Americans love to masturbate, but hate to talk about it
- TENGA’s inaugural United State(s) of Masturbation survey finds general discomfort among Americans in discussing masturbation
- Public estimates masturbation to be far less popular than it actually is
- Clinton voters are 10 points more likely than Trump voters to be comfortable discussing masturbation with a partner
PR Newswire, Tokyo, Japan, September 23, 2016
TENGA Co. Ltd. today announced results from its inaugural United State(s) of Masturbation survey, compiling data from 1,200 Americans on their habits and attitudes surrounding masturbation. The survey found that despite the fact that 88 percent of Americans report masturbating, more than half of all respondents cite discomfort in discussing masturbation with others, including friends, family and partners.
Survey respondents included Americans age 18-74, and assessed key trends and attitudes across gender, generation, sexual orientation and relationship status.
Results indicated that although the majority of people reported masturbating in their lifetime, respondents estimated prevalence to be much lower. When asked what percentage of Americans masturbate, most guessed numbers 11-13 percent below reality, indicating low awareness of masturbation’s universality in today’s culture.
Gallery
Dr. Chris Donaghue, PhD, LCSW, CST notes this underestimation may result in larger repercussions, noting, “By not discussing masturbation openly, we are missing key opportunities – to better educate on sexual health, to learn more about our preferences and needs, and to enjoy pleasurable experiences without fear of judgment or ridicule.”
Other key findings from the survey include:
- Of people who masturbate, men report masturbating an average of 15 times per month, compared to women, who average 7-8 times per month
- 54 percent of Millennials state they are comfortable discussing masturbation, compared to 45 percent of Gen Xers and 36 percent of Boomers, suggesting the younger generation is more comfortable with the topic
- Americans use masturbation for a variety of reasons beyond sexual pleasure, including stress relief, release of sexual tension and to increase sexual performance
- 29 percent of respondents admit lying about masturbation – common reasons include embarrassment and fear of being judged by friends, family or partners
- Trends emerge across political affiliations – Trump voters are 5 percent more likely to masturbate while in a relationship than Clinton voters; however, Clinton voters are 10 percent more likely to feel comfortable discussing masturbation with a partner compared to Trump voters
In releasing these results, TENGA hopes to elevate the conversation surrounding masturbation in America from secretive to celebratory, and encourages people to discuss masturbation more openly.
TENGA will be on the floor at the Sexual Health Expo (SHE) in Brooklyn this weekend, sharing results from the survey and unveiling the new FLIP 0, the latest in TENGA’s line of high-quality masturbation sleeves. Using the best quality materials and pioneering molding technology, the FLIP 0 offers intricately designed internal details for varied sensations. The TENGA FLIP 0 is available to U.S. consumers in select local retailers and via online vendors, like Amazon.
“Data from the survey, in tandem with consumer feedback, helps us develop products that meet the needs of our customers around the world,” said Eddie Marklew, Global Marketing Manager, TENGA. “Through our evolving product line, TENGA hopes to bring discussions about masturbation to the public, initiating important conversations on pleasure, performance and sexuality.”
For full survey results, visit www.UnitedStatesofMasturbation.com or TENGA store locaters, visit https://store.tenga-global.com/.
About The United State(s) of Masturbation Survey
From July 13-19, 1,200 Americans ages 18-74 were surveyed to better understand Americans’ perceptions of and sentiments toward masturbation, the ways in which they masturbate, the role of masturbation in their relationships, and their views on and interest in masturbation tools. Quotas were set by age, which was separated into generational groups, and gender.
About TENGA
TENGA is a line of adult novelty products for men, with a focus on non-obscene product design as a tool for safer, better pleasure. Since their release in 2005, TENGA has sold over 49 million units worldwide and is now highly regarded as one of the leaders in products for male pleasure in both adult and mainstream markets, and is the No. 1 Brand of Male Masturbation products by units sold, selling over triple of their closest competitor. For further details, visit www.tenga-global.com.
About Dr. Chris Donaghue
Dr. Chris Donaghue is a Doctor of Clinical Sexology and Human Sexuality, Doctoral trained in Clinical Psychology, Licensed Clinical Therapist, and a Certified Sex Therapist. Dr. Donaghue specializes in individual and couples sex and marital therapy, as well as sexual compulsivity, sexual anorexia, sexual dysfunctions, and non-traditional sexuality, identities, and relationships. He is a member of American Association of Sex Counselors, Educators, and Therapists (AASECT) and the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS). For more information please visit, www.drchrisdonaghue.com.
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