How Often Should You Masturbate, According to Science

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Orgasms are good for the body, mind, and soul - and one of the most trusted ways of reaching orgasm is masturbation. Sure - sex works too - but you can’t always get sex whenever you want it. Masturbation on the other hand (sorry, bad masturbation pun)...well, that just requires a bit of free time. 

And what’s a bit of free time when it means reaping the benefits of masturbation? 

Masturbation boosts your immune system. 

Masturbation boosts your immune system in multiple ways. Firstly, it promotes more restful sleep, which a doctor will tell you is key to maintaining a healthy and strong immune system. Secondly, masturbation actually boosts your white blood cell count, which act as natural killer cells to help fight off infections you may contract. 

Thirdly, masturbation can prevent and mitigate pain, which ultimately allows you to feel more rested and more active, which leads to all kinds of positive benefits to your system. 

It helps you get better (more restful) sleep. 

You know how in movies you see this hot and sweaty couple just going at it, and as soon as they are done they fall asleep? Well - there’s a reason sex makes us so tired and that’s because it actually promotes deeper, more restful sleep. 

The hormones that are released during orgasm (talked about throughout this article) are responsible for rebalancing your system and allowing you to reach deeper levels of REM sleep, meaning you wake up feeling more rested and ready-to-go. 

Less stress (thanks to less cortisol).

When you climax, along with a boost of feel-good hormones like oxytocin and dopamine (which we’ll talk about below), you also experience a decline in something called Cortisol. Cortisol is a stress-inducing hormone. 

More sex = less stress - it’s science. 

You’re happier (thanks to boosts of oxytocin and dopamine). 

That euphoric “will-be-with-you-forever”, “tattoo-you-on-my-chest” feeling you get when you orgasm? That’s oxytocin and dopamine. 

Dopamine is considered a “feel good” hormone that also courses through your brain when you exercise (explaining what most consider a “runner’s high”. Oxytocin is considered “the love hormone” as it gives you feelings of attachment and security. 

You get to know yourself as a sexual being. 

Masturbation isn’t just good for the body and mind - it’s also good for your soul. And by your soul, I mean all these kinky, naughty, dirty, messy things you find intriguing when you watch porn. 

Satisfying your deepest desires isn’t always easy to do with a partner. Maybe you don’t feel comfortable sharing those parts of your sexuality just yet, or maybe you have and your partner has explained they just aren’t that into your kink

Masturbation soothes your ache for what you desire most as a sexual being and allows you the time to get to know yourself, what you like, what you don’t like and what works for you.

So...How Often Should I Masturbate?

Now that we have a better understanding of just how beneficial it is to satisfy yourself, let’s talk about how often people typically masturbate. 

What’s the average amount that a male masturbates? 

Woman reading book and listening music on her smart phone in coffee shop

How about females...how often do they masturbate? 

Is there a scientific reason why you should masturbate a certain number of times per week? 

While many people (including myself) are firm believers in having an orgasm a day, the general consensus is a bit more complex than that. 

Fellas...have you ever heard of the 21 times per month rule? There may be something to it...

According to Harvard University, a man who ejaculates 21 times a month is at a significantly lower risk of prostate cancer. 

This 2014 study compared men who ejaculated 4-7 times every 4 weeks, and the findings were pretty clear: men who ejaculate at least 21 times are able to rid their prostate glands of cancer-causing substances and infections. 

While this is not a complete science, there is merit to the thought that more orgasms = less risk of cancer, this has been proven in multiple studies...whether the true answer to the quest for lessened risk of cancer really is 21 orgasms a month is still up for debate, though. 

Better safe than sorry, though - so 21 times, fellas. 

Ladies...the doctor’s orders: a minimum of two 15-20 minute self-pleasure sessions a week. Build from there.

According to Dr. Wendie Trubow, a medical health advisor over at Mind Body Green, two 15-20 minute self-pleasure sessions per week is where women should start. 

