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French survey finds masturbation widely practiced for pleasure and health, with rising female participation.
A survey of French adults reveals evolving attitudes toward self-pleasure and sexual wellness. 51% of French adults masturbate primarily for pleasure, while 46% prefer the activity in the evening before sleep. Gender differences are notable: women's monthly masturbation frequency increased from 21% to 27%, and 40% of French women use sex toys compared to 20% of the overall population. Men masturbate more frequently than women overall.
Beyond recreation, masturbation serves therapeutic purposes. 14% of women use masturbation to relieve menopause symptoms, highlighting its role in managing health challenges. These findings reflect a broader normalization of sexual wellness practices in France, where self-pleasure is increasingly recognized as a legitimate aspect of health and personal satisfaction.
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French adults show distinct masturbation habits by gender and time
Survey data reveals 51% prioritize pleasure, with 46% choosing evening before sleep. Men masturbate more frequently than women, yet women's monthly frequency grew from 21% to 27%. 40% of women use sex toys versus 20% overall, indicating higher adoption among women despite lower frequency rates.
Masturbation recognized beyond pleasure for managing physical wellness
14% of women use masturbation for menopause symptom relief, demonstrating therapeutic application. This reflects a broader shift toward viewing self-pleasure as a legitimate wellness tool, complementing traditional medical approaches to managing age-related health challenges.