It’s Masturbation Month!
Who’s Bopping the Baloney – and When? And Where?
May is masturbation month. We’re pretty sure you’re as excited to hear that as we are. The good news is that, if you’re reading this, you’re definitely not alone. We've put together some ideas and a list of Matilda's top masturbation sex toys for your reading pleasure
Who’s Doing It?
Indiana University’s National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior (NSSHB) reports that 78% of Americans over the age of 14 have shuffled their ipods, so to speak, at least once. The study went on to clarify those stats: 5% of women ages 25-29 flick the bean more than 4 times a week, while 20.1% of men rev the engine (how's that for a lot of masturbation euphemisms in one sentence?). The gap closes in for those who reported masturbating multiple times a month, with 21.5% of women ages 25-29 and 25.4% of men in that same age group.
A commonly-held misconception is that masturbation is the solace of the single. Yet an interesting Psychology Today article says that masturbation is more likely among those who are married. It seems that learning to love oneself is an important part of being a lover. Or, as the article puts it so eloquently, partner sex piques interest in solo sex.
Five-knuckle shuffling also increases with education. The idea is that a clearer, more – ahem – scientific understanding of the physiology involved dispels some of the residual guilt some of us may have felt around the subject, and opens us up to a world of pleasures we may not have considered before.
Where’s it happening?
Um, so. Yeah. Pretty much … everywhere. At home, in bed, is the most common place, followed closely by at home… anywhere else. Next up is … (wait for it …) the workplace. The loo is a common escape for the healthy and horny who need to rub one out in the middle of the day.
In truth, people are doing it everywhere. Of course, discretion is key here. Apart from the fact that it’s pretty embarrassing to be caught in the act (no matter how open-minded you are), it’s actually kind-of illegal in most places outside of the home. So, if you absolutely MUST have a go, make sure you don’t get caught.
How often are we wanking?
When it comes to frequency, there’s no normal. People report getting off on their own anywhere from once a year to more than once a day. Across genders. And this from a study that asked people to answer direct, face-to-face questions. Which means they could well have been lying. Or at least fudging.
A tongue-in-cheek look at frequency by Mona Chalabi says this;
‘There are approximately 100 million acts of sexual intercourse each day.'
And while you'd think singles would be the ones spending more time with their hands below their belts, studies show that people who are married or live with a partner play with themselves more often than those on the dating circuit. Frequent self-pleasuring has also been linked with high self-esteem, better body image, and a more active sex life. Which is why so many sex therapists encourage clients who are unhappy in the sack to start getting it on alone.
Women’s Health Magazine reports on the work of Dr Ian Kerner, a New York-based sex therapist. In his book Sex Detox, he describes the long-term health benefits of regular masturbation for women:
"There's a strong correlation between willingness to explore your own body and bring yourself to orgasm and being willing to explore with your partner and have orgasms together," says Ian Kerner, Ph.D., a New York sex therapist and the author of Sex Detox. "Women who masturbate are usually more comfortable with their bodies and with sex in general."
Masturbation Month – A Brief History
Now that we know who’s doing it, when, and how often, you may be wondering why there’s a whole month dedicated to the pastime, and how it all began. Making May Masturbation Month has very little to do with alliteration. It’s not just a convenient “which month starts with M?” kinda thing. And it’s not a Star Wars-esque, May-the-Fourth be with you arrangement either. (Except for some of us, of course.)
It’s an interesting story. In May 1994,US Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders was fired by then-US President Bill Clinton for suggesting that masturbation be included in the High School sex-ed curriculum. Given the benefits (which we’ll look at in just a moment), and the fact that a lot of people still carry residual guilt about the practice, it seems like a little sex-positive education on the subject would be a beneficial and necessary course of action. Instead, the enlightened lady was fired and people have been hiding their proclivities ever since.
On the 14th of May 1995, in honour of Elders’ brave stand and career sacrifice, sex-positive retailer Good Vibrations observed National Masturbation Day. It quickly took off in the US and rapidly spread around the globe. Since then, it has expanded to include the entire month of May. (Read more on Wikipedia.)
Why masturbate – the benefits of beating off
As we’ve already seen, masturbation increases with education. This is, in part, because it loses its aura of taboo. It’s also because, as people begin to understand the health benefits, they are more inclined to give it a go. Here are a few of the benefits of masturbation:- Masturbation relieves stress.
- It decreases anxiety levels.
- It boosts self-image and self esteem.
- People (especially women) who masturbate regularly are more confident.
- Interestingly: women who masturbate usually have a healthier and more active sex life than those who don’t.
- People who masturbate have a better idea of how their bodies work, and what pleases them, making sex with a partner a lot more fun.
- Plus, you know. Orgasms.
Jazz things Up
Masturbation is a quick, easy way to get off without too much effort, cost, or even human interaction. It’s fun, free, and safe as long as you’re washing your hands… and not breaking any laws.
But that doesn’t mean it can’t be even more fun. After all, sex is play, and play time means toys.
According to Women’s Health Magazine, 18 out of 20 women who regularly masturbate, report using toys when doing so.
For Her
If you’re new to the wonderful world of sex toys, check out our Beginner's Guide to Sex Toys. For complete sex toy virgins, the Laya 3 Clitoral Vibrator is a great go-to to get things going. The ergonomically designed Laya 3 hugs your body perfectly for maximum effect. We love it - and so will you!
Laya 3 Clitoral Vibrator
Fun Factory’s most popular toy
If you’re ready to explore a little further, a great place to start is the trusty rabbit vibrator. The Wonderlust Harmony Rabbit vibrator has a hooded stimulator that surrounds the clitoris for complete pleasure.
Wonderlust Harmony Rabbit Vibrator
Unforgettable dual pleasure that targets the G-spot as well as the clitoris
The toys available to expand your repertoire are almost endless, from wands to dildos, to discreet little make-up look-alikes that hide cheekily in your bag, ready for when the mood strikes. Carry your secret vibrator in a purse or pocket and no one else will be the wiser.
Exomoon Lipstick Vibrator
For discreet pleasure on the go
For Him
It may seem like men come purpose-built with all the tools they need for a good ol’ manual override. And in many ways, that’s true. But it’s fun to fool around with something new once in a while… and you’d be astonished at the range of male masturbators available for the adventurous. Check out a more comprehensive guide here.
Tenga Egg male masturbators
For new and delicious sensations
Pink Lady Stamina Fleshlight Masturbator
Take masturbating to a whole new level
These can be as much fun for a doubles game as they are for a singles match, so don’t be afraid to try something new next time you’re together.
Lubricant can be very helpful in moving things along when masturbating. Find a lubricant that works for you. You can also experiment with different types of lube when it’s just you. Try some tingle, or a little heat. Maybe even a scented option, to change things up a bit.
If you’re using toys, read the instructions carefully to choose the right lube for the toy you’re using – and remember to clean it afterwards. Which brings us to the caveat …
Caveat
When you’re enhancing your love-life with anything you weren’t born with, it’s important to remember this: unlike many body parts, sex toys are not self-cleaning. You need to clean your toys after every use … or you’ll end up having to throw them out. Read the instructions with each one to see whether or not water can be used in the cleaning process, and which parts need to stay dry.
Pjur Med Clean Spray
An intimate cleaning spray without harsh chemicals
There are also a wide range of toy cleaners available, which are custom-made to take care of what needs cleaning once the fun is done.
Good hygiene means good health, so keep it clean.
Visit Matilda's anytime, to find new toys to play with, and new blog posts to inspire you!
