Solo Sex Research Articles

(100) MASTURBATION: AN UNDERUTILIZED TREATMENT?

Abstract Introduction Certain types of masturbation have been shown to affect genital and genitourinary health. However, the full range of health benefits associated with masturbation and its various forms remains inadequately studied. Objective This study aimed to investigate the literature addressing utilization of masturbation for various health conditions among females. Methods We conducted a systematic literature review of PubMed, Embase, and Medline from January 1980 to November 2023, adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search incorporated keywords such as “masturbation,” “sexual pleasure,” “benefits of masturbation,” “sexual self-stimulation,” “solo sex,” “onanism,” and “self-pleasure.” Inclusion criteria for the analysis were clinical trials, cohort studies, and reviews with cisgender women over 18 years old as participants, and masturbation utilized as an intervention. Exclusion criteria were case reports, surveys, studies involving men, or those with a history of gender dysphoria. Results A total of 176 studies were initially identified. Only five studies met all inclusion and exclusion criteria. Among these, four were clinical trials, and one was a systematic review. All but one study investigated the role of masturbation in the ability to orgasm with or without a partner. Orgasmic function was noted to be improved among participants in these four studies. One study investigated the endocrine changes associated with orgasm and found a significant elevation in post-orgasmic prolactin, similar to men. Participants in all the studies were cisgender women aged 18 to 55, predominantly heterosexual. The intervention duration ranged from 10 minutes per session to multiple sessions over the course of five weeks, with only one study specifying the mode of masturbation (vibrators). Four of the studies used erotica and pornography as augmentation to masturbation, and a partner was involved in the intervention in two of the studies. Only one study employed formal quantitative methods for outcome assessment. Conclusions Masturbation has primarily been investigated as an intervention for orgasmic dysfunction. There is a significant need for studies examining different types of masturbation and their effects on general and genitourinary health. Disclosure No.

Pornography and sexual function in the post-pandemic period: a narrative review from psychological, psychiatric, and sexological perspectives.

The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns had significant impacts on sexual functioning and behavior. Partnered sexual activity decreased overall, while solo sex activities such as masturbation and pornography consumption increased exponentially. Given the ongoing debate about the effects of pornography on sexual function, it was prudent to consider how the increase in porn consumption during the pandemic might have impacted sexual function in the post-pandemic period. Results indicated that despite the increased rates of use during lockdowns, there remains no evidence supporting the relationship between sexual dysfunction and porn use during and following the pandemic period. On the contrary, pornography consumption and solo sex activities offered an alternative to conventional sexual behavior during a highly stressful period and were found to have positive effects of relieving psychosocial stress otherwise induced by the pandemic. Specifically, those who maintained an active sexual life experienced less anxiety and depression, and greater relational health than those who were not sexually active. It is important to consider factors including frequency, context, and type of consumption when analyzing the impact of pornography on sexual function. While excessive use can have negative effects, moderate use can be a natural and healthy part of life.

SEXUAL ACTIVITY OF OLDER ADULTS: WE’RE ASKING THE WRONG QUESTIONS

Abstract Sexual activity of older adults is an under researched area as most surveys on sexual behavior end at age 60 reflecting the myth that older adults are not sexually active. Only recently has survey data asked specifically about sexual activity of those ages 60 to 95. Their consensus is over half of males and a third of females over 70 are sexually active. Most striking is the current body of research almost exclusively defines sexual activity measured as partnered sexual behaviors of intercourse, fondling, kissing, touching. Given the reality for many older adults lacking an active sex partner due to death, sexual dysfunction, or serious illness, the aim of this study was to determine if the right survey questions are being asked for older adults. Seven major surveys, underlying most current research, were analyzed regarding solitary sex (masturbation) compared to partnered sex. Results of this study found extensive questioning about aspects of partnered sex including pleasure, satisfaction, pain, relationship status, sexual functioning, anxiety, individual sexual acts, etc. compared to only two questions about masturbation, both only about frequency. The psychological and physiological benefits of sexual activity, both partnered and solo sex, are well documented and correlate with higher life satisfaction for older adults. Sexual activity needs to be redefined to also include solitary sex and this begins by asking the right questions. This study has implications for the need to bring a broader perspective in promoting a healthy sex life among older adults, defined both as partnered and solitary sex.