Then, you can consider syncing your cycle with your self-pleasure time, which can help you capitalize on your body’s natural endocrine rhythms. In case you didn’t know, where you are in your menstrual cycle has a big impact on how you orgasm. 

For example, you shouldn’t need much (if any) lubrication during your ovulation window, as your body is already pretty moist down there. However, right after your period, you may find yourself in need of lubricant as you may be a bit more dry than normal. 

Another important thing to note is that you’re most randy (and more likely to experience orgasm) during your fertile window. 
We suggest getting a sexual health tracker (such as Clue, which is my personal favorite) that can not only help you track your menstruation but also has an input area for sexual activity so you can really see what’s going on at any given point in the month.

Why You Should Masturbate More Often

Masturbation is great - there’s really no denying it at this point. Even with how great masturbation is, there are still countless reasons why we don’t do it. Busy schedules, not enough time alone, not making it a priority, not feeling sexual, not feeling confident, not realizing how long it’s been since we’ve cum. 

Because I love self-love and want to promote it as much as I can, let’s talk about some reasons masturbation is so great and why you absolutely should make time for it in your busy weekly schedule. 

Testing out new kinks on your own. 

Experimentation is messy. You have no idea what you’re doing. So, naturally, it’s a bit easier to do this while no one is watching. While experimenting with edgier kinks (such as breath play) should absolutely be done with a partner, there are plenty of kinks you can practice solo - and what better time to dive into a new fetish than when you’re masturbating? 

Interested in checking out some solo kinks? You’re in luck - I wrote an entire article (that’s since become a podcast) on that not too long ago. 

Self-love boosts confidence. 

Masturbation has a proven effect on depression and anxiety symptoms. Self-love (in any form, including masturbation) can do wonders for your self-esteem. It can be a bit of a vicious circle: you don’t feel like lovin’ on yourself because you feel worthless, you feel worthless because you haven’t been lovin’ on yourself.

Break the cycle by breaking out your vibrator, turning on some music, lighting some candles and feelin’ yourself up - you’d be surprised at how confident and badass you feel by the time you reach climax. 

Because it’s fun. 

Masturbation is super fun...duh!

Testing out new toys (which we’ll talk about more at the end of this post), getting yourself into the mood, trying on sexy lingerie, listening to some audio erotica...treat yourself to a good time (with a happy ending) and have some fun with it. 

You can make money by masturbating!? 

Wait...I can make money...by masturbating…? 

If you’re interested in cam work then yes, you absolutely can. People will pay GOOD money to watch you in your own bedroom, fingering your way to climax. Add in some sex toys, maybe spice it up by taking tips for certain sexual positions or acts and you’ve got yourself a pretty lucrative business that is basically just you orgasming over and over again. 


Talk about the best job in the world. Interested? Luckily for you, there’s a whole guide on becoming a cam girl right here. You’re welcome! 

It releases stress and frustration. 

Nothing is more frustrating than being sexually frustrated. When it’s been a while since my last orgasm, I feel hot (literally and figuratively) almost constantly, I feel annoyed, stressed, anxious and just downright grumpy. I’m not a pleasure to be around...until I’ve cum. Then I’m happy as a clam. 

Why is that? Because orgasms make you happy. It’s pretty simple, actually. 

Testing out new sex toys. 

New sex toys are one of the best motivators to masturbate, in my opinion. From when I click “order now” on that Bondara shopping cart to the minute I hear the postman at the door, all I’m thinking about is testing out my new vibe. 

Waiting until I get a minute (or 20) alone can be a type of solo-foreplay that is super fun and when you finally feel that release..it’s heavenly.

What are the Best Masturbation Sex Toys for Women?

Mini Vibrators

Any kind of bullet vibe can do the trick in a pinch, but below are some that have been tried and tested (with blissful results) thanks to yours truly:

  • WeVibe Tango - 2 hours of play on a single charge, waterproof and equipped with 8 different vibration modes (which is quite a lot for a bullet vibe). I had mine for well over 3 years and it never failed.
  • Je Joue Rabbit Bullet Vibe - this rabbit-style bullet is intense as fuck and will get you where you need to go. With options for both straight vibrations and a few different pulsation patterns, let these little bunny ears go to work for you.

