Dr. Deepali is a qualified dental surgeon with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from the esteemed MR Ambedkar Dental College, Bangalore. With a strong foundation in clinical healthcare and a deep-rooted passion for storytelling, she has transitioned into the world of medical writing—where science meets empathy. Drawing from years of hands-on experience in patient care, Dr. Deepali specializes in simplifying complex health information into clear, relatable, and trustworthy content. Her journey as a writer began long before her medical career—with published articles, play scripts, and creative pieces written during her school and college years. Today, she combines that creative flair with her medical background to write well-researched articles on sexual wellness, general health, mental well-being, and more. Her core belief is that health content should empower—not overwhelm. She is especially passionate about patient education and uses her writing to bridge the gap between medical jargon and everyday understanding. Every article she creates is grounded in scientific evidence, empathy, and accessibility.
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Updated on 23rd June 2025
Masturbation is common and completely normal among married women. While studies suggest many women masturbate weekly or monthly, there’s no “right” frequency; it’s a personal choice influenced by factors like stress, libido, and life stage. For most, it complements partnered intimacy, not replaces it, and offers emotional, physical, and relational benefits. However, when it causes tension or becomes secretive, open communication or counseling may help. The bottom line: it’s healthy, individual, and absolutely okay.
How often do married women masturbate? Probably more often than you think. It’s a question many people quietly wonder about and often surrounded by silence but quiet curiosity. But if you’re hoping for a clear-cut answer on the numbers, here’s the truth: there isn’t one.
Masturbation among married women is more common and healthier than many realise. Whether it happens weekly, monthly, or not at all, it’s a deeply personal choice influenced by factors like stress, libido, life stage, and relationship dynamics.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what the research says, why and how often married women masturbate, plus the benefits it can bring to both individual well-being and partnered intimacy. We’ll also explore when masturbation might raise concerns in a marriage and why open, judgment-free communication is essential to understanding its role in a healthy sex life.
Female masturbation habit is often surrounded by a lot more shame and stigma than the male counterparts. But let’s be clear- there’s absolutely no shame in self sexual pleasure. A 2017 survey study[1] shows that 40% of women masturbated within a span of one month. Another informal yet large international survey study by a sex toy brand called “Womanizer” found that, on average, women masturbated approximately once a week or roughly 49 times per year.
Remember, self-pleasure isn’t about the surveys or the statistics. Masturbation habits are personal. It’s not about how often others do it – it’s about what feels right for you. Masturbation frequency can vary based on many factors like age, sex drive, relationship status, culture, or personal comfort. If there’s one thing that doesn’t change, it’s this: whether you masturbate every day, rarely, or never – it’s your choice, and it’s okay.
There’s no ‘correct’ number of times someone should masturbate – married or not. What matters most is whether it feels right for you. And for many women, it’s a healthy, normal part of their sexual expression.
Masturbation is a natural expression of sexual desire, and for many married women, it remains an important part of their sexual well-being. Let’s explore why married women choose to masturbate :
Marriage doesn’t mean the end of sexual curiosity or sexual desire. For many, it is a way to explore their bodies, discover what feels good, and better understand their sexual preferences. This sexual self-consciousness can even enhance sexual experiences with their partners[2], fostering a more fulfilling intimate relationship.
It is found that sexually satisfied women masturbate more when they are having sex. For many women, it goes hand-in-hand with sex, not against it. Sometimes it’s about finishing what didn’t happen during sex, as women tend to experience more orgasm gap[3], but more often, it’s simply about enjoying pleasure in their own way.
Life can be overwhelming, with responsibilities related to work, relationships, parenting, or managing a household. Masturbation offers a moment of personal escape, releasing feel-good hormones, i.e, endorphins that help ease stress and promote relaxation[4]. For many married women, it’s a simple but powerful form of self-care.
According to a study[5], for many married women, masturbation does not mean “a partner substitute” to seek sexual pleasure, but it is a stress-coping and relaxation strategy.
