Masturbation is one of those topics that most people know happens but don’t always talk about openly. Yet, when it comes to men, the question often pops up: Do all men really masturbate? Well, research and statistics from around the world suggest that the answer is a pretty loud “yes.” In fact, studies show that at least 90% of men across different countries and age groups admit to doing it. Whether it’s curiosity during teenage years, stress relief in adulthood, or simply exploring pleasure, masturbation seems to be a near-universal experience for men.
What makes this interesting is how consistent the numbers are across cultures. From Europe to Asia, and even in places where talking about sex is still taboo, surveys show that men are engaging in masturbation at very high rates. Some countries even report figures above 97%. This challenges the idea that only certain groups of men masturbate—when in reality, it’s something most men everywhere do, regardless of background, culture, or marital status.
At the same time, the way men approach masturbation can differ depending on cultural influences, access to sex education, and even generational attitudes. Younger men may experiment earlier, while older men might view it differently, but the end result is almost always the same: most men masturbate at some point in their lives. That’s why breaking the stigma and discussing it openly is important—it helps normalize a behavior that’s both healthy and common.
In this article, we’ll explore masturbation statistics from different countries including Australia, France, Spain, Japan, India, and the USA. We’ll also share real voices from men themselves, dive into FAQs, and discuss why masturbation is not only normal but also beneficial for many men. So, let’s take a closer look at just how universal this habit really is.
Australia – 97.1% [1]
When it comes to masturbation, Australia ranks right at the top. According to a Statista survey, a whopping 97.1% of young people aged 14 to 18 reported that they had experienced masturbation. That’s practically everyone! What’s even more telling is the gender split: male respondents were more likely than female respondents (87.2%) to say they had tried it. This shows that for young men in Australia, masturbation is not just common—it’s nearly universal.
One reason these numbers might be so high is the country’s generally open approach to sex education and health. Australian schools and health services often promote honest conversations about sexuality, which can make young people feel more comfortable acknowledging their habits. When talking about masturbation is less stigmatized, people are also more likely to report it truthfully in surveys.
Another interesting takeaway here is that while women also report high numbers, there’s still a noticeable gap compared to men. This could be due to lingering cultural differences in how male versus female sexuality is viewed—or simply because men tend to be more open about their sexual behaviors. Either way, Australia clearly shows us that masturbation is a normal, everyday part of male sexual development.
France – 92.6% [2]
In France, the numbers are just as striking. According to a 2023 Statista survey, 92.6% of French men declared that they had practiced masturbation at least once in their lifetime. For women, the number was also significant at 72.9%, but again, the male percentage is overwhelmingly high. These figures show that in France, much like in Australia, masturbation is a very common and widely experienced part of men’s sexual lives.
What’s notable about France is its long-standing reputation for being open-minded about sexuality. Conversations about pleasure, intimacy, and sexual health are generally less taboo compared to many other countries. This cultural attitude likely plays a role in why the statistics are so high—French men are simply more comfortable acknowledging and discussing masturbation.
At the same time, the difference between men and women remains noticeable. While nearly all men report having masturbated, almost a quarter of women say they never have. This highlights how gender expectations and cultural views still influence sexual behavior and reporting, even in a progressive country like France. For men, however, the message is clear: masturbation is nearly universal, and it’s nothing unusual in French society.
Spain – 97% [3]
Spain joins the list of countries where masturbation among men is practically universal. According to Statista, in 2023, 97% of Spanish men reported that they had masturbated, along with 91% of Spanish women. These figures make Spain one of the countries with the highest reported rates overall, showing that self-pleasure is both common and widely accepted across genders.
What’s especially interesting here is how close the numbers between men and women are compared to other countries. While men still report slightly higher rates, the smaller gap suggests that conversations around sexual pleasure might be more normalized for women in Spain than in some other places. This could point to changing attitudes and a more balanced view of sexuality overall.
For Spanish men, though, the data speaks loud and clear: masturbation is almost universal. Whether seen as a form of stress relief, sexual exploration, or just a natural part of life, nearly every man in Spain reports having done it. That consistency across the population makes Spain an important example when looking at how widespread this habit really is.
Japan – 97.3% [4]
In Japan, the numbers are equally eye-opening. According to Statista, 97.3% of men in the bubble generation (those born in the post-war baby boom era) reported that they had masturbated before. Even among Gen Z men, the figure is still very high at around 83%. While there’s a generational difference, the overall picture is clear—masturbation is a near-universal experience for Japanese men.
