{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,6,17]],"date-time":"2026-06-17T15:56:48Z","timestamp":1781711808443,"version":"3.54.5"},"reference-count":74,"publisher":"Springer Science and Business Media LLC","issue":"4","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2026,4,1]],"date-time":"2026-04-01T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1775001600000},"content-version":"tdm","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0"},{"start":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,27]],"date-time":"2026-05-27T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1779840000000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":56,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0"}],"funder":[{"name":"The Case for Her"}],"content-domain":{"domain":["link.springer.com"],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["Arch Sex Behav"],"published-print":{"date-parts":[[2026,4]]},"abstract":"<jats:title>Abstract<\/jats:title>\n                  <jats:p>Masturbation is associated with positive sexual development. However, there is limited research on masturbation in India, where sexual health efforts center on disease prevention and often neglect sexual pleasure. In this study, we aimed to examine Indian women\u2019s experiences of masturbation and sexual pleasure during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, we conducted 22 semi-structured virtual interviews with women aged 20\u201343, based in India. Interviews were conducted in English, Hindi, and Marathi and were transcribed and translated into English, as needed. Thematic analysis was employed with an inductive coding approach (Nowell et al., 2017). We discerned three themes: (1) ways of learning about masturbation and associated emotions, (2) cultural regulation of women\u2019s sexuality, and (3) change in sexual life due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We found that participants faced early barriers to masturbation due to limited access to sexual knowledge and the absence of comprehensive sex education. Families and social norms stigmatized women\u2019s sexual pleasure, limiting their agency and discouraging self-exploration. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified these barriers by reducing privacy and increasing surveillance, yet participants found ways to explore self-pleasure and masturbation. Our findings challenge the Indian cultural silence and stigma around women\u2019s masturbation by showing that it is not just a private act, but one that is shaped by sociocultural norms and used by participants to reclaim their sexual agency. Our findings highlight the need for sexuality education and public health strategies that are culturally responsive, comprehensive, and pleasure centered.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.1007\/s10508-026-03436-y","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,27]],"date-time":"2026-05-27T15:05:16Z","timestamp":1779894316000},"page":"1707-1724","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/springer_crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":0,"title":["A Qualitative Study of Indian Women\u2019s Experiences with Sexual Pleasure and Masturbation"],"prefix":"10.1007","volume":"55","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0001-7399-2045","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Shahzarin","family":"Khan","sequence":"first","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Ngawang","family":"Tenzin","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Supriya","family":"Ingle","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0003-3300-0720","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Lucia","family":"Guerra-Reyes","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Satyajeet","family":"Sarfare","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0009-0005-0718-8290","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Siya","family":"Kulkarni-Schaefer","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-0352-2248","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Debby","family":"Herbenick","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"297","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,27]]},"reference":[{"issue":"sup001","key":"3436_CR1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"133","DOI":"10.1080\/00856400108723441","volume":"24","author":"L Abraham","year":"2001","unstructured":"Abraham, L. (2001). Redrawing the Lakshman Rekha: Gender differences and cultural constructions in youth sexuality in urban India. South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies, 24(sup001), 133\u2013156. