Women are closing the "masturbation gap," a new study says—and that's a good thing

Womanizer is looking to dispel the self-love stigma. In a new study focusing on the masturbation gap, the sex toy company uncovers some encouraging findings. However, there are still setbacks when it comes to the topic of pleasure—and who's benefitting from it.  

The brand's research indicates that the disparity between the frequency in which men and women masturbate is beginning to close. In 2020, the so-called "masturbation gap" was at 66-percent, but this year it has gone down to 56-percent, which seems to be a move in the right direction. But other statistics are raising eyebrows.

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For example, 33-percent of women globally don't engage in self-pleasure as compared to 14-percent of men. That's quite the difference. Additionally, Hong Kong-based men and women—who rated their libido scale at 6.31 and 5.72, respectively (10 being very high libido)—yielded very different results. Men masturbate 94 times annually compared to 41 times per year for women, according to the study.

If the desires are so similar, what's responsible for these contrasts? Womanizer suggests that the taboo notion of self-pleasure is responsible for women's stats. But women should be enjoying their "me time" just as much as men. After all, our orgasms 101 guide indicates many benefits for reaching your pleasure points: a mood boost, better sleep, reduced pain when period cramps hit, etc. Honestly, there are more reasons not to engage in a little self-love, if you ask us. 

Plus, timing is impeccable: National Orgasm Day is scheduled for July 30th and plenty of sex-toy brands are celebrating the occasion with sales, including a whopping 74-percent off a favorite Ella Paradis vibrator. (Womanizer (opens in new tab) currently has its fair share of discounts as well.)

If you want that masturbation gap percentage to plummet for next year's study, be sure to check out our go-to app-controlled vibrators and read up on how to enjoy sex toys safely in our "are vibrators bad for your health?" feature.