A provocative new study commissioned by Vibratex, the makers of the popular Magic Wand vibrator, suggests that abstaining from masturbation may increase stress levels and even contribute to symptoms of depression.
The findings, released on July 8, 2025, have sparked discussion, though some question the study’s impartiality given its corporate backing.
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The study involved 1,000 women, referred to as “participants with vulvas” by the researchers, who were given Magic Wand Rechargeable personal massagers and asked to track their quality of life over three weeks.
Participants were instructed to abstain from masturbation for one week during the study period.
According to the results, reported by outlets like Daily Mail and discussed on X, this abstinence led to a noticeable decline in key quality-of-life metrics, including happiness, body image, confidence, and relationship connection. Stress levels also reportedly spiked during the no-masturbation week.
“Across the board, a week without pleasure triggered a drop in all quality-of-life measures,” the study authors noted, adding that the data points to a link between sexual self-care and mental well-being.
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Experts cited in the study, including sexual health researchers, supported the findings, suggesting that masturbation may serve as a stress-reliever and mood enhancer for many women.
However, the study’s ties to Vibratex have raised eyebrows, with some X users labeling it a “marketing stunt” for the Magic Wand brand.
Critics argue the sample size and methodology—focused solely on women and reliant on self-reported data—limit its generalizability.