"I Can't Take This Shitty Quarantine Anymore": Sexual Behavior and PrEP Use Among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender Women in Brazil During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This study analyzes how the COVID-19 pandemic affected sexual behavior and use of HIV prevention methods among young transgender women (YTGW) and young gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (YGBMSM) participating in an HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) demonstration study in Brazil. Online interviews with 39 participants aged 15–22 years old were conducted between September and November 2020 and analyzed based on social constructionism and human rights-based approaches to health. The pandemic disrupted interviewees’ routines, negatively affecting their life conditions. Among those who did not have a steady partner, social distance measures led to temporary interruption of sexual encounters and increased sexting and solo sex. Conversely, for those who had a steady relationship such measures contributed to increasing sexual practices and intimacy. Participants who had sexual encounters during the pandemic reported having continued to use PrEP. However, home confinement with family, lack of privacy, loss of daily routines and changes in housing impaired PrEP adherence and attendance at follow-up consultations. These results highlight the importance of maintaining HIV-service delivery for these groups during a public health crisis, as well as to address the structural drivers of the epidemic with comprehensive HIV prevention policies and by ensuring access of YGBMSM and YTGW to social protection policies.

A Seemingly Paradoxical Relationship Between Masturbation Frequency and Sexual Satisfaction

Despite many benefits related to masturbation, we know surprisingly little about how solo sex is associated with sexual satisfaction. Using questionnaire data from a probability-based sample of 4,160 Norwegians aged 18–89 years, we explored subgroups of women and men that differed in their masturbation–sexual satisfaction typology and examined whether sociodemographic, psychological, and sexual behavioral characteristics were associated with distinct masturbation–satisfaction patterns. A cluster analysis revealed four similar groupings for women and men, reflecting sex lives characterized by high masturbation/sexual satisfaction, low masturbation/sexual satisfaction, high masturbation/sexual dissatisfaction, or low masturbation/sexual dissatisfaction. While being younger, higher pornography consumption, and sexual variety were primarily associated with increased masturbation frequency, sexual distress and a negative body and genital self-image were more clearly associated with sexual dissatisfaction. Predicting different masturbation–satisfaction groupings also revealed some gender-specific findings in the use of pornography, and in the association between masturbation and intercourse frequency, which suggested a complementary pattern for women and a compensatory pattern for men. Our findings emphasize that the linkage between masturbation and sexual satisfaction warrants closer focus.

Sexual Health During COVID-19: A Scoping Review.

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic impacted profoundly on the wellbeing and social interactions of the world population, and all dimensions of sexual health were potentially affected by globally implemented preventive measures.ObjectivesThe scoping review aimed to compile existing research investigating possible effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on adult sexual health, that is, sexual behavior, functioning, and satisfaction. Further, studies on the interplay between mental health and sexual well-being during the pandemic were reviewed.MethodsThe review was conducted in accordance with guidelines established by the Joanna Briggs Institute and the Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) Checklist. On October 11–12, 2021, PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, Cinahl, Cochrane, Sociological s and Scopus were systematically searched for relevant peer-reviewed papers employing quantitative methodology. Additionally, unpublished (“grey”) research studies on the subject were retrieved. The screening, data extraction, and analysis of evidence were conducted by 4 independent reviewers using an iterative approach.ResultsBased on 107 studies included, the scoping review showed that the pandemic had had a wide impact on all dimensions of sexual health. Except for solo sex activities, mainly negative COVID-19 implications were identified, although findings were, in sum, characterized by complexity and unpredictability. Thus, sexual behavior, functioning, and satisfaction during the pandemic appeared to be mitigated by a broad range of sociodemographic and contextual factors. Finally, sexual health seemed deeply entwined with overall mental health.ConclusionThe scoping review revealed a broad range of COVID-19-related effects on sexual health, including an overall decline in partnered sex and a concurrent increase in solo sex activities. It also emphasized a need for future research to shed light on possible long-term consequences of the pandemic in various population groups and on all aspects of sexual health.Toldam NE, Graugaard C, Meyer R, et al. Sexual Health During COVID-19: A Scoping Review. Sex Med Rev 2022;10:714–753.

Sexual assessment in breast cancer survivors receiving aromatase inhibitors: Are they interested on sexology consultation?