One explanation for the generational gap could be differences in cultural openness and access to sexual content. Older generations may have explored masturbation as one of the few accessible outlets for sexual expression, while younger men now have more diverse experiences and influences shaping their sexuality. Still, with such high percentages across the board, it’s safe to say that self-pleasure is deeply ingrained in male sexual behavior in Japan.
Japan is also known for its unique adult entertainment industry, which may contribute to a more open relationship with solo sexual practices. Even if conversations about sex remain somewhat private in daily life, the data shows that behind closed doors, masturbation is as common as ever. For Japanese men, it’s simply part of life, spanning generations and lifestyles alike.
India – 90% [5]
In India, masturbation is also highly common, though it often comes with more social stigma compared to Western countries. According to Statista, about 90% of respondents reported that they masturbate at least once per month. That’s a strong majority, showing that despite cultural taboos and less open conversations around sex, Indian men are no exception when it comes to this universal habit.
What makes India’s numbers particularly interesting is the context. In many parts of the country, discussions about sex and masturbation are still considered private or even “shameful.” Yet, the data proves that men are engaging in it regularly, whether or not they talk about it openly. This reflects a clear gap between cultural attitudes and actual behaviors.
For men in India, masturbation often becomes a natural outlet for sexual energy, especially in younger years or in situations where dating and sex are less accessible. The high percentage shows that no matter the cultural restrictions, the need for self-pleasure is something most men experience and act upon. It’s a reminder that masturbation is a deeply human behavior, cutting across boundaries of tradition, religion, and social expectation.
USA – ~90%+
In the United States, the statistics suggest that a large majority of men have masturbated at least once in their lives. One recent survey says that 89.6% of U.S. men aged 18+ reported they had masturbated at least once in their lifetime. [6] Another older global self-pleasure report (by TENGA and PSB) put the number even higher: 92% of American men admitted to masturbating. [7]
When you look at more recent behavior (not just lifetime), the numbers are lower but still strong. In the U.S., about 60% of men said they masturbated in the prior month. [7] What this tells us is that while nearly all men have tried masturbation, regularity varies widely depending on age, relationship status, interest levels, and other personal factors.
Culturally, the U.S. is a mix: there’s still stigma around masturbation in some communities, but many surveys show that people are getting more comfortable admitting to it, at least in private. These numbers align with the idea that masturbation is very common among American men, though not always frequently or openly discussed.
USA — Age Group Breakdown
| Age Group | % of Males Who’ve Masturbated (“Ever”) / Recent Behavior | Notes / Source |
| Adolescents (14-17 years old) | • At age 14: ~ 62.6% reported ever having masturbated. • At age 17: ~ 80% reported ever. • Recent masturbation (past month) also rises with age: ~ 42.9% at 14 → ~ 67.6% by 17. | From a national US adolescent survey (14-17 yrs) [8] |
| Young Adults / Millennials (≈ 18-30 yrs) | • In various surveys, ~ 90-95%+ of men in this age range say they’ve masturbated at least once in their lives. • Weekly masturbation is more common in this cohort (e.g. young millennials masturbate more often than older age groups). | E.g. “Global Self-Pleasure Report by TENGA” data; also HeraHaven summary. [6][9] |
| Adults (30-60 yrs) | • Lifetime masturbation remains very high (often similar to younger adults). • Frequency tends to drop somewhat compared to 18-30, but many still masturbate monthly or weekly. • According to some data, ~ 60% of men reported masturbating in the past month. | From HeraHaven’s 2023 U.S. statistics. [6] |
| Older Adults / Seniors (70+ yrs / over 60-70) | • Lower reported frequency than younger adults. One source says among men aged 70-79, ~ 57% still masturbate. • Also, percentage saying “ever masturbated” remains high though possibly less well-documented for very advanced ages. | From data cited in Medical News Today / other summary sources. [10] |
Customers’ Voice
While statistics give us the big picture, hearing from real men about their experiences adds a personal touch. Here are a few common voices we often hear:
“I do that every day.”
For some men, masturbation is a daily routine. It’s not just about sexual release—it can also be a way to relax, reduce stress, or simply feel more in touch with their bodies. Many men see it as part of their everyday self-care.
“All men around me masturbate.”
Plenty of guys point out that masturbation isn’t something rare or hidden. In their friend groups, it’s almost a given that everyone does it, even if not everyone talks about it openly. This kind of peer awareness reinforces how normal the habit really is.
“I don’t think it is wrong to do that.”
Another common sentiment is the rejection of guilt or shame. Many men today believe masturbation is a natural, healthy part of life and see no reason to feel embarrassed. For them, it’s simply another way to enjoy their sexuality.
