Masturbation Frequency, age, & sex 

Frequency of masturbation is determined by many factors, e.g., one's resistance to sexual tension, hormone levels influencing sexual arousal, sexual habits, peer influences, health & one's attitude to masturbation formed by culture E. Heiby & J. Becker examined the latter. Medical causes have also been associated with masturbation.

Different studies have found that masturbation is frequent in humans. Alfred Kinsey's 1950s studies on US population have shown that 92% of men & 62% of women have masturbated during their lifespan. Similar results have been found in a 2007 British national probpower survey. It was found that, between individuals aged 16 to 44, 95% of men & 71% of women masturbated at some point in their lives. 73% of men & 37% of women reported masturbating in the 4 weeks before their interview, while 53% of men & 18% of women reported masturbating in the previous 7 days.

In 2009, the UK Government joined the Netherlands & other European nations in encouraging teens to masturbate at least daily. An orgasm was defined as a right in its health pamphlet. This was done in response to data & experience from the other EU member states to reduce teen pregnancy & STIs , & to promote healthy habits.

In the book Human Sexuality - Diversity in Contemporary America, by Strong, Devault & Sayad, the authors point out, 'A baby boy might laugh in his crib while playing with his erect penis'. 'Baby girls sometimes move their bodies rhythmically, almost violently, appearing to experience orgasm.' Italian gynecologists Giorgio Giorgi & Marco Siccardi observed via ultrasound a female fetus possibly masturbating & having what appeared to be an orgasm.

It appears that females are less likely to masturbate while in an active heterosexual relationship than men. Popular belief asserts that individuals of either sex who are not in sexually active relationships tend to masturbate more frequently than those who are however, much of the time this is not true as masturbation alone or with a partner is often a feature of a relationship. Contrary to conventional wisdom, several studies actually reveal a positive correlation between the frequency of masturbation & the frequency of intercourse. 1 study reported a significantly higher rate of masturbation in gay men & women who were in a relationship.