Solo masturbation is associated with orgasmic satisfaction in sex

Wed, 02/15/2023 - 10:20
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08/02/2023
Cervilla, O. y Sierra, J. C.

Masturbation is a healthy sexual behavior. Its positive aspects include the usefulness in the context of sex therapy to improve sexual functioning. Two models have been proposed to explain the relationship between solitary masturbation and sexual relations: compensatory vs. complementary. The first hypothesises that masturbation would be practised to make up for desired but unfulfilled sexual relations. On the other hand, the complementary model proposes a positive relationship between solitary masturbation and sexual intercourse. Currently, it is known that the practice of masturbation favors different dimensions of sexual functioning such as orgasm in sexual relations, however, very little is known about the role of different parameters of solo masturbation in the orgasmic satisfaction experienced in sexual relations. Therefore, Óscar Cervilla and Juan Carlos Sierra have carried out a study, published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry, with the aim of analysing different parameters of masturbation (first experience, current frequency, negative attitude towards this behaviour, solitary sexual desire and subjective experience of orgasm in the context of solitary masturbation) in men and women, and examining their relationship with satisfaction with orgasm in sexual relations, for which they evaluated 738 men and 597 women.

 

First, the results indicate that men, compared to women, start masturbating at an earlier age, report engaging in this behavior more frequently, and experience more solitary sexual desire. Women, on the other hand, have more intense subjective experiences of orgasm through masturbation than men.

 

Some parameters of solo masturbation were also found to be associated with orgasmic satisfaction in the context of sexual intercourse. Specifically, the affective dimension of the subjective experience of orgasm in masturbation is a common variable in both men and women in explaining orgasmic satisfaction in sexual intercourse. Moreover, in men, a higher frequency of masturbation is associated with lower orgasmic satisfaction in sexual intercourse, which would support the compensatory model. In women, in addition to the affective dimension of orgasm, a more positive attitude towards masturbation and greater solitary sexual desire are associated with more orgasmic satisfaction in sexual intercourse.

 

These findings show the importance of solo masturbation in addressing orgasmic difficulties in sex therapy and research, with different parameters involved in men and women.

 

Contact:

Oscar Cervilla (@email)

Juan Carlos Sierra (@email)

Cervilla, O. y Sierra, J. C. (2022). Masturbation parameters related to orgasm satisfaction in sexual relationships: Differences between men and women. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, Artículo 903361. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.903361