Ah, May. A time for blooming flowers, spring flings, and furious one-person tango sessions? That’s right, May isn’t just about looking forward to warm Summer Days and allergies. It’s International Masturbation Month, baby.

And no, it wasn’t invented by a committee of bored sex toy marketers with a thing for alliteration, though we wouldn’t blame them if it was. We’ve been fascinated by solo sex stats long before this holiday slid into our inbox.

Now, you might be wondering: Why dedicate an entire month to, you know, flying solo? Because it’s way more common and interesting than most people realise. So grab a snack (or some lube), get comfy, and let’s dive into the wonderful, weird world of masturbation.

Here are 8 fun, fact-filled titbits about self-love that may make you laugh, squirm, or even learn something about the pleasure that can be had on your own.

1. One in Seven Women Have Never Done the Deed (Alone)

A Swedish study found that 15% of women have never had a solo session, while only 1% of men said the same. That’s a big gap! Age plays a part too, with Data from a US University showing that people in their late 20s are most likely to admit to having done it at least once. Though let’s be honest, be you young or old, you may just want to keep this information to yourself!

2. Toys Are a Girl’s Best Friend (Statistically Speaking)

When it comes to accessorising solo time, women are ahead of the curve: 43% said they use sex toys “sometimes,” compared to just 13% of men. Men, meanwhile, are more likely to rely on imagination. A third say they use fantasies every time. Netflix and mentally chill may be their go-to date night!

3. They Start Young!

According to yet another Swedish study, girls begin exploring at an average age of 13, while boys clock in slightly earlier at 12.4. Basically, puberty hits and curiosity follows. I for one, know this is about right for me too, and that was even with a British stiff upper lip!

4. How Long? From Coffee Break to Lord of the Rings Extended Cut

Let’s talk endurance. A Reddit user has been timing his solo sessions since 2013. He logged 379 events in one year, with an average time of 33 minutes. His fastest was 5 minutes. His longest? 150 minutes, that’s two and a half hours! I suspect he went through a few litres of lube that time!

5. Injuries Will Happen!

According to hospital emergency room data, a surprising number of people end up hurting themselves while doing the deed. Examples include:

“Glass vibrator stuck in rectum”

“Lost grip on wife’s vibrator mid-use”

“Cut-like lesions on genitalia" (ouch)

Let this be a learning curve: Stick to body-safe toys and never ignore the word “lubrication.”

6. Married People Do It Less (Allegedly)

Data shows that married individuals are the least likely to report solo sessions in the past 90 days—57% of married men, 39% of married women. But single women who are dating? Highest likelihood of recent solo fun. Single men? Always ready to lend themselves a hand. Respect.

7. Porn: Still Mostly a Bloke’s Game

A 2014 Australian study found that 63% of men had watched porn, compared to only 20% of women. They didn’t ask what people were doing while watching, but I think we can all make an educated guess. (Spoiler: not knitting)

8. Religion Plays a Role in How Often People Relieve Themselves

Finally, a 2008 study found that atheists and agnostics are the most likely to masturbate, with 95% saying they’ve done it. Compare that to 64% of fundamentalist Protestants and 53% of Jews. Interestingly, all groups reported a similar rate of cheating on partners. So we’re all sinners in the end, huh?

In Conclusion: You Do You, Literally!

Whether you’re doing it for stress relief, better sleep, or just because you’re bored on a Tuesday, masturbation is natural, normal, and free ( a bonus). So celebrate the month of May however you like: candles, lube, a playlist called Solo Symphony, whatever floats your boat. Just be safe, stay hydrated, and maybe avoid anything that’s not meant to go where you're trying to push it!

Happy Masturbation Month, legends. May your hands be steady and your Wi-Fi strong.

Love Team Nice ‘n’ Naughty