Calling all Masturbation Warriors! TENGA at Sex Expo 2017
What makes someone a Masturbation Warrior? How important is masturbation to a healthy lifestyle? We explored some of these concepts in our 2017 United States of Masturbation survey, and talked to some of you about it, too!
This past September saw Sex Expo (previously known as Sexual Health Expo) return to Brooklyn in a shiny new venue. Sex Expo is a two-day event featuring workshops and product showcases relating to sex, intimacy and romance. The guest turnout absolutely didn’t disappoint — the place was packed full of enthusiastic, sex-positive attendees on both days.
We attended for our second year, with our spokesperson Dr. Chris Donaghue. American readers, you’ll recognize him as the sex and relationship expert from such outlets as the podcast Loveline with Amber Rose, his book ‘Sex Outside the Lines’, and a significant portion of the populations’ dreams.
The highlight of the weekend for us was Dr. Chris’ presentation on ‘The United State(s) of Masturbation’, our nationwide survey of Americans’ views on masturbation that, as it is now in its second year, we can call annual.
With the survey’s debut last year, our main findings were that although the majority of people said that they have masturbated before, when asked how many people they think masturbate, their guesses were much lower than the reality — this indicates that, since nobody talks about it, everyone thinks everyone else doesn’t do it. Of course, this simply isn’t the case.
For the survey’s second year, an interesting pattern emerged from the results — people who masturbate more frequently seem to reap some unexpected rewards. People who masturbate 4x or more a week — hereby referred to as Masturbation Warriors — experience 4 life benefits:
This certainly does seem to indicate that people who take the time to prioritize their own pleasure may be more inclined to prioritize taking care of themselves in other ways, too. These findings help to kick off a conversation about the benefits of masturbation beyond just feeling good at the time — I took a walk around the show floor asking some Sex Expo attendees what they thought about masturbation and its potential for improving lives . Thank you to everyone who took the time to stop for a chat!
We began with a simple Yes/No question: Do you think masturbation can lead to a better life?
Spoilers: 100% of the people we asked gave a resounding ‘YES’.
I then asked a few people: in what way do you think masturbation can lead to a better life? Here are some of their thoughts; *note that people chose their own descriptors!
Alex, 22, Sex Toy Lover:
It’s a total mood booster! Anything that feels good is going to make you happier, and that’s a source of happiness that can be there no matter what else is going on. It doesn’t depend on anything or anyone but you!
Jamie, 25, Creative Designer:
Masturbation means greater control and autonomy over your own pleasure, and I know I feel a lot better about things in general when I feel like I have a level of control.
A, 24, Pasta Fan:
It relieves stress, which is huge! And it’s exploring yourself, so you can know your own body better. It can help raise comfort with your own sexuality, which means more pleasure for you in the long run!
J, 27, Ponytail:
Regardless of how good your partnered sex might be, the reality is that you know yourself best, and satisfying yourself is different than waiting for someone else to do it for you.
Logan, 39, Artist:
I find that it gives me a sense of clarity in other areas of my life, if that makes sense. It’s a release of a kind of frustration, and that helps to clear my mind and makes me be able to be more mentally present elsewhere.
Cayce, 40, Beard:
Masturbation is just like taking the time to treat yourself with a dessert or a bath — it keeps you from getting too worn out. Self-care is important for your mental health and masturbation can absolutely be a part of that.
Joe, 27, European:
Talking about it is fun and can build relationships — not just romantic, I mean even with your friends. Sharing personal stuff makes you closer and builds trust, and at the very least can make you laugh a lot together!
What do you think? Can masturbation lead to a better life? Let us know in the comments or find us on Twitter (@TENGA_Global)!
Until next time,
T.
