French adults embrace masturbation for pleasure and wellness
French survey finds masturbation widely practiced for pleasure and health, with rising female participation.
Event / Science
French Sexual Health Survey 2025
Adam and Eve survey of 1,056 French adults on masturbation practices, frequencies, and attitudes, including data on pleasure, stress relief, sleep aid, and use of sex toys.
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2026-09-06 to 2026-11-07 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 6 Sept, 18:54 UTC
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What happened
Study finds 14% of women use masturbation to relieve menopause symptoms
According to research from the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University, 14% of women use masturbation to relieve menopause symptoms.
Men masturbate more frequently than women in France
The Adam and Eve survey found that among those who masturbate several times per week, 26% are men compared to 11% of women. Daily masturbation is reported by 10% of men versus 2% of women.
Adam and Eve survey finds 51% of French adults masturbate primarily for pleasure
A survey conducted by Adam and Eve in September 2025 among 1,056 respondents aged 18-65 found that 51% of French adults masturbate primarily to experience pleasure. The survey also found that 27% seek to feel better, 21% to reduce stress, and 18% to facilitate sleep.
Survey shows 46% of French adults prefer masturbation in the evening before sleep
The Adam and Eve survey found that 46% of French adults prefer masturbation in the evening before sleep, compared to only 17% who prefer the morning upon waking.
40% of French women use sex toys, compared to 20% overall population
The Adam and Eve survey found that 20% of French adults use sex toys, with the figure rising to 40% among women, indicating increasing popularization of sex toys.
French women's masturbation frequency increased from 21% to 27% monthly
According to the Adam and Eve survey, 27% of French women report masturbating several times per month, up from 21% in 2025, indicating an increase in frequency among women.
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