Sexology research, while recognizing masturbation as a widespread sexual behavior associated with sexual health, has rarely focused on how this solitary sexual practice relates to sexual experience in the context of a couple.
This has resulted in a gap in the understanding of the solitary masturbation-sexual relationships link. Masturbation-defined as the manual or object-based stimulation of one's genitals in pursuit of sexual pleasure-deserves special attention, not only because of its individual relevance, but also because of its potential impact on sexual relationships.
A recent study published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy by Gracia M. Sánchez-Pérez, Reina Granados, and Juan Carlos Sierra directly addresses this issue: Can solitary masturbation enhance the orgasmic experience in sexual relationships?
Exploring the link between solitary masturbation and orgasm in sexual relationships
To explore this question, the authors assessed various parameters of solitary masturbation and orgasmic experiences in sexual relationships in a sample of 1,055 cisgender heterosexual Spanish adults. Unlike prior studies, which have primarily emphasized masturbation frequency, this research expanded its scope to include additional factors such as age of first masturbation experience, attitudes toward the behavior, solitary sexual desire, and the subjective orgasmic experience—specifically its affective, sensory, intimacy, and rewards dimensions. The primary objective was to investigate how these parameters of solitary masturbation are associated with the ease and intensity of orgasm in sexual relationships.
The findings revealed positive associations between the affective, sensory, and rewards dimensions of the subjective orgasm experience in both solitary masturbation and sexual relationships. This suggests that sensations experienced within the same dimension may generalize more easily across similar sexual contexts.
One of the most noteworthy findings was the interaction between gender and the rewards dimension of orgasm in solitary masturbation: this parameter had a stronger predictive effect for men in relation to the rewarding aspect of orgasm in sexual relationships. This may reflect a more goal-oriented approach to sexual activity commonly found among men. In contrast, the intimacy dimension of the orgasm experience in solitary masturbation was not significantly related to orgasm intensity in sexual relationships, possibly because intimacy in solitary contexts involves a connection with oneself, while intimacy in partnered sex involves emotional bonding with another person—complicating direct transfer of that experience.
Understanding the relationship between solitary masturbation and sexual relationships—and how the orgasm experience in solitary contexts influences shared sexual experiences—is of great importance in both clinical practice and sexual education. Including solitary sexuality in educational programs helps demystify this behavior and promote it as a healthy, enriching component of human sexuality, thereby fostering a broader and more inclusive view of sexual well-being.
It is also essential to emphasize that although this study focused on orgasmic capacity and intensity, orgasm should not be viewed as the sole objective of sexual relationships. Overemphasizing orgasm may marginalize individuals with orgasmic difficulties and overlook other valid and fulfilling ways of experiencing sexuality.
Reference
Sánchez-Pérez, G. M., Granados, R. y Sierra, J. C. (2025). Association of masturbation parameters with ease and subjective experience of orgasm in sexual relationships. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy. Publicación anticipada en línea. https://doi.org/10.1080/0092623X.2025.2511015
Contact
Gracia María Sánchez Pérez - graciasp@ugr.es