Rabbit Vibrators 

Speaking of rabbit-style vibrators - if you don’t have one of these you are missing out on some super amazing g-spot and clitoral stimulation. 

Want the best of the best? Check out some of these bunny vibes:

  • LELO Ina Wave - I’ve had this vibrator for just over 2 years and I am obsessed with it. I use it for solo play and couples play, letting my man take the lead when he wants to use it on me. The ultra-powerful vibrations radiate on your clit and g-spot at the same time and it is heaven.
  • Fun Factory Amorino Rabbit - this super sleek looking rabbit vibe was deemed “most innovative rabbit-style vibrator” by the Strategist for good reason. G-spot and clitoral stimulation are great - but adding in adjustable vibrations to your labia and perineum and you’ve got this bad boy. Oh, mama - this one’s going on my list ASAP.

That Suction Thing Everyone is Talking About

We’ve talked a bit about air-pulse tech before on Sofia Gray, and I’m positive you’ve seen ads for the Satisfyer Pro 2. You may have seen that cute penguin vibe everyone is talking about? That’s from Satisfyer. 

Suction vibrators use a new kind of technology to get you off - basically, the idea is the innovative vacuum technology creates a massaging effect for your clit. 

Want to amp it up a notch (or 10)? Tracey’s Dog has nothing but stellar reviews and adds a bit of g-spot stim to the suction action for double the pleasure. A friend of mine has one of these and has been raving about it non-stop...I may have to test it out soon - who knows...maybe I’ll post a review!

What are the Best Masturbation Sex Toys for Men?

Fellas...you didn’t think we’d leave you out, did you? 

Now, now...I’ve done a bit of digging and you will be happy with the little list I’ve compiled that will make your jerk off sessions that much more fun. 

Fleshlight

Anyone who knows anything about masturbation has heard of the Fleshlight - they are legendary. And for good reason. The most well-known sex toy for men gives you an incredible feel to your regular self-pleasure experience and you can even customize your Fleshlight if you’re feeling a bit whimsical. 

Tenga Eggs

If you’re new to the male masturbation sex toy game, you’re likely wondering what on earth Tenga Eggs even are, right? 

Well - Tenga masturbation eggs are sleeves that you can use to masturbate with that have linings of all different styles and textures. Some are silky smooth, others are wavy and ribbed for maximum pleasure. One thing is for sure - anyone who has used a Tenga Egg has nothing but great things to say about it. 

Vibrating Head Teaser 

Blowjobs are great, especially when she does that thing with her tongue on the tip of your dick. While you can’t duplicate that, because it’s a purely magical practice that we women have to keep to ourselves, this is the next best thing. 

Vibrating Head Teasers send vibrations through the head of your penis via remote control. This is great for adding a bit of zing to your climaxes. 

Sensation Swirl Blowjob Stroker Sticking with how incredible blowjobs feel, here’s something that’s a cross between a Tenga Egg and a Head Teaser. Designed to feel like an actual mouth, this Blowjob Stroker feels incredibly real and is super-easy to use to give yourself a blissful finish.

(Self) Love is All You Need

The Beatles said it first - I just added to it...by insinuating that you should masturbate more. 

Okay - I apologize for likely ruining a perfectly good classic for you - but hear me out. 

Self-love is something we don’t do for ourselves enough - and that should change (right now, actually). 

Whether it be cutting ourselves some slack on a chaotic work project, giving ourselves permission to have a Netflix and Chill day without feeling guilty about not being productive or just being kind to ourselves. 

How we think about ourselves, how we talk about ourselves and yes - how we think of ourselves in a physical, sexual way - all of that affects how we conduct ourselves and the kind of lifestyle we have. So whether you decide to show yourself some care by baking cookies or masturbating tonight (or maybe both, what a combination...) - give yourself a little lovin’ - you’ll be glad you did.