ABSTRACT Introduction Sexuality complaints are common among breast cancer (BC) survivors mostly related to diagnosis and treatment. Aromatase inhibitors (AI) are a well-known cause of severe genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and dyspareunia. It is noteworthy that to evaluate sexual function a proper evaluation of both the past and current sexuality is needed. Objective baseline assessment of BC survivors receiving AI with GSM and dyspareunia who attend a sexology consultation. Methods Observational cross-sectional descriptive data from an ongoing RCT study (NCT04619485) focused on baseline sexual records of BC survivors receiving AI with GSM and dyspareunia, aimed to better understand the sexual life of the participants before any treatment. Women received an hour sexual counselling based on the PLISSIT model (permission, limited information, specific suggestion and intensive therapy). According to DSM 5, sexual disorder should be considered when there is clinically significant disturbance. We ask patients to fill in a visual analogue scale (VAS) 0-10 about disturbance by their sexual life and classified disturbance as clinically significant when women scored >3. Dyspareunia intensity is also assessed in all patients (sexually active and inactive) according to their last coital sexual activities. Both their past and current sexual life are evaluated. Results We included 73 women until June 2021. On average, patients had been diagnosed of BC 5 years ago and had been treated with surgery (98.6%), radiotherapy (73.2%), chemotherapy (81.1%) and hormonal therapy (100%). Sexual activity rate was 63%. Table 1 describes the characteristics of the sample, classified according to their sexual activity and to whether they attended or not the sexual assessment visit. Sexually inactive women are older and have more intense dyspareunia than their sexually active peers, being such differences statistically significant. 19 women rejected sexual counselling due to shame, personal beliefs or lack of motivation on the topic. No statistically significant differences were found between this collective and women who wanted sexual assessment. All women who attended baseline sexual visit (N=54) were heterosexual but one bisexual. 76.5% of them reported a stable relationship whereas 23.5% were unpartnered. Among sexually active women who attended baseline sexual visit (N=37, 68.5%), 23.5% reported solo sex, 35.3% reported partnered sex and 41.2% both sexual conducts. According to the kind of sexual activity, 77% of all women had vaginal sex and external conducts, 20% only external conducts and 3% only vaginal sex. Regarding the sexuality of the 54 evaluated women, 80.4% had a preserved and satisfactory sexual life with orgasms previous to BC diagnosis. Most of the patients (62.7%) reported worsening of their sexual life after AI treatment whereas only 17.7% maintained their good sexual life. All women with previous sexual dysfunction (19.6%) maintained their symptoms. Conclusions three out of four patients suffering from BC are interested in an evaluation of their sexuality. Most of them show a sexuality impairment at the baseline visit. This information should be considered when planning the holistic approach to patient care by a multidisciplinary team, especially when there is an aim to treat a sexual symptom.

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexual\xa0functioning and activity: a systematic review\xa0and meta-analysis

BackgroundSince December 2019, when it was first reported in Wuhan, province of Hubei, China, the new virus SARS-CoV-2 has spread rapidly around the world and has become a global pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the public health measures implemented, people’s sexual activity has also been affected. Restrictions on people’s activities, reduced sports activities, economic issues, increased psychological stress, and reduced entertainment have, indeed, dramatically impacted sexual activity and functioning. The purpose of this study was tosystematically identify, collect and summarize the existing body of evidence from published studies on the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on sexual activity and functioning.MethodsSeveral scholarly databases, namely MEDLINE (via PubMed interface), Web of Science (WOS), Embase, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases, were mined from December 2019 to the end of January 2021. We utilized a random-effect meta-analytical model to analyze all the data. More in detail, the Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) was used in order to estimate and evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexual activity and functioning.ResultsTwenty-one studies were included in the present study. In total, 2454 women and 3765 men were evaluated. In the present meta-analysis, sexual functioning and activity were assessed by means of two standardized and reliable tools, namely the “Female Sexual Function Index” (FSFI) and the “International Index of Erectile Function-5 items” (IIEF-5). A total of 5 studies reported the FSFI score before and after the COVID-19 pandemic in female participants. Based on the random-effect model, the SMD was computed to be − 4.26 [95% confidence interval or CI: − 7.26, − 1.25], being statistically significant. A total of 3 studies reported the IIEF-5 score before and after the COVID-19 pandemic in male participants. Based on the random-effect model, the SMD was computed to be − 0.66 [CI 95%: − 0.99, − 0.33], being statistically significant. In the majority of these studies, participants reported a reduction in the number of sexual relations and an increase in the frequency of solo sex activity, especially masturbation, compared to the time prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.ConclusionThe results of the present study showed that COVID-19 related restrictions were correlated with higher rates of sexual dysfunction and reduced sexual activity; however, results of the current meta-analytical study show that this change in sexual functioning was greater in women compared to men. Sex is one of the dimensions of every person’s life; therefore, researchers should identify the factors that lead to sexual dysfunction due to COVID-19 pandemic in their community. In this regard, sexologists should design and implement effective programs to reduce the heterogeneous causes affecting sexual functioning, given the psychological strain that the COVID-19 pandemic puts on individuals.

