Human Sexuality and Culture

ANT 2301

Dr. Clarence C. Gravlee

experiencing sexual

pleasure

sex with self sex with others

Masturbation

Have you ever masturbated?

1 2

0%0%1. Yes2. No

How often do you masturbate?

1 2 3 4 5 6

17% 17% 17%17%17%17%

1. At least once a day2. Four to six times a

week3. One to three times

a week4. Two to three times

a month5. Once a month or

less6. I do not masturbate

“I do not masturbate”second week of class

4%

41%

Men Women

College students who have ever masturbated

98%

64%

Men Women

Source: Pinkerton et al. (2002)

College students who masturbate at least 2-3 times per week

50%

31%

Men Women

Source: Elliott & Brantley (1997)

Prevalence (%) of masturbation in select countries

65

35

95

8373

61

35

13

30

15

37 38

AustraliaChina Taiwan Turkey UK USA

Men Women

Sources: Aras et al. (2007), Das (2007a,b), Gerressu et al. (2008), Richters et al. (2003), Wang et al. (2007)

Why do some people masturbate?

Decreases tension and anxiety

Provides outlet for sexual fantasy

Allows people to discover what brings them pleasure

Partner is unavailable

Can be exciting with a partner

Why don’t some people masturbate?

Religious or cultural prohibitions

Guilt

Lack of interest

No two women masturbate exactly the same way

Massaging clitoris directly or indirectly

Stimulating clitoris and vagina simultaneously

Squeezing legs together

Using fingers, dildos, vibrators, or other objects

Massaging breasts, nipples, and anal region

No two men masturbate exactly the same way

Stimulate penis directly with hand

Typically, penis grasped and stroked at the shaft

Focus on edge of corona and frenulum

Vary pressure, rate, grip

Massage breasts, nipples, testicles, and anal region

Gliding action of prepuce may

enhance stimulation and lubrication

48%

44%

8%

Worse No Change Better

Masturbatory pleasure before and after circumcision

Kim D & Pang M (2007) The effect of male circumcision on sexuality. BJU International 99 (3), 619-622

20%

74%

6%

Decreased No Change Increased

Sexual pleasure before and after circumcision

Kim D & Pang M (2007) The effect of male circumcision on sexuality. BJU International 99 (3), 619-622

sexwith

OTHERS