Masturbation in Singapore: Breaking the Taboo and Normalising Sexual Expression

Despite the cultural and religious taboos surrounding masturbation in general and specifically in Singapore, recent data from a survey by Womanizer shows that it is a normal behaviour that should be discussed openly. The key findings of the survey include:

1. Survey finds 23% of girls in Singapore masturbate at least once a week, guys are doing it less than before.
2. According to the survey conducted with 14,816 participants from 11 countries, including Australia, the U.S., France, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore, it was observed?globally?that males are masturbating more often in 2023 compared to the previous year, while females reported consistent rates of masturbation.
3. However, unlike the global trend, the results from Singaporeans showed a contrast ? the?masturbation gap in Singapore?decreased from 74% in 2022 to 49.8% in 2023. Singaporean females were reported to be masturbating more, 59 times on average, compared to males who are doing it less, with an average of 117 times.
4. Study shows that females in SG masturbate an average of 34 times a year, compared to 129 times for males.

These findings make it clear that there is a need for better sex education in Singapore, to help normalise the discussion of masturbation and other sexual topics. As a Singaporean sexologist, I strongly believe that education is the key to destigmatising masturbation and other sexual topics.

Sex education should

1. Focus on providing young people with accurate information about sexual and reproductive health, enabling them to make informed decisions and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
2. Emphasise that masturbation is a normal and healthy form of sexual expression, and that it is important to talk about it openly and without stigma.
3. Promote positive attitudes towards sex and sexuality, and help young people to feel empowered and in control of their own sexual experiences.

Educating young people about sex and sexuality can help to eliminate the taboos surrounding masturbation and other sexual topics, and help to a more open and accepting society.

It is my hope that through education, we can create a society that is more accepting of masturbation and other forms of sexual expression, and one in which young people feel empowered to make informed decisions about their own sexual health.

Studies have shown that women tend to have lower sex drives and less sexual expression than men (Komisaruk et al., 2004), yet there is no “normal” when it comes to sexual expression (Tiefer, 2001). To help overcome the orgasm gap, I recommend the following tips:

1. Developing self-confidence and a positive body image; (Lemieux & Byers, 1996)
2. Exploring fantasies and desires without judgement; (Adams & Jones, 2002)
3. Taking time to relax and get into the moment; (Meston & Heiman, 1998)
4. Trying out different types of stimulation; (Komisaruk et al., 2004)
5. Communicating openly and honestly with romantic partners; (Adams & Jones, 2002)
6. Experimenting with different positions and techniques; (Komisaruk et al., 2004)
7. Using sex toys and other aids; (Laursen & Quirk, 2011) and
8. Taking time to focus on pleasure and enjoying the moment. (Meston & Heiman, 1998)
9. Seeking professional sexuality support earlier than later.

As the only AASECT certified sexuality educator and certified sexuality educator supervisor in in Singapore and in practice since 2009, I’ve worked with thousands of couples and individuals who have difficulties in expressing their sexual needs, wants, and desires. If you are looking for a sexologist in Singapore to help you or your child become more comfortable discussing masturbation and other sexual topics, please feel free to contact me at www.eroscoaching.com/profile. Together, let’s create a society that is more open and accepting of sex and sexuality.

References:

1. Adams, S. M., & Jones, E. (2002). Assessing the impact of communication on sexual and relationship satisfaction. The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 11(1-2), 33-44.
2. Komisaruk, B., Beyer-Flores, C., & Whipple, B. (2004). The Science of Orgasm. Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press.
3. Laursen, B., & Quirk, K. (2011). Sex toys in the bedroom: Prevalence, variety, and sexual health correlates in a college sample. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 26(2), 153-159.
4. Lemieux, A. M., & Byers, E. S. (1996). Body image and sexual functioning in women. The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 5(3), 149-159.
5. Meston, C. M., & Heiman, J. R. (1998). Sexual satisfaction and relationship happiness in midlife and older couples in five countries. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 27(5), 551-573.
6. Tiefer, L. (2001). The “new view” of women’s sexual problems: Why “dysfunction” is in quotation. Women & Therapy, 23(4), 5-20.
7. Womanizer. (2022). Masturbation gap in Singapore. Retrieved from https://zula.sg/masturbation-gap-in-singapore/