Sex With Robots and Human-Machine Sexualities: Encounters Between Human-Machine Communication and Sexuality Studies

Sex robots are a controversial topic. Understood as artificial-intelligence enhanced humanoid robots designed for use in partnered and solo sex, sex robots offer ample opportunities for theorizing from a Human-Machine Communication (HMC) perspective. This comparative literature review conjoins the seemingly disconnected literatures of HMC and sexuality studies (SeS) to explore questions surrounding intimacy, love, desire, sex, and sexuality among humans and machines. In particular, I argue for understanding human-machine sexualities as communicative sexuotechnical-assemblages, extending previous efforts in both HMC and SeS for more-than-human, ecological, and more fluid approaches to humans and machines, as well as to sex and sexuality. This essay continues and expands the critical turn in HMC by engaging in an interdisciplinary exercise with theoretical, design, and use/effect implications in the context of sex robots.

Love during lockdown: findings from an online survey examining the impact of COVID-19 on the sexual health of people living in Australia

IntroductionAustralia recorded its first case of COVID-19 in late January 2020. On 22P March 2020, amid increasing daily case numbers, the Australian Government implemented lockdown restrictions to help ‘flatten the...

How Is the COVID-19 Pandemic Affecting Our Sexualities? An Overview of the Current Media Narratives and Research Hypotheses

The article presents an overview of current media narratives and scientific observations and predictions on sexuality-related COVID-19 effects shows how many different aspects of sexual behavior and sexual and reproductive health can be affected The main topics discussed include the following: 1) sexuality-related effects of the COVID-19 pandemic;2) COVID-19 effects on partnered sex;3) COVID-19 effects on solo sex;4) COVID-19 effects on sexual and reproductive health issues in vulnerable groups;and 5) COVID-19 effects on sexual and reproductive healthcare and sexual education (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)

Experiences with Diverse Sex Toys Among German Heterosexual Adults: Findings From a National Online Survey

ABSTRACT Studies from English-speaking countries show that sex toy use is common in various populations and often associated with sexual well-being. Empirical data on sex toy use and perceived effects in other countries is still missing. Based on the Positive Sexuality framework and the Positive Technology framework, this study documented the prevalence of sex toy use in solo and partnered sex among heterosexual-identified women and men in Germany, as well as perceived positive and/or negative effects of sex toy use on sexual well-being. A survey was conducted with a national online sample of 1,723 heterosexual-identified adults in Germany (Mage = 42.71, SD = 13.25, 49% women, 51% men). The majority (52%) reported sex toy use in partnered sex, and 45% reported sex toy use in solo sex. Stronger positive than negative perceived effects of sex toy use were reported by women and men alike. Findings indicate that professionals in sexual health/sexuality education should consider sex toy use as a common and beneficial sexual behavior. Future studies could explore specific effects of sex toy use and their predictors in more detail.

Solo sex: Masturbation in a sample of Egyptian women

Backgroud: Masturbation has been stigmatized over the years. Research work in many countries indicates that men significantly more likely than women to report having ever masturbated and associations between masturbation and various sociodemographic factors were identified.Objective: This study was carried out intending to provide information about the frequency of masturbation in a sample of Egyptian women and the views of women about it.Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 286 women who filled a self-report questionnaire covering four domains: epidemiology, sexual activity, assessment of masturbation practice, and probing of the religious attitudes of the participants towards masturbation.Results: Among our participants, 53.5% admitted practicing masturbation. The most common frequency of masturbation was once per week (44.2%). Masturbation was considered a substitute for absence of husband or his unwillingness to have sex by 44.2% of participants. Masturbation was considered ‘haram’ (prohibited) by 39.2% of participants and 77.5% said it caused them to feel guilty. The commonest age group practicing masturbation was 20–29 years and the most common educational level for masturbators was women with a university degree (24.5%). Married women admitted to having masturbated more than virgins (32.9 vs. 10.1%).Conclusion: Masturbation is a relatively common practice among this sample of Egyptian women. Most women considered masturbation ‘haram’ and felt guilty about it. The most common age for practicing masturbation was between 20 and 29 years and the most common educational level for masturbators was a university degree and married women were the most common group to admit masturbation.

