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Karaahmet AY, Bilgiç FŞ. 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. J Sex Med 2024:qdae059. [PMID: 38842265 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdae059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although sexual life and its knowledge are still taboo in many cultures, especially for women, it can negatively affect women's sexual health. AIM The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the frequency and duration of masturbation and the sexual health literacy among young Muslim women of reproductive age between 18 and 25 years living in western Turkey. METHODS The cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 921 young women in western Turkey between March and December 2023. Participants were included in the study per the snowball method. The data consisted of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors regarding masturbation, sexual life, and sexual health literacy. Data were obtained on an online platform and analyzed with SPSS (version 24; IBM). Difference, correlation, and regression analyses were performed. The significance level for statistical analyses was accepted as P < .05. OUTCOMES The outcomes of the study are the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors regarding masturbation, orgasm, sexual health literacy, and sexual function in women. RESULTS The participants were young Muslim women aged 21.00 ± 1.89 years (mean ± SD). The frequency of masturbation was 5.06 ± 2.03 times per month, and the duration was 3.47 ± 1.77 minutes per day. Masturbation frequency and duration were significantly associated with sexual health literacy and sexual function (P < .001). According to regression analysis, sexual function increased and sexual health literacy increased as masturbation frequency and duration increased (P < .001). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS This study presents results on the current situation regarding the sexual health literacy and sexual lives in women from different geographies and cultures, and it serves as a source for future studies on areas that need to be improved. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS The limitation of the study is that it was conducted only with Muslim and Turkish women who use smartphones and are sexually active, so it cannot be generalized to all women. The strengths of the study are that it was conducted with a sample of 921 women, it was based on self-report and addressed many dimensions related to masturbation and female sexuality, and the results were reached through exploratory analysis. CONCLUSION 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysu Yıldız Karaahmet
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Haliç University, 34060 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fatma Şule Bilgiç
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Haliç University, 34060 Istanbul, Turkey
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Hald GM, Pavan S, Øverup CS. Do Sex Toys Make Me Satisfied? The Use of Sex Toys in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, France, and the UK. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38294998 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2024.2304575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Sex toys are easily accessible in many countries in the Western world. Yet, cross-country studies on sex toy ownership and use and their association with relationship, sexual, and life satisfaction are rare. Using a cross-country convenience sample of 11,944 respondents from six European countries (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, France, UK), we investigated the rate and factors linked to sex toy ownership and use and their associations with sexual, relationship, and life satisfaction. Data were collected in May and June 2022 through respondent panels by Cint, a market research software platform. Participants received an e-mail invitation for the study and completed an online self-report survey. We found that more than half of respondents owned or had owned a sex toy, with the most common sex toys owned being dildos and vibrators, followed by handcuffs, penis rings, and anal sex toys. Across countries, the majority of sex toy owners reporting using these either alone or with a steady partner (55-65%) and a minority with casual partners (10-15%). Controlling for socio-demographics, parental status, sexual orientation, number of sex partners, and relationship status and length, we found that sex toy ownership and use were significantly associated with higher sexual and life satisfaction, while higher relationship satisfaction was only significantly associated with currently owning a sex toy (but not number of sex toys) and frequency of use with a partner (but not alone). Across results, we generally found little cross-country variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gert Martin Hald
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen
- School of Psychology, Deakin University
| | - Silvia Pavan
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen
- School of Psychology, Deakin University
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Cervilla O, Álvarez-Muelas A, Sierra JC. Relationship between Solitary Masturbation and Sexual Satisfaction: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:235. [PMID: 38255122 PMCID: PMC10815145 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12020235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Masturbation is a healthy sexual behavior associated with different sexual functioning dimensions, which highlights sexual satisfaction as an important manifestation of sexual wellbeing. This review aims to systematically examine studies that have associated masturbation with sexual satisfaction, both in individuals with and without a partner. Following the PRISMA statement, searches were made in the APA PsycInfo, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The search yielded 851 records, and twenty-two articles that examined the relation between solitary masturbation and sexual satisfaction were selected. In men, a negative relation between masturbation and sexual satisfaction was observed in 71.4% of the studies, 21.4% found no such relation, and 7.2% observed a positive association. In women, 40% reported no relation, 33.3% a negative relation, and 26.7% a positive one. The negative association between solitary masturbation and sexual satisfaction is consistent with the previously proposed compensatory role of masturbation, especially for men. In women, compared to men, the complementary role of masturbation in relation to sexual relationships is observed to a greater extent and is associated more closely with sexual health. The importance of including different parameters beyond the masturbation frequency in future studies to explore its relation with sexual satisfaction is emphasized. This systematic review is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023416688).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Juan Carlos Sierra
- Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain; (O.C.); (A.Á.-M.)