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/00856400108723441","journal-title":"South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies"},{"issue":"1","key":"3436_CR2","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"59","DOI":"10.2298\/PSI221204012A","volume":"58","author":"S Alinaghi","year":"2025","unstructured":"Alinaghi, S., Karimi, A., Mirzapour, P., Qaderi, K., Mohammadi, P., Salehi, M., Tantuoyir, M., Arjmand, G., Shahmohamadi, E., Mahalleh, M., Kianzad, S., Pashaei, A., Khodaei, S., Afsahi, A., & Mehraeen, E. (2025). Changes in sexual activities and risky sexual behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review. Psihologija, 58(1), 59\u201391. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.2298\/PSI221204012A","journal-title":"Psihologija"},{"issue":"1","key":"3436_CR3","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"13","DOI":"10.1177\/26318318211004397","volume":"3","author":"D Banerjee","year":"2021","unstructured":"Banerjee, D., & Rao, T. S. S. (2021). \u201c#Intimacy\u201d at times of COVID-19: The renewed impetus behind cybersex. Journal of Psychosexual Health, 3(1), 13\u201317. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/26318318211004397","journal-title":"Journal of Psychosexual Health"},{"issue":"8","key":"3436_CR4","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1100","DOI":"10.1080\/00224499.2022.2129557","volume":"60","author":"N Beaulieu","year":"2023","unstructured":"Beaulieu, N., Bergeron, S., Brassard, A., Byers, E. S., & P\u00e9loquin, K. (2023). Toward an integrative model of intimacy, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction: A prospective study in long-term couples. Journal of Sex Research, 60(8), 1100\u20131112. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/00224499.2022.2129557","journal-title":"Journal of Sex Research"},{"issue":"2","key":"3436_CR5","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"31","DOI":"10.51681\/1.822","volume":"8","author":"C Bohmer","year":"2022","unstructured":"Bohmer, C., Sullivan, Q.-A., Sanchez, A., Thorpe, S., & Hargons, C. (2022). Intersectional masturbation: A content analysis on female masturbation studies through a sex positive and intersectional lens. Journal of Positive Sexuality, 8(2), 31\u201358. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.51681\/1.822","journal-title":"Journal of Positive Sexuality"},{"issue":"3","key":"3436_CR6","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"363","DOI":"10.1177\/0361684313514855","volume":"38","author":"CP Bowman","year":"2014","unstructured":"Bowman, C. P. (2014). Women\u2019s masturbation: Experiences of sexual empowerment in a primarily sex-positive sample. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 38(3), 363\u2013378. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0361684313514855","journal-title":"Psychology of Women Quarterly"},{"key":"3436_CR7","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1007\/978-3-319-69909-7_3470-2","volume-title":"Thematic analysis: A practical guide","author":"V Braun","year":"2022","unstructured":"Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2022). Thematic analysis: A practical guide. SAGE."},{"issue":"Suppl 2","key":"3436_CR8","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"S250","DOI":"10.4103\/0019-5545.105546","volume":"55","author":"K Chakraborty","year":"2013","unstructured":"Chakraborty, K., & Thakurata, R. G. (2013). Indian concepts on sexuality. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 55(Suppl 2), S250. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4103\/0019-5545.105546","journal-title":"Indian Journal of Psychiatry"},{"key":"3436_CR9","unstructured":"Chertow, S. (2019). Understanding sexual pleasure and health: A study of urban middle-class women\u2019s narratives in New Delhi, India. (Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection.3073) Retrieved from: https:\/\/digitalcollections.sit.edu\/isp_collection\/3073"},{"issue":"4","key":"3436_CR10","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"359","DOI":"10.25133\/JPSSv27n4.024","volume":"27","author":"MRHK Chowdhury","year":"2019","unstructured":"Chowdhury, M. R. H. K., Chowdhury, M. R. K., Nipa, N. S., Kabir, R., Moni, M. A., & Kordowicz, M. (2019). Masturbation experience: A case study of undergraduate students in Bangladesh. Journal of Population and Social Studies, 27(4), 359\u2013372. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.25133\/JPSSv27n4.024","journal-title":"Journal of Population and Social Studies"},{"issue":"2\u20133","key":"3436_CR11","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"5","DOI":"10.1300\/J056v14n02_02","volume":"14","author":"E Coleman","year":"2003","unstructured":"Coleman, E. (2003). Masturbation as a means of achieving sexual health. Journal of Psychology & Human Sexuality, 14(2\u20133), 5\u201316. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1300\/J056v14n02_02","journal-title":"Journal of Psychology & Human Sexuality"},{"key":"3436_CR12","volume-title":"Women on the Indian scene: An annotated bibliography","author":"K Dasgupta","year":"2003","unstructured":"Dasgupta, K. (2003). Women on the Indian scene: An annotated bibliography. Ajmer: Abhinav Publications."},{"key":"3436_CR13","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Dodia, I. (2023). Sexual satisfaction among women: A qualitative study. Journal for ReAttach Therapy and Developmental Diversities, 6. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.53555\/jrtdd.v6i8s.2845","DOI":"10.53555\/jrtdd.v6i8s.2845"},{"issue":"8","key":"3436_CR14","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"2765","DOI":"10.1007\/s10508-020-01790-z","volume":"49","author":"N D\u00f6ring","year":"2020","unstructured":"D\u00f6ring, N. (2020). How is the COVID-19 pandemic affecting our sexualities? An overview of the current media narratives and research hypotheses. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 49(8), 2765\u20132778. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s10508-020-01790-z","journal-title":"Archives of Sexual Behavior"},{"issue":"47","key":"3436_CR15","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"126","DOI":"10.1016\/j.rhm.2016.06.004","volume":"24","author":"E Edmunds","year":"2016","unstructured":"Edmunds, E., & Gupta, A. (2016). Headline violence and silenced pleasure: Contested framings of consensual sex, power and rape in Delhi, India 2011\u20132014. Reproductive Health Matters, 24(47), 126\u2013140. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.rhm.2016.06.004","journal-title":"Reproductive Health Matters"},{"issue":"4","key":"3436_CR16","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"666","DOI":"10.1007\/s12119-013-9167-4","volume":"17","author":"B Fahs","year":"2013","unstructured":"Fahs, B., & Swank, E. (2013). Adventures with the \u201cPlastic man\u201d: Sex toys, compulsory heterosexuality, and the politics of women\u2019s sexual pleasure. Sexuality & Culture, 17(4), 666\u2013685. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s12119-013-9167-4","journal-title":"Sexuality & Culture"},{"key":"3436_CR17","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1021","DOI":"10.1080\/09589236.2023.2300420","volume":"33","author":"DY Fiaveh","year":"2024","unstructured":"Fiaveh, D. Y. (2024). Scoping review of discourses on masturbation in Africa: An afrofeminist analysis. Journal of Gender Studies, 33, 1021\u20131038. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/09589236.2023.2300420","journal-title":"Journal of Gender Studies"},{"issue":"3","key":"3436_CR18","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"297","DOI":"10.17763\/haer.76.3.w5042g23122n6703","volume":"76","author":"M Fine","year":"2006","unstructured":"Fine, M., & Mcclelland, S. I. (2006). Sexuality education and desire: Still missing after all these years. Harvard Educational Review, 76(3), 297\u2013338. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.17763\/haer.76.3.w5042g23122n6703","journal-title":"Harvard Educational Review"},{"issue":"3","key":"3436_CR19","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"217","DOI":"10.1080\/19317611.2019.1654587","volume":"31","author":"JV Ford","year":"2019","unstructured":"Ford, J. V., Corona Vargas, E., Finotelli, I., Jr., Fortenberry, J. D., Kism\u00f6di, E., Philpott, A., Rubio-Aurioles, E., & Coleman, E. (2019). Why pleasure matters: Its global relevance for sexual health, sexual rights and wellbeing. International Journal of Sexual Health, 31(3), 217\u2013230. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/19317611.2019.1654587","journal-title":"International Journal of Sexual Health"},{"issue":"1","key":"3436_CR20","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"35","DOI":"10.1177\/136346099002001003","volume":"2","author":"N Gavey","year":"1999","unstructured":"Gavey, N., McPhillips, K., & Braun, V. (1999). Interruptus coitus: Heterosexuals accounting for intercourse. Sexualities, 2(1), 35\u201368. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/136346099002001003","journal-title":"Sexualities"},{"issue":"2","key":"3436_CR21","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"266","DOI":"10.1007\/s10508-006-9123-6","volume":"37","author":"M Gerressu","year":"2008","unstructured":"Gerressu, M., Mercer, C. H., Graham, C. A., Wellings, K., & Johnson, A. M. (2008). Prevalence of masturbation and associated factors in a British national probability survey. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 37(2), 266\u2013278. