Do Women Masturbate? Stats, Myths & Benefits
Let’s be honest — the question “do women masturbate?” still feels a little taboo to ask out loud. But the answer is a resounding yes. Most of us do at some point, some regularly, some occasionally, and some never. And every single one of those choices is completely normal, healthy, and valid.
Key Takeaways
- Masturbation is incredibly common among women — around 85% have tried it at least once, and many do it regularly.
- Frequency varies widely due to age, hormones, relationship status, culture, and personal lifestyle — there’s no “normal” amount.
- It offers real benefits: stress relief, better sleep, mood boost, stronger pelvic floor, and deeper self-knowledge for better partnered sex.
- Guilt and shame often come from outdated cultural messages, but letting go of them is liberating and empowering.
How Often Do Women Actually Masturbate?
The Real Statistics
There’s no single answer to “how often do women masturbate,” but research gives us a clear picture. Studies consistently show that female masturbation is far more common than many people assume.
|
Behavior |
Percentage of Women |
Source Notes |
|
Ever masturbated |
~85% |
Multiple large-scale surveys |
|
In the past month (all ages) |
20–40% |
Higher in younger groups |
|
Ages 20–29 (past month) |
>40% |
Herbenick et al. |
|
Ages 70+ (past month) |
~12% |
Herbenick et al. |
|
Never masturbated |
~15–44% |
Varies by study and culture |
Tip: There is no “right” frequency. What matters is what feels good and natural for you.
Why Experiences and Frequency Vary
Every woman’s relationship with solo pleasure is unique. Here are the main factors that influence how often (or whether) women masturbate:
- Age and hormones — desire often peaks in the 20s–30s and can shift during menopause.
- Relationship status — single women or those with more privacy may do it more often.
- Cultural and religious upbringing — open conversations encourage exploration; stigma can create guilt.
- Stress and mood — many use masturbation as a natural stress-reliever and mood booster.
-
Lifestyle — busy schedules, kids, or lack of privacy can reduce opportunities.
Rather than comparing yourself to averages, focus on what feels right for your body and life.
The Real Benefits of Female Masturbation
Beyond pleasure, masturbation offers proven physical and emotional perks:
|
Benefit |
How It Helps |
|
Stress relief & better sleep |
Releases endorphins and lowers cortisol |
|
Mood & self-esteem boost |
Increases feel-good hormones |
|
Stronger pelvic floor |
Natural muscle contractions during orgasm |
|
Higher libido & better partnered sex |
You learn exactly what you like |
|
Period cramp relief |
Endorphins and gentle contractions ease pain |
Choosing Toys for Solo Exploration
If you’re curious about adding toys, start with something gentle and beginner-friendly. At Svakom, we design premium, body-safe silicone toys that are quiet, rechargeable, and perfect for discovering new sensations.
If you’re exploring toys for the first time, these gentle options are often well-loved by beginners:
- Echo2 – Tiny tongue-like clitoral stimulator with precise, quiet vibrations.
- Cici 2 – Slim, flexible G-spot vibrator that’s gentle and beginner-friendly.
- PULSE LITE NEO – Hands-free air-pulse technology for intense, touch-free pleasure.
Pair any of these with our Svakom Water-Based Lube for silky, long-lasting glide. Explore our full collection and find what feels right for you: Svakom Best Sellers.
Breaking the Shame and Guilt
Want to dive deeper into common myths around masturbation? Check out this insightful TEDx talk by sex therapist Teesha Morgan — it perfectly complements the stats and benefits we've covered:
The biggest obstacle for many women is lingering shame from cultural or family messages. But masturbation is natural, healthy, and enjoyed by millions. Letting go of guilt is one of the most empowering things you can do for your body and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is “normal” for women to masturbate?
There’s no universal normal — daily, weekly, monthly, or never. Whatever feels right for you is perfect. 😊
Does masturbating affect my health?
It’s safe and often beneficial for stress, sleep, and mood. Only pause if you feel discomfort.
Does it mean I’m unhappy in my relationship?
Not at all. Many happily partnered women enjoy solo pleasure — it’s personal, not a replacement.
Should I feel guilty?
No. You deserve to feel good in your body, guilt-free. Millions of women do it, and it’s completely natural.
Jamie Lane
Jamie Lane is a passionate sex educator and sexual wellness advocate dedicated to pleasure-focused, shame-free sexuality. With years of experience in counseling, workshops, and content creation, she empowers individuals and couples to confidently explore body autonomy, intimacy, and pleasure. Using a science-based and inclusive approach, Jamie shares honest sex toy insights and evidence-backed tips for deeper connections. Join her in breaking taboos and embracing a more fulfilling sex life.
