Solo pleasure: the art of treating yourself to what you deserve

Savoring a moment of intimacy with yourself is a practice as old as humanity — and yet, it is still spoken about too infrequently. A 2023 IFOP study reveals that more than 90% of people aged 18 to 35 masturbate regularly, regardless of gender identity. It is not an exception: it is a shared, silent, and often underestimated reality. Solitary exploration is about learning to know yourself without filters, without external expectations, and at your own pace. It is also one of the rare spaces where you are both the director and the audience. No performance to deliver, no timer, just you and what feels good. Ultimately, your body is likely the most exciting discovery you have ever made — and the most accessible.

Why actually paying attention to it changes everything

Taking the time to explore your own sensations is first and foremost a profoundly beneficial act for your health. Masturbation releases endorphins and oxytocin, two molecules that reduce stress, improve sleep, and can even relieve certain types of pain. This isn't poetry: it's simple and pleasant biochemistry. But beyond the physical, solitary exploration builds an intimate knowledge of oneself that impacts every aspect of one's emotional and sexual life. When you know what you like, you communicate better with a partner, you choose suitable toys with much more relevance — and you have much better nights, whether alone or with someone else.

Frequently asked questions about solo pleasure

How many times a week can you masturbate before it becomes too much?

There is no universally recommended frequency. What matters is that the practice remains a pleasure and not an obligation or a systematic escape. Whether it’s once a week or once a day, as long as it doesn’t disrupt your daily life, you are within the norm — a norm that, by the way, doesn't really exist.

Does masturbating with a toy change anything in the long run?

Using a vibrator or a stimulator does not alter sensitivity or physiological responses in the long term. What it does change, however, is the precision with which you identify your pleasure zones. It is an exploration tool, not an addiction. And like any good tool, it adapts to you — not the other way around.

Can you get bored of solo pleasure, and if so, how can you refresh it?

Yes, absolutely — and it’s actually a sign that you are curious. Changing the context (atmosphere, time, music), trying a new category of toy, exploring audio or visual erotica, or simply slowing down where you used to speed up: sometimes, boredom is just an invitation to go further. Some ideas are waiting for you here.

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