Masturbation is increasingly recognized as a wellness practice in France, with a study revealing that 60% of people are now comfortable with it. However, disparities remain, particularly among genders. While many individuals engage in self-exploration, preferences differ; most men prefer masturbation without toys, whereas half of women favor sextoys, especially older ones. The practice is viewed positively, contributing to self-understanding and well-being, and is seen as important for sexual health in relationships, with many open to new experiences.
Once considered a taboo topic, masturbation is increasingly recognized as a wellness activity embraced by many in France. A recent study by the dating app happn, in partnership with Puissante—a brand focused on reducing the stigma around sexuality—reveals that 60% of French individuals feel at ease with masturbation. However, despite this progress, there are still notable differences based on gender: while 60% of men are comfortable with the practice, only 48% of women share the same sentiment. This indicates that more work is needed to normalize masturbation, particularly among women.
The study also shows that about 45% of participants engage in masturbation several times a week, a noteworthy statistic that illustrates how self-exploration is integrated into the daily lives of many French people. Nonetheless, the frequency of this practice varies significantly with respect to age and gender. For instance, approximately 20% of men report masturbating every day, compared to just 9% of women. Additionally, 22% of young women aged 18 to 26 claim to masturbate less than once a month, underscoring a generational and gender gap in attitudes toward self-pleasure.
The Role of Sextoys in Masturbation Practices
Preferences regarding masturbation also differ along gender lines. A significant portion of men—two out of three—prefer to engage in masturbation without any accessories or prefer to do so in the shower (27%). The use of sextoys is quite rare among men, with less than 3% indicating they use toys during solo sessions. In contrast, the trend is much more prevalent among women. In fact, one in two women express a preference for using toys to enhance their experience, a tendency that becomes even more apparent after age 35, when 57% consider them essential for pleasure.
If you’re curious about masturbation but unsure how to start, know that you’re not alone. To promote personal exploration, happn provides several tips in its ‘Guide to Mindful Sexuality’. A suggested approach includes ‘experimenting with different methods and tools to better understand your body and enhance solo enjoyment’. Another recommendation is to ‘try techniques like edging, which delay orgasm for heightened pleasure.’
Masturbation and Well-Being: Exploration Alone or Together
While discussions around masturbation can be polarizing, it plays a crucial role in the well-being of many individuals. According to the study, 50% of singles believe that self-exploration helps them better understand their desires and needs. For women, masturbation is often viewed as a form of self-care; 64% see it as a way to nurture themselves and reconnect with their bodies.
This growing awareness is also linked to a desire for sexual alignment with partners. Exploring mutual pleasure has become a key facet of healthy relationships and contributes to a harmonious partnership, following closely behind the importance of mutual consent (33%).
The research emphasizes the increasing willingness of many French individuals to explore masturbation within their relationships. Nearly 95% of people surveyed expressed readiness to experiment with new practices to enhance their partner’s satisfaction. Happn’s guide also underscores the need for compassion and patience in couples’ sexual interactions, suggesting that “embracing variations in desire and not striving for perfect synchronization creates a more liberating and fulfilling sexual experience,” according to the app.