Health · Mental Health · 2 hrs ago
Couples urged to consider consensual masturbation as a shared sexual option
The column describes a couple, Adam and Lily, in which Adam wants sex but Lily does not.
It suggests that, if both agree, Adam could masturbate beside Lily rather than treating the choice as intercourse or nothing.
The authors call this “relational masturbation” and describe it as exploring one’s own pleasure while a partner is present.
They say it can make room for different desires without pressuring either partner to have sex.
The column also says couples may share more of their sexuality with each other through this experience.
The authors cite informal figures from their clinic sessions, saying about 10% of men and 5% of women they asked masturbate beside a partner; they say the figures are not scientific.
Their recommendation is to treat it as a consensual option, not an obligation.
The authors urge couples to consider consensual, respectful masturbation beside a partner as an option for shared sexual intimacy.
They describe it as a middle ground between intercourse and having no sexual activity together.
They say it can let each partner follow their own desires without pressure or coercion.
The article reports that, in the authors’ clinic intake sessions, about 70% of men and around 20% of women say they masturbate.
The authors say about 10% of men and about 5% of women report masturbating next to a partner.
- Who
- Couples, including partners with different levels of interest in sex.
- What
- The authors recommend consensual, respectful masturbation beside a partner as a shared sexual option.
- When
- Not stated.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- The authors say it can support individual desire, reduce pressure and offer couples another way to share intimacy.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The wider the sexual playground, the more options for mutual pleasure.
We want to invite consensual, respectful relational masturbation as a viable option for couples.
No one is forced, shamed or pressured into something they don't want.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Men who say they masturbate
- Roughly 70%
- Men who say they masturbate next to a partner
- Maybe 10%
- Women who say they masturbate
- Around 20%
- Women who say they masturbate next to a partner
- About 5%
Sources
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