If you’re like most guys, you definitely masturbate. You probably also assume other people masturbate too. And you likely wonder about how they masturbate from time to time, as well. That puts you and major sex toy brand Tenga on the same page for sure.
That said, Tenga conducts one of the largest annual studies about sexuality, sex toys, and masturbation out there, and the Tenga Self-Pleasure Report is the amazing result. Here’s a closer look at some of the common questions answered in their fascinating 2020 report.
1. How many people actually masturbate?
Every guy goes through a phase or two in his life when he’s positive he’s masturbating way more than anyone else on the planet has ever masturbated before. But the truth is he’s in better company than he thinks.
According to Tenga, the vast majority of Americans not only masturbate but do so often. And they do it regardless of whether they’re in a relationship at the time. That said, men are slightly more likely to report masturbating often, but women are much more likely to do it while in a relationship.
2. How many people use sex toys?
Most guys these days probably know sex toys aren’t just for women anymore. Because once you try a Fleshlight or wear a cock ring while you’re getting it on, sex goes to this whole new level a guy never knew was out there before. But how do other people really feel about that sort of thing?
According to Tenga, women, members of the LGBTQ community, and Millennials are the most likely to use sex toys regularly and openly. However, men who love sex toys are significantly more likely to use their toys often.
3. Why do people seek out sex toys?
Everyone’s different and has their own unique approach to sex and masturbation. So, people definitely have their own reasons for seeking out a sex toy in the first place. But actual motivation tends to vary according to gender.
For example, women are most likely to want a toy to have better orgasms or have orgasms more consistently, in general. But men are more likely to be drawn to a toy to experience new sensations or for the simple novelty of the experience.
4. How do people really feel about masturbating?
Although upbringing can affect how someone feels about it after giving in to the urge to masturbate, the vast majority of participants have a positive attitude about masturbation. They see it as a natural, normal thing to do and see nothing wrong with it.
Most also agree that masturbating has a positive effect on many aspects of their health and general sense of well-being. Examples include their confidence, mood, energy levels, productivity, relationships, appearance, and health. In other words, people aren’t afraid to admit that getting off makes them feel fantastic, so you’re not alone in that feeling.
5. How does masturbation affect sexual satisfaction?
A lot of people – guys especially – get that masturbation is normal and natural, even when you’re in a relationship. But some wonder whether doing it can negatively impact their partnered sex life. For example, can doing it somehow use up your sexual energy?
According to Tenga’s study, there is a correlation between regular masturbation and overall sexual satisfaction, but it’s in favor of masturbating often instead of the other way around. Those who said they didn’t masturbate regularly were actually less satisfied with their sexual experiences, not more. It was the opposite for the frequent masturbators.
6. Would people rather get off with a toy than a partner?
While it probably makes sense that while guys love their Fleshlights and pocket pussies, they’d still far prefer to get off in bed with a partner. But do women feel the same way, or would they actually rather just reach for their vibrators?
Actually, both men and women far prefer getting off while connecting with a partner. And even in instances when they’re in the mood to involve a toy, they’d still rather enjoy the experience with their partner than without them.
7. Do most people find it easy to talk about masturbation with a partner?
Although most couples do have a fairly easy time discussing topics that would be considered taboo in most social contexts – like sex, mental health, politics, religion, and money – it’s a different story when it comes to topics like masturbation, sex toys, and similar topics.
Generally speaking, men are more likely to feel comfortable discussing sexual fantasies and women are more comfortable talking about sex toys. However, neither men nor women are terribly comfortable talking about either topic, along with additional topics like previous sexual experiences with other people and masturbation, in general.
8. Where do people learn about sex?
While most Americans did receive some form of sex education when they were growing up, most also admit to not having retained much of the information. They don’t cite sex ed as the source of most of their sexual knowledge, either.
That honor goes to the internet by a landslide, so you’re not the only one who turns straight to Google when you have a question about sex you need an answer to. After Google, the most commonly cited sources were close loved ones (like partners, family, or friends), online pornography, and online resources like blogs or articles.
9. Did people really masturbate that much in quarantine?
At this point, it’s almost a running joke that people were so bored during COVID lockdowns that they did little else besides drink, overeat, and masturbate. But there might be a little more truth to that than you might think. An amazing 71 percent of participants felt comfortable describing masturbation as a lifeline during lockdowns.
They further commented that they saw masturbation as a form of self-care, as well as a major way they helped themselves get through quarantine, in general. And this was the case whether or not the person being asked had a partner.
So, as you can see, you have a lot more in common with other people than you think when it comes to your love of awesome orgasms and masturbation. Go ahead and lean into it.