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s10508-006-9123-6","journal-title":"Archives of Sexual Behavior"},{"key":"3436_CR22","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"330","DOI":"10.1177\/14687941241246159","volume":"25","author":"DR Goyes","year":"2024","unstructured":"Goyes, D. R., & Sandberg, S. (2024). Trust, nuance, and care: Advantages and challenges of repeat qualitative interviews. Qualitative Research, 25, 330\u2013349. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/14687941241246159","journal-title":"Qualitative Research"},{"key":"3436_CR23","unstructured":"GSMA. (2024). The Mobile Gender Gap Report 2024. Retrieved from: https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/r\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/The-Mobile-Gender-Gap-Report-2024.pdf"},{"key":"3436_CR24","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.socscimed.2021.114523","volume":"292","author":"M Hennink","year":"2022","unstructured":"Hennink, M., & Kaiser, B. N. (2022). Sample sizes for saturation in qualitative research: A systematic review of empirical tests. Social Science & Medicine, 292, Article 114523. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.socscimed.2021.114523","journal-title":"Social Science & Medicine"},{"issue":"4","key":"3436_CR25","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"591","DOI":"10.1177\/1049732316665344","volume":"27","author":"M Hennink","year":"2017","unstructured":"Hennink, M., Kaiser, B. N., & Marconi, V. C. (2017). Code saturation versus meaning saturation: How many interviews are enough? Qualitative Health Research, 27(4), 591\u2013608. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/1049732316665344","journal-title":"Qualitative Health Research"},{"issue":"10","key":"3436_CR26","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1483","DOI":"10.1177\/1049732318821692","volume":"29","author":"M Hennink","year":"2019","unstructured":"Hennink, M., Kaiser, B. N., & Weber, M. B. (2019). What influences saturation? Estimating sample sizes in focus group research. Qualitative Health Research, 29(10), 1483\u20131496. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/1049732318821692","journal-title":"Qualitative Health Research"},{"issue":"3","key":"3436_CR27","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1317","DOI":"10.1007\/s10508-022-02505-2","volume":"52","author":"D Herbenick","year":"2023","unstructured":"Herbenick, D., Fu, T., Wasata, R., & Coleman, E. (2023). Masturbation prevalence, frequency, reasons, and associations with partnered sex in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic: Findings from a U.S. nationally representative survey. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 52(3), 1317\u20131331. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s10508-022-02505-2","journal-title":"Archives of Sexual Behavior"},{"issue":"1","key":"3436_CR28","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"86","DOI":"10.1177\/0539018421994777","volume":"60","author":"A Heydari","year":"2021","unstructured":"Heydari, A., Teymoori, A., & Trappes, R. (2021). Honor killing as a dark side of modernity: Prevalence, common discourses, and a critical view. Social Science Information, 60(1), 86\u2013106. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0539018421994777","journal-title":"Social Science Information"},{"key":"3436_CR29","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Hunjan, S., & Towson, S. (2007). \u201cVirginity is everything\": Sexuality in the context of intimate partner violence in the South Asian community. In S. Das Dasgupta (Ed.), Body evidence: Intimate violence against South Asian Women in America (pp. 53\u201367). Rutgers University Press. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.36019\/9780813541273-006","DOI":"10.36019\/9780813541273-006"},{"issue":"2\u20133","key":"3436_CR30","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"156","DOI":"10.1080\/00224490902747685","volume":"46","author":"ME Hunt","year":"2009","unstructured":"Hunt, M. E., & Jung, P. B. (2009). Good sex\u201d and religion: A feminist overview. Journal of Sex Research, 46(2\u20133), 156\u2013167. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/00224490902747685","journal-title":"Journal of Sex Research"},{"issue":"5","key":"3436_CR31","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"504","DOI":"10.1080\/13691058.2017.1359339","volume":"20","author":"BT Huong","year":"2018","unstructured":"Huong, B. T., & Liamputtong, P. (2018). \u2018There was a struggle between my instinct and my head\u2019: Women\u2019s perception and experience of masturbation in contemporary Vietnam. Culture, Health & Sexuality, 20(5), 504\u2013515. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/13691058.2017.1359339","journal-title":"Culture, Health & Sexuality"},{"issue":"4","key":"3436_CR32","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"333","DOI":"10.4103\/0019-5545.171843","volume":"57","author":"S Ismail","year":"2015","unstructured":"Ismail, S., Shajahan, A., Sathyanarayana Rao, T. S., & Wylie, K. (2015). Adolescent sex education in India: Current perspectives. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 57(4), 333\u2013337. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4103\/0019-5545.171843","journal-title":"Indian Journal of Psychiatry"},{"issue":"3","key":"3436_CR33","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"181","DOI":"10.1007\/s12646-010-0018-1","volume":"55","author":"PD Joshi","year":"2010","unstructured":"Joshi, P. D. (2010). Indian adolescent sexuality: Sexual knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among urban youth. Psychological Studies, 55(3), 181\u2013187. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s12646-010-0018-1","journal-title":"Psychological Studies"},{"issue":"5","key":"3436_CR34","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"983","DOI":"10.1007\/s10508-010-9722-0","volume":"40","author":"CE Kaestle","year":"2011","unstructured":"Kaestle, C. E., & Allen, K. R. (2011). The role of masturbation in healthy sexual development: Perceptions of young adults. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 40(5), 983\u2013994. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s10508-010-9722-0","journal-title":"Archives of Sexual Behavior"},{"issue":"3","key":"3436_CR35","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"244","DOI":"10.4103\/0019-5545.117139","volume":"55","author":"G Kalra","year":"2013","unstructured":"Kalra, G., & Bhugra, D. (2013). Sexual violence against women: Understanding cross-cultural intersections. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 55(3), 244\u2013249. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4103\/0019-5545.117139","journal-title":"Indian Journal of Psychiatry"},{"issue":"5","key":"3436_CR36","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1254","DOI":"10.1111\/j.1743-6109.2007.00543.x","volume":"4","author":"N Kar","year":"2007","unstructured":"Kar, N., & Koola, M. M. (2007). A pilot survey of sexual functioning and preferences in a sample of English-speaking adults from a small South Indian town. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 4(5), 1254\u20131261. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/j.1743-6109.2007.00543.x","journal-title":"Journal of Sexual Medicine"},{"issue":"3","key":"3436_CR37","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"685","DOI":"10.1007\/s12119-018-9498-2","volume":"22","author":"HH Kettrey","year":"2018","unstructured":"Kettrey, H. H. (2018). \u201cBad girls\u201d say no and \u201cGood girls\u201d say yes: Sexual subjectivity and participation in undesired sex during heterosexual college hookups. Sexuality & Culture, 22(3), 685\u2013705. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s12119-018-9498-2","journal-title":"Sexuality & Culture"},{"issue":"7","key":"3436_CR38","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"810","DOI":"10.1080\/00224499.2021.1918050","volume":"59","author":"V Klein","year":"2022","unstructured":"Klein, V., Sava\u015f, \u00d6., & Conley, T. D. (2022). How WEIRD and androcentric is sex research? Global inequities in study populations. Journal of Sex Research, 59(7), 810\u2013817. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/00224499.2021.1918050","journal-title":"Journal of Sex Research"},{"issue":"1","key":"3436_CR39","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"72","DOI":"10.1057\/s41305-018-0119-6","volume":"119","author":"K Krishnan","year":"2018","unstructured":"Krishnan, K. (2018). Gendered discipline in globalising India. Feminist Review, 119(1), 72\u201388. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1057\/s41305-018-0119-6","journal-title":"Feminist Review"},{"issue":"4","key":"3436_CR40","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"4279","DOI":"10.1007\/s10708-023-10865-y","volume":"88","author":"S Kumari","year":"2023","unstructured":"Kumari, S., & Siotra, V. (2023). Indian females in the twenty-first century: How they have fared? An analysis using geospatial techniques. GeoJournal, 88(4), 4279\u20134295. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s10708-023-10865-y","journal-title":"GeoJournal"},{"issue":"Suppl 2","key":"3436_CR41","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.4103\/0019-5545.105547","volume":"55","author":"PT Mahajan","year":"2013","unstructured":"Mahajan, P. T., Pimple, P., Palsetia, D., Dave, N., & De Sousa, A. (2013). Indian religious concepts on sexuality and marriage. