A Seemingly Paradoxical Relationship Between Masturbation Frequency and Sexual Satisfaction

The Medical, Sociological, Psychological, Religious, and Spiritual Aspects of Masturbation and a Potential Approach to Therapy Based on Catholic Teaching and Virtues Psychology

Masturbation is common and generally accepted in Western society as a normal, healthy activity. In contrast, the Catholic Church holds that masturbation is immoral. Noting that the human person is a profound unity of body and spirit, if the Church is correct, masturbation should have negative effects on the human person. If the secular view is correct, masturbation should have conversely positive effects. This paper is divided into three parts. An in-depth literature survey was performed to evaluate the physical, medical, psychological, sociological and spiritual correlates of masturbation. The second part is a theological summary of the Catholic understanding of masturbation. The third part is an approach to therapy. Physically, masturbation was found to be less sexually satisfying than intercourse. Medical complications include penile injury and self-asphyxial behavior. Psychologically, masturbation was found to be associated with depression, anxiety, immature defenses, hypersexuality, guilt, poor body self-image and stress in the workplace. Sociologically most studies indicate a negative correlation between masturbation and relationship satisfaction, quality, intimacy, relational happiness, emotional satisfaction with the partner, trust, passion, and love. Spiritually, masturbation is highly positively correlated with pornography consumption and negatively with religion and religiosity. There is a higher rate of masturbation in homosexuals and bisexuals than in heterosexuals. Theologically, masturbation and pornography directly violate the religious virtue of chastity, undermining one's prayer life and the motivation to develop a spiritual life. Therapeutically, positive psychology, which emphasizes cultivating what it identifies as virtues, including justice, courage, temperance, wisdom (similar to prudence), transcendence (similar to hope) and humanity (similar to charity), can be used to counsel individuals struggling with masturbation. Once the harms are understood, a person can be counseled that this temptation represents a challenge, an opportunity to build self-control, and with self-control the capacity to develop character strengths and major virtues.

Comparative Investigation of Genital Self-image and Sexual Function in Women with and Without a History of Female Genital Cosmetic Procedures: A Cross-sectional Study

Background

Despite the increasing growth of female genital cosmetic procedures, the long-term effects of these procedures are not clearly understood. This study was conducted to compare the genital self-image and sexual function in women with and without female genital cosmetic procedures.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 315 participants (210 women without a history of genital cosmetic surgery and 105 women with it) in Alborz province, Iran, from early February 2023 to mid-May 2023. The sampling was done conveniently. Data collection instruments were Female Genital Self Image Scale and Female Sexual Function Index. Statistical analysis was done in SPSS 16 software using t-test, chi-square, and logistic regression, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The use of laser to tighten the vagina with 77.77% and Perineoplasty with 29.2% were the main cosmetic procedures. The mean duration passed from the surgical procedures was 4.79±3.60 years, while it was 1.13±0.74 years for non-surgical procedures. Women with a history of genital procedures had a higher mean age (39.45±10.38, P=0.023). However, they were lower regarding the level of education (P<0.001), family income (P<0.001), and exercise (P<0.001). Also, they showed a higher number of pregnancies (P<0.001), deliveries (P<0.001), vaginal delivery (P<0.001), episiotomy (P<0.001), and neonates with a weight of ≥3.5 kg (P=0.002). In both groups, midwives and doctors were the most important sources of information about the appearance and function of reproductive system. However, the genital self-image and sexual function of the two groups did not differ significantly (P>0.05).

Conclusion

No difference in sexual self-image and lack of difference in sexual function after cosmetic procedures show the need to pay attention to recommending and selecting these procedures. Public awareness about the diverse and natural forms of the female genitalia, education about the variety of the factors affecting sexual function, reduction of unnecessary interventions, increase in physiological births, retraining doctors and midwives, and multidimensional counseling can help to choose more appropriate candidates for cosmetic procedures.

Masturbation, sexual function, and genital self-image of undergraduate women: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The relationship between factors related to masturbation, sexual function, and genital self-image among women has not been fully explored in the literature.

AIM

The study sought to investigate the association between masturbation frequency, feelings, and behaviors with sexual function and genital self-image in young women.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey among 110 undergraduate female students was conducted. Online self-administered questionnaires to assess sociodemographic characteristics, masturbatory frequency, feelings, and behavior were completed. Participants also answered the Brazilian version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS).

OUTCOMES

The outcome includes masturbation frequency and behaviors associated, as well as scores on the FSFI and FGSIS.

