Adam & Eve has released new survey findings detailing American adult masturbation habits, including frequency and satisfaction levels compared to partnered sex. These findings build on a history of Adam & Eve surveys exploring sexual preferences and practices among American adults.

Recent Survey Findings on Satisfaction and Frequency

Adam & Eve recently released the results of a web-based survey on masturbation satisfaction, conducted by an independent third-party company. This survey included over 2,000 American adults aged 18 and up. The survey found that 19% of respondents reported their solo orgasms were more intense than partnered orgasms. This percentage included 12% of males and 25% of females. Another 27% of respondents indicated that orgasms from masturbation were about the same intensity as partnered orgasms, comprising 29% of males and 26% of females. In contrast, 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, Adam & Eve’s resident sexologist, noted that May is International Masturbation Month. Skyler stated that individuals seek solo satisfaction for various reasons, such as relaxation, de-stressing, or to aid in falling asleep. She also mentioned that some people explore their own bodies through masturbation to understand what works for them, which can then be communicated to partners. Other reasons cited by Skyler include having a higher sex drive than a partner or being between relationships. Skyler emphasized that self-love is a form of self-care.

Regarding frequency, a separate Adam & Eve survey, also web-based and conducted by an an independent third-party company, involved over 1,000 American adults aged 18 and up. This survey found that 22% of respondents reported masturbating once a week, while 21% stated they do so a few times a week. The survey also found that 15% of respondents never masturbate, and 12% masturbate every day. Another 16% reported engaging in solo sex less than once a week, and 15% said they rarely masturbate.

Dr. Jenni Skyler commented on these frequency findings, stating that most people masturbate for various reasons, with pleasure being a significant factor. Skyler explained that masturbation can serve as a method to relax, self-soothe, and release tension and anxiety. She added that some individuals masturbate to help them sleep or to fulfill a need when a partner is absent. Skyler also highlighted masturbation as a valuable way to learn about one's body, including what feels good and what the body responds to.

Chad Davis, Director of Marketing for Adam & Eve, stated that the company encourages adults to celebrate their sexuality within their comfort levels. Davis noted that Adam & Eve offers a variety of products, including toys, lubricants, and warming lotions, designed to enhance both partnered and solo sessions.

Historical Context of Adam & Eve Surveys

Adam & Eve has conducted surveys on masturbation habits over the years to study sexual preferences and practices among American adults.

2010 Survey

A related survey from December 10, 2010, indicated that 86% of American adults admitted to participating in self-gratification. In that 2010 survey, most respondents (20%) reported engaging in the act 1-2 times per week. Additionally, 17% of respondents in the 2010 survey reported rarely self-satisfying, and 14% said they never participate in masturbation.

Dr. Kat Van Kirk, described as a sex and relationship expert in 2010, stated that masturbation is a healthy sexual outlet. She noted that research shows it can help individuals cope with stress, improve the immune system, and enhance partnered sex, calling it a form of preventative medicine.

2011 Survey

A 2011 survey from Adam & Eve and AdamAndEve.com revealed that 27% of respondents masturbate once or twice a week. The next highest percentage, 19%, reported never masturbating. This was followed by 18% who masturbate once or twice a month, 11% once every few months, 9% every day, 8% rarely, and 3% more than once a day.

Dr. Kat Van Kirk, Adam & Eve's resident sex expert in 2011, described masturbation as a fundamental building block in human sexuality. She expressed surprise that many adults still rely on partners for pleasure without understanding how to please themselves. Van Kirk suggested that the reported numbers might be higher due to a social stigma associated with masturbation, which can lead individuals to underreport.

2022 Survey

A survey released on September 16, 2022, also polled adults across the U.S. about their masturbation habits. This survey found that 22% of respondents masturbate once or twice a week. Other results included 17% who never masturbate, 12% once or twice a month, 9% daily, 7.5% less than every few months, 7% every few months, and 3% more than once a day. 21% preferred not to answer. Dr. Jenni Skyler, resident sexologist at Adam & Eve, stated that masturbation is a safe, healthy way to practice self-care, offering mental and physical benefits such as reduced stress and tension, boosted immunity, and improved sleep. Chad Davis, marketing director for Adam & Eve, added that the company offers a variety of products to enhance solo scenarios.

Survey Methodology

The recent web-based survey on satisfaction levels was conducted by an independent third-party survey company and included over 2,000 American adults aged 18 and up. The web-based survey on masturbation frequency was also conducted by an independent third-party survey company and involved over 1,000 American adults aged 18 and up. Both surveys were sponsored by Adam & Eve to study sexual preferences and practices.

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.