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Marriage is often associated with a consistent sex life, but the reality can be more complex. Partners may have mismatched libidos, differing schedules, or periods where intimacy takes a backseat.
Masturbation can also serve as a complementary activity that enhances sexual satisfaction within the marriage itself. By learning what they enjoy, they’re often better able to express their sexual desires, leading to a more satisfying sexual relationship.
A user on Reddit says, “I frequently masturbate after sex to the sex i just had, either right away or within a day or two. Other than that, I maybe masturbate one to two times a month”
Over the years, factors like hormonal shifts, childbirth, or menopause can affect a woman’s sexual desire and sexual practices. Regular masturbation helps women stay connected to their sexual desires and helps maintain sexual self-esteem even during phases of less frequent partnered sex.
Masturbation doesn’t just feel good – it can be good for you, too. While research on female masturbation is still limited, experts suggest it offers several benefits:
|
Physical Benefits |
Mental & Emotional Benefits |
Relationship Benefits |
|---|---|---|
|
Better sleep |
Less stress and anxiety |
Improved sexual function and communication |
|
Fewer cramps and PMS symptoms |
Better mood |
Less pressure on partners |
|
Stronger pelvic floor |
Greater body awareness |
Maintained sexual interest |
|
Stronger immunity |
Higher sexual confidence |
Complementarity of partnered sex |
|
Pain relief |
Clearer sexual preferences |
increased sexual wellness and sexual development |
There is no shying away from the fact that most married men and women masturbate[6] and yes, it is normal. Even couples with a satisfying sex life masturbate. A 2017 study[7] found that partnered or mutual masturbation is the third most common sexual behavior a couple does together.
In marriages where sex isn’t possible due to untreatable medical conditions, sexual dysfunction, or sexual difficulties, but love and intimacy remain strong, sex therapists often recommend mutual masturbation as a meaningful and fulfilling alternative.
In any relationship, partners often have different levels of sexual desire. When one partner’s sexual frequency is more than the other’s, masturbation can be a healthy, respectful way to manage those needs without creating pressure or conflict.
It’s essential to dismantle masturbation myths within marriage. Some say that masturbation is a sign of dissatisfaction with the sexual relationship. In reality, it can coexist with a healthy and satisfying marital sex life, serving as an additional sexual activity to maintain sexual health and sexual wellness.
A user on reddit wrote,” Probably once every week or every other week. I don’t have a high libido and sometimes it’s just nice to relieve myself. Not that my partner doesn’t do a fantastic job, he’s very considerate”.
While masturbation is generally healthy, in certain situations it can create relationship difficulties:
When masturbation isn’t discussed openly, partners may develop misconceptions or feel insecure. One partner might wonder, “Am I not satisfying them?” while the other might feel guilty or secretive about a normal behaviour.
If masturbation consistently replaces rather than complements partnered intimacy, it may indicate underlying relationship issues that need addressing. This is different from temporary periods of solo preference, which are normal.
Like any behaviour, masturbation can become problematic if it interferes with daily responsibilities, relationships, or well-being.
Internal conflicts about masturbation, often stemming from cultural or religious backgrounds, can create emotional distress that affects both individual and relationship wellness.
How often do married women masturbate? Well, there is no definitive answer, but what is clear is that it is normal and absolutely okay! How often you masturbate, whether single or married, is totally up to you.
For a married woman, masturbation isn’t a replacement for partnered sex – it’s an addition to their overall sexual well-being. It can boost satisfaction, support sexual health, and act as a form of personal self-care.
Sometimes, a little time with yourself is exactly what you need. There is no shame in little self-care care though, isn’t it?
The following blog article provides general information and insights on various topics. However, it is important to note that the information presented is not intended as professional advice in any specific field or area. The content of this blog is for general educational and informational purposes only.
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The content should not be interpreted as endorsement, recommendation, or guarantee of any product, service, or information mentioned. Readers are solely responsible for the decisions and actions they take based on the information provided in this blog. It is essential to exercise individual judgment, critical thinking, and personal responsibility when applying or implementing any information or suggestions discussed in the blog.