“It is necessary for me.”
Some men even describe masturbation as a necessity, especially when dealing with stress, long work hours, or when sex with a partner isn’t always available. For them, it plays an important role in maintaining both physical and mental balance.
FAQ
Do married men masturbate?
Yes, absolutely. Many married men continue to masturbate, even if they have a regular sex life with their partner. For some, it’s simply a way to relieve stress or explore fantasies they may not always share. It doesn’t necessarily mean something is “missing” in the relationship—masturbation and partnered sex often serve different purposes.
What do men masturbate to?
It really depends on the individual. Some men prefer watching porn, while others use their imagination, erotic stories, or memories of past experiences. Fantasies are also common, ranging from romantic scenarios to more adventurous ones. The key point is that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—what turns someone on is deeply personal.
Do all men masturbate to porn?
No. While porn is a popular tool, not all men use it. In fact, some prefer avoiding it because of personal values, performance concerns, or simply not needing visual stimulation. Plenty of men rely on mental imagery, fantasies, or even sex toys instead of porn.
Do all men fantasize while masturbating?
Most men do, in some form, but not always. Fantasies can make the experience more exciting, but sometimes masturbation is just about physical release without much mental imagery. For others, fantasies are an essential part of the process, allowing them to explore desires they might not express in real life.
What are the benefits of using a masturbator?
Masturbators can make the experience more stimulating and pleasurable. They mimic real sensations, add variety, and can even help men last longer by practicing better control. Beyond pleasure, they’re also a great way to explore new sensations safely and improve self-awareness about one’s body.
To Wrap Up
The statistics and voices we’ve shared make one thing clear: masturbation is a near-universal experience for men around the world. From Australia and France to Japan, India, Spain, and the USA, the numbers consistently show that at least 90% of men have masturbated at some point in their lives. It’s a natural, healthy, and normal part of male sexuality.
Beyond the numbers, hearing real men talk about their habits shows us that masturbation isn’t just about sexual release. It can relieve stress, improve self-awareness, and even support mental and physical well-being. Whether it’s done daily, occasionally, or in combination with a partner, it’s a personal choice and a private part of life that shouldn’t carry unnecessary shame.
For those curious or hesitant, the takeaway is simple: masturbation is normal, widespread, and nothing to be embarrassed about. Exploring your body safely, understanding your desires, and even using sex toys or masturbators can enhance the experience while promoting a healthier relationship with your sexuality.
In short, if you’ve ever wondered whether all men masturbate, the answer is overwhelmingly yes. And that’s not just a statistic—it’s a shared human experience that’s part of life for most men, across cultures and generations.
References
1. (n.d.). Share of young respondents aged 14 to 18 who had experienced sexual practices in Australia as of 2021, by gender. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1417189/australia-share-of-young-people-who-had-experienced-sexual-practices-by-gender/
2. (n.d.). Masturbation practice among people in France in 2023, by gender. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/460878/masturbation-young-people-france/
3. (n.d.). Share of respondents who have masturbated in Spain in 2023, by gender. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1021843/share-of-respondents-who-have-masturbated-by-gender-in-spain/
4. (n.d.). Share of men who have ever masturbated in Japan as of December 2022, by generation. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1387255/japan-experience-masturbation-men-by-generation/
5. (n.d.). Select statistics on masturbation in India in 2020. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1266051/india-masturbation-statistics/
6. Diaz, N. (2025, April 22). Masturbation Statistics in the US (2025). Herahaven. https://herahaven.com/blog/masturbation-statistics-us
7. Herbenick, D., Fu, T. C., Wasata, R., & Coleman, E. (2023). Masturbation Prevalence, Frequency, Reasons, and Associations with Partnered Sex in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from a U.S. Nationally Representative Survey. Archives of sexual behavior, 52(3), 1317–1331. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-022-02505-2
8. Robbins CL, Schick V, Reece M, et al. Prevalence, Frequency, and Associations of Masturbation With Partnered Sexual Behaviors Among US Adolescents. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2011;165(12):1087–1093. doi:10.1001/archpediatrics.2011.142
9. Taylor, J. (2018, May 14). Millennials Are Masturbating More Than Any Other Age Group. Menshealth. https://www.menshealth.com/sex-women/a20682275/masturbation-sex-toy-survey-tenga
10. (2025, May 9). Masturbation Statistics, Brain Effects, and Habit-Change Strategies. Masturbationcounter. https://blog.masturbationcounter.com/blog/masturbation-statistics-brain-effects-and-habit-change-strategies
