Womanizer, the sex toy brand responsible for all your best orgasms (according to me, not science just FYI), are on a mission to close the masturbation gap. Why? Because despite the work many have done to end self-pleasure stigma, the gap between male and female masturbation is still incredibly high.
According to the brand, who launched ‘International Equal Masturbation Day’ last year, the 14th of August represented the day of the year that woman around the world had not even started masturbating yet, compared to men who have been getting their personal rocks off since the start.
That’s right, the masturbation gap sits at a howling 62%, according to Womanizer’s survey of 14,500 participants across 17 countries. In the UK, the situation is even more dire. You may think we’re a nation of top shaggers, at least if you watch Geordie Shore you do, but when it comes to self-pleasure, the gap is 66% between men and women. That means British men will masturbate on average 174 times a year, compared to women who do it just 51 times. That’s right, not even one wank a week for women… and yet we wonder how we burnout so easily?
In the UK, 28% of women do not masturbate – compared to 9% of men – and globally 33% of women have never masturbated at all. It is all just very dire.
There is some good news though, in that the masturbation gap appears to be slowly closing. Last year, for example, Equal Masturbation Day was on the 5th of September, representing a 68% gap.
Our hope is that we will reduce the masturbation gap through ongoing educational work.
‘Of course, there is still a significant difference, but we are nevertheless pleased that there is an upward trend among women,’ Johanna Rief, Head of Sexual Empowerment at Womanizer told Grazia. ‘Last year, our hope was that we would be able to reduce the masturbation gap - also through our ongoing educational work - so that Equal Masturbation Day would already take place in July or August. We are pleased that this has been achieved.’
That’s how Johanna and the rest of Womanizer hope to continue this closing of the gap in future. According to their work, ensuring that masturbation – or should we say, female masturbation and the function of the clitoris – is included in sex education is vital. Plus, of course, destigmatising sex toys even further.
Whatever they're doing, we say keep on doing it: it’s about time women treated themselves to more than one wank a week.
Click through for the best solo-sex toys for women...
The Best Solo Sex Toys For Women
1 of 15Womanizer Premium 2, WAS £169, NOW £139
Dubbed the 'Prada of sex toys', the Womanizer Premium 2 has more intensity levels than their other - already incredible - product line and an improved Autopilot function to take you on new, unpredictable adventures...
2 of 15We Vibe Melt, £119
A connected and contactless clitoral stimulator, this sex toy features patented Pleasure Air technology which stimulates the sensitive nerve endings of the clitoris with pulsating air waves and gentle suction. The slim and ergonomic design makes it easy to slip between two partners during sex, or to use by yourself - whatever makes you happiest!
3 of 15Liberty by Lily Allen, £89
The upgraded Womanizer vibrator, Lily Allen's 'Liberty' has received rave reviews. It's no surprise coming from the mother of all sex toy companies, and at just £89 it's one of their cheaper options. Don't be deterred by the price though, the orgasms you'll be having with this are more than worth it.
4 of 15Womanizer Duo, £179
The holy grail of vibrators, the Womanizer Duo has been remastered twice to create the ultimate solo sex toy. Combining the Pleasure Air technology of the Pro 40 - that stimulates your clitoris by mimicking oral sex (but better) - with a G-Spot massager intended to make you feel 'full', it's the definition of perfection. At £179 though, you're paying for it. But make no mistake, this is the best investment in yourself you'll ever make - you deserve it.
5 of 15Doxy Extra Powerful Massage Wand Vibrator, £89.99
With 4.5 star reviews across the board and tons of Google search around the Doxy wand, this vibrator is proving popular. It has incredibly strong vibrations operated via large buttons for easy operation during play and an ergonomic body for complete control over pressure levels and angles.
6 of 15LELO ORA 3 Oral Pleasure Massager Aqua, £130
On the even steeper side, the Lelo Ora 2 is the worlds only oral sex stimulator. For £130, you can only hope it fulfils expectations, but as the winner of the Cannes Lions award, we don't doubt it will.
7 of 15Lovehoney Magic Wand Vibrator, £49.99
With 4.5 stars and over 1300 reviews, you know this one has to be good. The mains powered wand means even stronger vibrations, which you can tailor yourself by increasing speed with the wheel function. For £49.99, it's a sex toy draw necessity (if you don't have a sex toy draw are you even human?)
8 of 15Womanizer Pro 40, WAS £119, NOW £59
When this product launched, it caused quite the stir in the sex toy community. Taking away fears of over-stimulation and sensitivity loss, this toy doesn't actually touch your clitoris. Don't be fooled though, the suction and pressure waves do enough to give you your best orgasm yet. At £89, we'd bloody hope so.
9 of 15Lovehoney Love Egg, £12.99
A personal favourite, this Love Egg is the cheapest vibrator of the bunch but by far the most recommended. It's speed wheel means you can go from mild to intense in seconds. While it may not be the prettiest vibrator in the world, it's one I will forever stand by. The reviews speak for themselves, and the power will be the best surprise of all. Currently out of stock
10 of 15Womanizer Classic 2, £119
A must-have in any sex toy draw, the Womanizer Classic 2 is discreet, simple and powerful. The new version comes with a unique and brand-new Afterglow feature which provides a relaxing end to an orgasm when the clitoris is the most sensitive. By short pressing the power button, the Afterglow feature allows the toy to quickly switch back to the lowest intensity level to finish your climax in a more comfortable way. Honestly, they think of EVERYTHING. Currently sold out
11 of 15Bondara Jessica Rabbit, £12.99
Luckily for you, Bondara's best-selling toy is also our cheapest rabbit on offer. At £12.99, you can't really go wrong with this one. Targeted towards beginners, it will ease you into vibrators if you're inexperienced. There's no time like the present to give it a try...
12 of 15Thanks For Cumming, Wally, £70
Wally is a clitoral vacuum stimulator who will keep you cumming back for more. With eight settings there is something for everyone, but don't be fooled by its size, this toy packs a punch. This innovative waterproof vibrator replicates the sensation of oral sex. It does this by using suction to stimulate the whole clitoris leading to enhanced pleasure. Wally recharges fast so it can go all night, which makes it the perfect toy for every situation.
13 of 15Aura Vibe, £67.99
This vibrating 'personal massager' is perfect if you're looking for a more discreet option. The noise out of it is kept to an absolute minimum, even on the highest intensity setting (for which there are three, and seven vibration patterns).
14 of 15Womanizer Scarlet 3, £69
The Scarlet 3 packs the same clitoral stimulating punch as other Womanzier products, but in a smaller package. It fits in your palm nicely for easy placement, a perfect addition to solo or partner play for beginners... but make no mistake, the orgasm is expert level.Currently sold out
15 of 1512 Nights of Pleasure Advent Calendar, £171 (worth £310)
Ann Summers are ahead of the curve this Christmas, releasing their sex toy advent calendar 12 Days Of Self Love with over £300 worth of products. From accessories to spice up your sex life to their most-beloved vibrators (we can confirm the mini rampant rabbit is just as effective as the large version, oh yes), this is a gift your friends will be thanking you for for years...