.
Sleep benefits happen with orgasms from both partner activity and self-pleasure. A small percentage of people might feel more alert though. The mix of hormones - oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin - creates perfect conditions to get deep, restful sleep.
How Often Should Women Masturbate?
Studies from different countries show various patterns in how often women pleasure themselves. The numbers tell us that 41% of women pleasure themselves monthly. Women typically pleasure themselves eight times per month.
Finding your natural rhythm
Women's personal pleasure patterns can be quite different from each other. A newer study, published in 2019 by German researchers found that 27% of women pleasure themselves two to three times weekly, while 26% stick to a weekly schedule. These patterns usually stay the same even when women are in relationships.
How often someone pleasures themselves changes based on several factors:
- Hormonal changes throughout menstrual cycle
- Personal stress levels and daily routines
- Individual libido variations
- Current relationship status
- Overall health conditions
Experts suggest starting with two 15-20 minute sessions weekly for anyone looking to develop a regular practice. Some women find it helpful to sync their self-pleasure with their menstrual cycle. This helps them make the most of their natural hormonal changes.
Signs of healthy frequency
A healthy self-pleasure pattern should feel natural both physically and emotionally. The right frequency lets you maintain balance in your daily life without affecting your work, relationships, or other responsibilities.
Research shows that women who pleasure themselves tend to complement their partnered intimacy rather than replace it. Women who regularly practice self-pleasure report better satisfaction with their overall sex lives.
Sometimes people worry about how often they pleasure themselves. Medical experts say self-pleasure stays healthy unless it:
- Affects your daily responsibilities
- Causes physical discomfort
- Becomes compulsive
- Replaces desired partner intimacy
Recent studies show that 40% of women pleasured themselves in the previous month. This suggests growing acceptance of female self-pleasure as a normal part of sexual health. Each person's ideal frequency varies. Some women choose daily practice while others prefer monthly or occasional exploration.
A newer study from 2020 covering 12 countries found women pleasure themselves about 49 times annually. This data shows big differences across cultures and age groups. There's no single "right" frequency. Experts encourage women to find their comfort level and adjust as needed.
Conclusion
Science shows that female self-pleasure is a natural and healthy activity with the most important physical and mental health benefits. Women of all demographics practice masturbation about eight times per month, though rates vary worldwide.
Women's relationship with self-pleasure faces ongoing challenges from cultural barriers and gaps in education. All the same, research backs up its many benefits - from better sleep to stress reduction. Women who regularly practice self-pleasure report better sexual satisfaction and improved overall well-being.
Experts don't focus on specific target numbers. They suggest finding your own natural rhythm that feels right. This personal approach lets women explore self-pleasure without pressure and balance it with their daily life and relationships.
Society's growing acceptance of female masturbation shows positive shifts in attitudes. While education gaps and cultural taboos remain challenging, more women now see self-pleasure as vital to their sexual health and personal well-being.
FAQs
Q1. How frequently do women typically engage in self-pleasure? On average, women masturbate about eight times per month. However, frequency can vary widely among individuals, with some women practicing daily and others preferring monthly or occasional exploration.
Q2. Does relationship status affect masturbation habits in women? Yes, relationship status can influence masturbation frequency. Single and dating women tend to have higher masturbation rates compared to those who are not dating. However, women in committed relationships often maintain regular self-pleasure practices as well.
Q3. What are some health benefits of regular female masturbation? Regular self-pleasure offers numerous health benefits for women, including stress relief, improved sleep quality, strengthened pelvic floor muscles, and potential protection against certain infections. It can also contribute to better cardiovascular health and enhanced immune function.
Q4. Are there any cultural barriers to female self-pleasure? Yes, cultural taboos and lack of comprehensive sex education continue to be significant barriers. Many women, especially younger ones, may feel shame or guilt about masturbation due to religious influences, societal stigma, or insufficient information about female sexuality.
Q5. How can women determine a healthy masturbation frequency for themselves? There's no universal "correct" frequency for masturbation. Women should find a personal rhythm that feels comfortable and doesn't interfere with daily responsibilities or relationships. It's healthy as long as it doesn't cause physical discomfort, become compulsive, or replace desired partner intimacy.