New Data Shows the "Masturbation Gap" Is Beginning To Close

According to data collected by sex toy brand Womanizer, the "masturbation gap" -- a term that describes the disparity between how frequently men and women masturbate -- is starting to close. This year, the gap has shrunk to 56 percent, compared to a difference of 66 percent in 2020.

Per a press release, men in Hong Kong masturbate an average of 94 times a year, compared to 41 times a year for women. Globally, 33 percent of women who participated in Womanizer's study reported that they don't masturbate at all, a staggering number compared to 14 percent of male respondents. Despite the statistical differences between male and female masturbation, both sexes reported similar libidos. On a scale of one (very low libido) to 10 (very high libido), men in Hong Kong rated themselves at a 6.31 and women at 5.72.

The masturbation gap is the result of the stigma that continues to surround female sexuality and masturbation. Culturally, it's more acceptable for men to talk about pleasure than women, who are often shamed for their desires. Additionally, a lack of education surrounding masturbation perpetuates its taboo status.

In related news, a three-month-long study revealed that regular masturbation can help reduce period pain.

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