RESULTS

Women showed higher scores in FSFI subdomains when masturbation was considered important for them, along with reported feelings of empowerment and satisfaction during this activity. However, those who experienced negative emotions during masturbation, such as shame or guilt, demonstrated a significant association with lower scores in both FSFI and FGSIS. Masturbation frequency was found to correlate with better sexual function specifically in the desire domain among women who engaged in daily masturbation. Additionally, an association was observed between higher scores in the FGSIS and increased scores in the domains of satisfaction, arousal, and orgasm within the FSFI. There was an association in the domain's satisfaction, arousal, and orgasm of the FSFI with greater scores in FGSIS.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The clinical implications encompass the augmentation of understanding pertaining to female sexual function.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

The study provides valuable insights into the sexual behavior of undergraduate female students, and its methodology improves openness in responses, as it provides anonymity given the sensitive nature of the topic studied. Study limitations include the unsuitability of the FSFI questionnaire for sexually inactive women in the past 4 weeks; the participation bias and reporting bias in sexuality searches; and the unknown validity of the investigator-derived questionnaire about masturbation, as it has not been previously validated.

CONCLUSION

Masturbation frequency has minimal to no impact on female sexual function, whereas harboring positive feelings toward it and maintaining a positive genital self-image may exert a positive influence on sexual function.

Relationship between Solitary Masturbation and Sexual Satisfaction: A Systematic Review

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).

Associations between Genital Self-Image and Individuals' Own and Perceived Partner Sexual Satisfaction

Negative genital self-image is linked with lower sexual satisfaction, but no research has examined its association with perceptions of partners' sexual satisfaction. In two studies (N = 475, N = 234), we examined links between genital self-image and own and individuals' perceived partner sexual satisfaction. In the second study, we tested whether a mindfulness intervention moderated these associations. In both studies, more negative genital self-image was significantly associated with individuals' lower own and perceived partner sexual satisfaction concurrently and over a two-week period. Mindfulness intervention exposure did not moderate associations. Findings support negative genital self-image as a risk factor for sexual dissatisfaction.

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

We investigated the prevalence of problematic masturbation using different criteria. We also investigated if masturbation-related distress was associated with sexual abuse history, family attitudes towards sexuality during childhood, and depression and anxiety symptoms. Here, 12,271 Finnish men and women completed a survey reporting masturbation frequency, desired masturbation frequency, sexual distress, childhood sexual abuse, sex-positive family background, as well as depression and anxiety symptoms. Among both sexes, those whose masturbation frequency did not match with desired frequency experienced more sexual distress. Different conceptualizations of problematic masturbation resulted in different proportions of individuals categorized as having it (i.e., 8.3% of men and 2.7% of women experienced self-perceived problematic masturbation, that is masturbating more than they desired and experiencing sexual distress; 2% of men and 0.6% of women masturbated more frequently than average and meanwhile experienced self-perceived problematic masturbation; 6.3% of men and 2.1% of women masturbated less frequently than average but still experienced self-perceived problematic masturbation). Moreover, among both sexes, self-perceived problematic masturbation was positively associated with childhood sexual abuse, depression, and anxiety, while negatively associated with a sex-positive family background. Our results point to the complexity of defining problematic masturbation. Causes of sexual distress related to masturbation need to be carefully examined case by case to choose an appropriate clinical approach.

Singles Not Sexually Satisfied? Prevalence and Predictors of Sexual Satisfaction in Single versus Partnered Adults

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.

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

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.

Why Men Masturbate: Reasons and Correlates in Men with and without Sexual Dysfunction

Men purportedly masturbate for a variety of reasons, but systematic investigation of men's reasons has been lacking. We analyzed reasons why men masturbate (n = 2967, mean age = 37.7, SD = 12.9), whether men with and without sexual problems differ in their reasons, and whether those reasons vary with the frequency of masturbation and partnered sex. Results indicated that deriving pleasure, decreasing sexual tension, and reducing anxiety/stress were among the top motives, whereas partner issues were cited less frequently. Men with sexual dysfunctions showed only minor differences from men without sexual dysfunctions, the former more often citing anxiety/stress reduction as a motive. In addition, samples tapping participants from two world regions showed only minor differences in their patterns of responding. Motives for masturbation were also related to both the frequency of masturbation and the frequency of partnered sex. Overall, these findings indicate that men, like women, masturbate primarily for the positive reinforcing effects of pleasure, but in contrast with women, men are also more likely to use masturbation for the negatively reinforcing effects of reducing anxiety/distress. Unsatisfying sex with the partner and/or relationship issues were cited as a reason for masturbation in only a minority of men.

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

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.

A Seemingly Paradoxical Relationship Between Masturbation Frequency and Sexual Satisfaction

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.