Desire and dilemma – gender differences in German students' consumption of pornography

In this paper we present the results of a study of the pornography consumption of German students between the ages of 20 and 30. Carried out in 2012 the study combined quantitative and qualitative data: 2082 students completed a questionnaire and further depth was provided by means of 135 semi-structured interviews. Gender differences constituted the central focus of the study. We found that there is a higher incidence of male students who consume pornography, and that those male students who do so also consume pornography considerably more frequently. Amongst female respondents we found both self-confident and ambivalent consumers, although problematizing pornography consumption is not infrequent amongst young men. Both male and female respondents showed a high degree of competence regarding pornography, and pornography consumption and masturbation were closely linked for both. The article considers gender differences in porn consumption and the way that porn is consumed both in the context of solo sex and within sexual relationships.

With the hand: a cultural history of masturbation

Most women do it at home; men, it seems, do it everywhere. Some consider it a health treatment, others as love for themselves. Yet despite everyone doing it, no one actually talks about it - masturbation is still taboo, and even today the subject is not discussed at dinner parties or soirees. To help the world overcome its diffidence towards solo sex, Mels van Driel has written With the Hand. Consulting theologians, historians, classicists, doctors, sexologists, connoisseurs, artists, philosophers, writers, poets, musicians, feminists and chauvinists, Van Driel answers questions about what masturbation actually is, and describes the latest discoveries and developments in the field. Covering a great number of topics, from the physical, to the mythical, to the mythological, to the artistic, this book explores masturbation in all its astonishing variety. From statistics of age, location and frequency, to the effects of circumcision, to multiple orgasms, he also explores masturbation in art, literature, poetry, song, religion and philosophy. Frequently astounding, often humorous and always informative, With the Hand refutes the many myths and confusion surrounding this universal, yet unmentionable pursuit. Making an unusual gift, this is perhaps the ultimate bedtime book.

Association of Lubricant Use with Women's Sexual Pleasure, Sexual Satisfaction, and Genital Symptoms: A Prospective Daily Diary Study

Although lubricant use is commonly recommended to women for solo and partnered sexual activities, little is known about women's use of lubricant or their relationship to sexual pleasure and satisfaction. The aim of this study was to assess: (i) how adult women used lubricant during partnered and solo sexual activities; (ii) relations between women's reports of sexual pleasure and satisfaction and their use of a lubricant during a particular sexual event; and (iii) to what extent lubricant use was associated with subsequent genital symptoms. A total of 2,453 women completed a 5-week internet-based, double-blind prospective daily diary study in which they were assigned to use one of six water- or silicone-based lubricants. Baseline data included demographics, contraceptive use, and sexual behavior during the 4 weeks prior to study enrollment. Daily diary data included reports of penile-vaginal sex, penile-anal sex, solo sex, lubricant use, lubricant application, ratings of sexual pleasure and satisfaction, and genital symptoms. Water-based lubricants were associated with fewer genital symptoms compared with silicone-based lubricants. In addition, the use of a water-based or silicone-based lubricant was associated with higher ratings of sexual pleasure and satisfaction for solo sex and penile-vaginal sex. Water-based lubricant use was associated with higher ratings of sexual pleasure and satisfaction for penile-anal sex as compared with no lubricant use. The water- and silicone-based lubricants used in this study were associated with significantly higher reports of sexual pleasure and satisfaction and rarely associated with genital symptoms.

We Are All Quite Queer

This article claims that solo sex could be viewed as queer sex because one loves a person of the same gender, and discusses the history of masturbation and its growing acceptance. The author explains how she became a teacher of solo sex to women who had difficulty reaching orgasm in the early seventies and, through years of teaching masturbation skills, defines solo sex as the kind of erotic meditation that enables more complete and creative forms of sexual expression.

Ejaculatio Retardata

An obsessive-compulsive patient was treated with modified analytic therapy to enable him to complete his first college year. As an assistant professor, he returned 19 years later complaining of retarded ejaculation. Traditional psychotherapy (52 sessions) failed to resolve the problem. After eight sessions of solo sex therapy, the ejaculatory dysfunction was mastered.