Women who masturbate more frequently tend to have better sexual health literacy and sexual functioning, study finds

A study of sexually active Turkish Muslim women found that those who masturbate more frequently have better sexual health literacy and sexual functioning. On average, this sample of women reported masturbating five times per month. The study was published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.

Sexual desire is a natural human instinct characterized by a longing or drive for sexual intimacy and connection. It varies greatly among individuals and can fluctuate over time due to personal, health-related, or situational factors. Sexual desire is influenced by hormones, emotions, stress, and social or relationship dynamics. It is a core component of sexuality, which encompasses sexual orientation, a wide range of behaviors, and emotional connections.

Humans satisfy their sexual desires in various ways, including intimate relationships with partners and self-stimulation, such as masturbation. Masturbation involves self-stimulation of the genitals for pleasure or sexual release. It is a common behavior among people of all genders, ages, and sexual orientations. While generally considered healthy and safe, cultural, religious, and societal attitudes toward masturbation can influence how individuals perceive and feel about the practice.

Study authors Aysu Yıldız Karaahmet and Fatma Sule Bilgiç sought to examine the frequency and duration of masturbation among Turkish Muslim women and its relationship with sexual function and sexual health literacy.

The study included 921 sexually active young Muslim women from western Turkey, aged 18 to 25. Participants were unmarried, not taking medication that could affect sexual function, and free of any diagnosed sexual dysfunction.

Participants completed assessments measuring sexual health literacy (using the Sexual Health Literacy Scale – SHLS) and sexual functioning (using the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale). They also reported the frequency and duration of their masturbation habits.

On average, participants reported masturbating five times per month, with sessions lasting 3–4 minutes. Overall, women who reported masturbating more frequently demonstrated better sexual health literacy and sexual functioning.

Additional findings included:

• 46% of women watched pornographic content while masturbating.
• 62% did not use a vibrator.
• 53% reported masturbating in bed.
• 59% said they masturbated between midnight and 6:00 a.m.
• 77% felt no regret after masturbation.
• 74% stated they experienced satisfaction after masturbation and reported better sleep.
• 66% reported reaching orgasm during masturbation.
• 69% said they did not masturbate after engaging in sexual intercourse.

“The study found that the higher the duration and frequency of masturbation in young women, the better their sexual function and higher their sexual literacy. Appropriate touch and knowledge of the female body and regular masturbation may affect sexual health and orgasm in women. Programs can be designed, implemented, and evaluated to promote women’s sexual health literacy. Sexual health literacy education should be one of the goals of health centers,” the study authors concluded.

The study sheds light on the masturbation practices of young women in Western Turkey. However, it should be noted that all study participants were young Turkish Muslim women. Results on other demographic and age groups might not be identical.

The paper, “Relationship between the frequency and duration of masturbation and the sexual health literacy and sexual function of women in western Turkey: a cross-sectional study,” was authored by Aysu Yıldız Karaahmet and Fatma Sule Bilgiç.