Associations Between Solitary Masturbation Parameters and Sexual Arousal in Partnered Sexual Activity

Given the limited empirical evidence regarding the relationship between masturbation and sexual functioning, this study aimed to examine the association between multiple masturbation parameters—age of first masturbation, negative attitudes toward masturbation, solitary sexual desire, current frequency, and the intensity of the subjective orgasm experience—and self-reported sexual arousal within partnered sexual activity. Drawing on complementary and compensatory models, gender differences in these associations were also explored. A total of 1028 Spanish cisgender adults (469 men and 559 women; aged 18–70 years) who had engaged in heterosexual sexual activity and reported prior masturbation experience completed standardized measures assessing masturbation-related variables and sexual functioning. Separate multiple regression analyses were conducted for men and women, including self-reported overall sexual arousal and self-reported genital responses (penile erection and vaginal lubrication) as outcome variables. In men, the regression models explained a small proportion of the variance. Solitary sexual desire emerged as a positive predictor of self-reported sexual arousal, whereas no masturbation parameters were associated with self-reported penile erection, which was negatively predicted by age. In women, the models showed greater explanatory power. Self-reported sexual arousal was positively predicted by solitary sexual desire and the sensory dimension of the subjective orgasm experience. Self-reported vaginal lubrication was positively associated with these same variables and negatively associated with negative attitudes toward masturbation. Overall, the findings suggest gender-differentiated patterns in the relationship between masturbation and sexual arousal. In men, results are partially consistent with a compensatory framework, whereas in women they support a complementary model, highlighting the role of subjective and attitudinal factors in sexual functioning. These results contribute to a more nuanced understanding of masturbation and its relevance to sexual health, emphasizing the importance of considering multiple dimensions of sexual experience.