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Fischer N. Singles Not Sexually Satisfied? Prevalence and Predictors of Sexual Satisfaction in Single versus Partnered Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2023; 35:515-528. [PMID: 38596451 PMCID: PMC10903649 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2023.2241849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Objective The present study assesses the importance of individual, sexual behavioral, and evaluative factors on sexual satisfaction among single and partnered adults. Method Using data from a large web-sample of single (n = 1,075) and partnered (n = 3,063) individuals aged 18-89 from Norway. Results Higher contentment with sexual activity, sexual intercourse frequency, satisfaction with singlehood, and relationship satisfaction predicted higher sexual satisfaction, across relationship status and sex. Conclusions To tackle singlism and stereotypes about singles' sex lives, there is a need to further examine sexuality in singlehood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nantje Fischer
- Department of Psychology, National Research Centre on Sexual Health and Wellbeing (NaRSex), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Kılıç D, Armstrong HL, Graham CA. The Role of Mutual Masturbation within Relationships: Associations with Sexual Satisfaction and Sexual Self-Esteem. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2023; 35:495-514. [PMID: 38596452 PMCID: PMC10903564 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2023.2237950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Objectives We explored mutual masturbation among women and men and investigated associations with sexual satisfaction and sexual self-esteem. Methods 117 women and 151 men (Mage = 29.7 years), mostly heterosexual, all in current relationships, completed an online survey covering experiences of solo and partnered sexual activities, feelings about mutual masturbation, sexual self-esteem, and sexual satisfaction. Results Mutual masturbation was common among both genders. Men reported significantly higher positive feelings about mutual masturbation than women. Recent mutual masturbation was positively associated with sexual satisfaction but not with sexual self-esteem. Conclusions These findings have implications for sex and couple therapy and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilan Kılıç
- Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Cynthia A. Graham
- Department of Gender Studies and The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
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Herbenick D, Fu TC, Wasata R, Coleman E. 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. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:1317-1331. [PMID: 36575264 PMCID: PMC9794105 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02505-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debby Herbenick
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
| | - Tsung-Chieh Fu
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Ruhun Wasata
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Eli Coleman
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Institute for Sexual and Gender Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Fischer N, Træen B. A Seemingly Paradoxical Relationship Between Masturbation Frequency and Sexual Satisfaction. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:3151-3167. [PMID: 35790612 PMCID: PMC9255456 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02305-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite many benefits related to masturbation, we know surprisingly little about how solo sex is associated with sexual satisfaction. Using questionnaire data from a probability-based sample of 4,160 Norwegians aged 18-89 years, we explored subgroups of women and men that differed in their masturbation-sexual satisfaction typology and examined whether sociodemographic, psychological, and sexual behavioral characteristics were associated with distinct masturbation-satisfaction patterns. A cluster analysis revealed four similar groupings for women and men, reflecting sex lives characterized by high masturbation/sexual satisfaction, low masturbation/sexual satisfaction, high masturbation/sexual dissatisfaction, or low masturbation/sexual dissatisfaction. While being younger, higher pornography consumption, and sexual variety were primarily associated with increased masturbation frequency, sexual distress and a negative body and genital self-image were more clearly associated with sexual dissatisfaction. Predicting different masturbation-satisfaction groupings also revealed some gender-specific findings in the use of pornography, and in the association between masturbation and intercourse frequency, which suggested a complementary pattern for women and a compensatory pattern for men. Our findings emphasize that the linkage between masturbation and sexual satisfaction warrants closer focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nantje Fischer
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Gaustadalleén 30, 0373, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Bente Træen
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Gaustadalleén 30, 0373, Oslo, Norway
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Pozza D, Pozza M, Mosca A, Pozza C. Cyber pornography use and masturbation outburst. Considerations on 150 italian patients complaining erectile dysfunction and trying to solve it. Arch Ital Urol Androl 2022; 94:228-231. [PMID: 35775352 DOI: 10.4081/aiua.2022.2.228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to verify the rate of masturbation (Mst) in a group of 150 Italian patients complaining Erectile Dysfunction (ED). MATERIALS AND METHODS Our diagnostic protocol for penile and sexual problems included the collection of the patient's history, general and local clinical examination, and metabolic and hormonal analyses. Selected patients were also submitted to nocturnal penile tumescence test (Rigiscan), Duplex ultrasound of the penis, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, neurological tests and cardiological examination. A group of 150 Italian males (aged between 20 and 86 years) who complained ED and who presented to our Andrological Center to research the possibility of correcting their ED and being able to recover adequate sexual erectile activity were included in this study. In this group of patients suffering from ED we decided to evaluate the practice of Mst by asking specific questions: 1. Do you sometimes practice Mst? 2. How often in a week? 3. Is Mst hidden or known by the partner? 4. What do you use as a masturbatory sexual stimulus? The frequency of Mst was assessed according to a Likert scale as follow: a: No Mst; b:1-2/week; c: 2-3/week; d: > 3/week; e: daily or more. We also asked if it was possible to have penetrative marital intercourse on the same day as Mst (1-10 hours). We also asked what they used as a triggering sexual stimulus: press magazines, TV movies, the WEB. RESULTS Only 5/150 patients did not report Mst while 27/145 pts (aged 20-30 years) reported it more than 3 times a week; 44/145 (aged 31-50 years) 1-3 times a week and 27/145 (51-86 years) 1-2 times a week. Almost all patients used WebPorn as a stimulus for Mst. A group of patients over the age of 50 said they were quite satisfied with the physical results of Mst even though they would prefer to have sex as part of a couple relationship. CONCLUSIONS The outburst of Mst in this web-dominated era could affect the sexual activity of individual males and couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Pozza
- Studio di Andrologia e di Chirurgia Andrologica, Roma.
| | | | - Augusto Mosca
- UO Urologia e Andrologia, San Sebastiano Hospital, Frascati (RM).
| | - Carlotta Pozza
- Department Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome.
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