From the Guidelines
Masturbation can be practiced as often as desired by females, as long as it doesn't interfere with daily activities or cause physical discomfort, with no specific "healthy" frequency defined. The frequency of masturbation varies greatly among individuals, and what's most important is that it feels comfortable and satisfying for the individual 1. Masturbation offers several health benefits for women, including stress reduction, improved sleep, relief from menstrual cramps, enhanced mood through endorphin release, and increased understanding of personal sexual preferences. Some women may experience temporary physical effects like mild genital sensitivity after frequent masturbation, but this typically resolves quickly.
Key Considerations
- Masturbation is a normal, healthy aspect of sexuality
- The "right" frequency is whatever feels appropriate for each individual
- It can be practiced as often as desired—whether that's multiple times daily, weekly, monthly, or not at all
- The only concern would be if masturbation becomes compulsive, causes distress, or interferes with relationships and daily functioning, in which case speaking with a healthcare provider or therapist may be helpful 1.
Health Benefits
- Stress reduction
- Improved sleep
- Relief from menstrual cramps
- Enhanced mood through endorphin release
- Increased understanding of personal sexual preferences It's essential to prioritize individual comfort and satisfaction when it comes to masturbation frequency, rather than adhering to a specific standard or guideline, as supported by the American Society of Clinical Oncology clinical practice guideline adaptation of cancer care Ontario guideline 1.
From the Research
Masturbation Frequency in Females
- The majority of women (94.5%) have masturbated at least once in their life, with a mean age at first masturbation of 14 years 2.
- Women reported masturbating 2 or 3 times a week (26.8%) or once a week (26.3%) 2.
- Factors independently associated with masturbation frequency were relationship status, orgasm frequency, openness to new experience, and body acceptance 2.
- Almost all women (91.5%) reported masturbating also when in a relationship 2.
- A US nationally representative survey found that significantly more men than women reported lifetime masturbation, past month masturbation, and greater masturbation frequency 3.
- Among women, those who desired partnered sex much more often and a little more often were more likely to report higher frequencies of past-year masturbation than those who desired no change in their partnered sex frequency 3.
- Masturbation behavior appears to be related to a greater sexual repertoire, more sexual fantasies, and greater reported ease in reaching sexual arousal and orgasm 4.
- Early masturbation experience might be beneficial to sexual arousal and orgasm in adulthood 4.
Associated Factors and Sexual Response
- Women reported many reasons for masturbation and a variety of direct and indirect techniques 4.
- A minority of women reported feeling shame and guilt associated with masturbation 4.
- Directed masturbation is an effective adjunct in the management of primary female orgasmic failure, with 90 per cent of patients gaining orgasmic capacity 5.
- Masturbation-related distress was associated with sexual abuse history, family attitudes towards sexuality during childhood, and depression and anxiety symptoms 6.
- Different conceptualizations of problematic masturbation resulted in different proportions of individuals categorized as having it, highlighting the complexity of defining problematic masturbation 6.