Adam & Eve has released findings from recent surveys examining American adults' masturbation frequency and the intensity of solo orgasms compared to partnered experiences. The surveys, conducted by independent third-party companies, also explored reasons for masturbation and included insights from Adam & Eve's resident sexologist, Dr. Jenni Skyler, and Director of Marketing, Chad Davis.

Masturbation Frequency and Motivations

A web-based survey on masturbation frequency, involving over 1,000 American adults aged 18 and up, revealed varied habits. According to the findings, 22% of respondents reported masturbating once a week, while 21% stated they do so a few times a week. A significant portion, 15%, indicated they never masturbate, with another 12% reporting daily masturbation. Additionally, 16% engage in solo sex less than once a week, and 15% reported rarely masturbating.

Dr. Jenni Skyler commented on these frequency findings, noting that pleasure is a primary driver for most individuals who masturbate. She explained that masturbation can serve as a method for relaxation, self-soothing, and releasing tension and anxiety. Skyler also highlighted its utility in aiding sleep or fulfilling needs when a partner is absent. Furthermore, she emphasized masturbation as a valuable tool for self-discovery, allowing individuals to learn about their bodies and what sensations they respond to.

Chad Davis, Director of Marketing for Adam & Eve, stated that the company supports adults in celebrating their sexuality within their comfort levels. He added that Adam & Eve offers a range of products, including toys, lubricants, and warming lotions, designed to enhance both partnered and solo sexual experiences.

Orgasm Intensity: Solo vs. Partnered

A separate web-based survey on masturbation satisfaction, which included over 2,000 American adults aged 18 and up, explored the intensity of solo orgasms in comparison to partnered orgasms. The survey found that 19% of respondents reported their solo orgasms were more intense than partnered orgasms. This figure comprised 12% of males and 25% of females. Another 27% of respondents indicated that orgasms from masturbation were of similar intensity to partnered orgasms, with 29% of males and 26% of females falling into this category. Conversely, 39% of respondents stated that masturbation resulted in less intense orgasms than with a partner, including 51% of males and 27% of females.

Dr. Jenni Skyler noted that May is recognized as International Masturbation Month, making it an opportune time to discuss self-love. She outlined various reasons individuals seek solo satisfaction, such as relaxation, de-stressing, or facilitating sleep. Skyler also pointed out that exploring one's body through masturbation can help individuals understand their preferences, which can then be communicated to partners. Other cited reasons included having a higher sex drive than a partner or being between relationships. Skyler underscored that self-love is a form of self-care.

Historical Survey Data

Adam & Eve has conducted previous surveys on masturbation habits, providing a historical context for current findings. A survey from December 10, 2010, indicated that 86% of American adults participated in self-gratification, with 20% reporting 1-2 times per week. In that same 2010 survey, 17% rarely self-satisfied, and 14% never masturbated. The survey involved over 1,000 American adults aged 18 and up.

In 2011, another Adam & Eve survey revealed that 27% of respondents masturbated once or twice a week, while 19% reported never masturbating. Eighteen percent masturbated once or twice a month, 11% every few months, 9% daily, 8% rarely, and 3% more than once a day.

More recently, a survey released on September 16, 2022, polled U.S. adults about their masturbation habits. This survey found that 22% masturbated once or twice a week, 17% never masturbated, and 12% masturbated once or twice a month. Nine percent masturbated daily, with 3% doing so more than once a day. The survey also indicated that 21% preferred not to answer. This web-based survey included over a thousand American adults aged 18 and up.

Dr. Jenni Skyler, resident sexologist at Adam & Eve, stated in relation to the 2022 findings that masturbation is a safe and healthy practice for self-care, offering benefits such as reduced stress, boosted immunity, and improved sleep. Chad Davis, marketing director for Adam & Eve, reiterated that the company provides products to enhance solo sexual experiences.

Key Facts

  • 19% of respondents reported more intense solo orgasms.
  • 39% of respondents stated masturbation resulted in less intense orgasms than with a partner.
  • 27% of respondents said solo orgasms were about the same intensity as partnered orgasms.
  • 22% of respondents masturbate once a week.
  • 21% of respondents masturbate a few times a week.
  • 15% of respondents reported never masturbating.