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 55(Suppl 2), Article S256. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4103\/0019-5545.105547","journal-title":"Indian Journal of Psychiatry"},{"key":"3436_CR42","unstructured":"Majumdar, R. (2023, May 3). 52% of Indian population had internet access in 2022, says report. The Economic Times. Retrieved from: https:\/\/economictimes.indiatimes.com\/tech\/technology\/52-of-indian-population-had-internet-access-in-2022-says-report\/articleshow\/99964704.cms?from=mdr"},{"key":"3436_CR43","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1186\/s12889-021-12390-4","volume":"22","author":"M Masoudi","year":"2022","unstructured":"Masoudi, M., Maasoumi, R., & Bragazzi, N. L. (2022). Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexual\u00a0functioning and activity: A systematic review\u00a0and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health, 22, Article 189. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12889-021-12390-4","journal-title":"BMC Public Health"},{"key":"3436_CR44","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Meiller, C., & Hargons, C. N. (2019). \u201cIt\u2019s happiness and relief and release\u201d: Exploring masturbation among bisexual and queer women. Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and Education, 1. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.34296\/01011009","DOI":"10.34296\/01011009"},{"key":"3436_CR45","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.lansea.2024.100508","volume":"32","author":"P Mhatre","year":"2025","unstructured":"Mhatre, P., Agrawal, A., Agrawal, P., Narayan, G., Kataria, P., Rathod, P., & Wadhva, S. (2025). Exploring sex toy use among 18\u201345-year-old Indian adults: Insights from a nationwide online survey. The Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia, 32, Article 100508. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.lansea.2024.100508","journal-title":"The Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia"},{"issue":"6","key":"3436_CR46","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"803","DOI":"10.1521\/prev.2015.102.6.803","volume":"102","author":"A Narayanan","year":"2015","unstructured":"Narayanan, A. (2015). Inaccessible masturbation, impossible mourning: Collective melancholia, the prohibition on female sexual subjects in India, and masturbation fantasy as a zone of the strange. Psychoanalytic Review, 102(6), 803\u2013826. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1521\/prev.2015.102.6.803","journal-title":"Psychoanalytic Review"},{"issue":"1","key":"3436_CR47","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1177\/1609406917733847","volume":"16","author":"LS Nowell","year":"2017","unstructured":"Nowell, L. S., Norris, J. M., White, D. E., & Moules, N. J. (2017). Thematic analysis: Striving to meet the trustworthiness criteria. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 16(1), Article 160940691773384. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/1609406917733847","journal-title":"International Journal of Qualitative Methods"},{"issue":"1","key":"3436_CR48","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"11","DOI":"10.1177\/26318318231155993","volume":"5","author":"MK Pandey","year":"2023","unstructured":"Pandey, M. K., & Rao, T. S. S. (2023). Sexuality education in India yet remains a taboo\u2014An attempt to dust-off. Journal of Psychosexual Health, 5(1), 11\u201312. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/26318318231155993","journal-title":"Journal of Psychosexual Health"},{"issue":"1","key":"3436_CR49","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"209","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jad.2006.09.025","volume":"102","author":"B Pereira","year":"2007","unstructured":"Pereira, B., Andrew, G., Pednekar, S., Pai, R., Pelto, P., & Patel, V. (2007). The explanatory models of depression in low income countries: Listening to women in India. Journal of Affective Disorders, 102(1), 209\u2013218. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.jad.2006.09.025","journal-title":"Journal of Affective Disorders"},{"issue":"1","key":"3436_CR50","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"113","DOI":"10.1007\/s12119-023-10101-2","volume":"28","author":"LA Phuah","year":"2024","unstructured":"Phuah, L. A., Teng, J. H. J., & Goh, P. H. (2024). Masturbation among Malaysian young adults: Associated sexual and psychological well-being outcomes. Sexuality & Culture, 28(1), 113\u2013133. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s12119-023-10101-2","journal-title":"Sexuality & Culture"},{"issue":"2","key":"3436_CR51","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1093\/sexmed\/qfad005","volume":"11","author":"K Qaderi","year":"2023","unstructured":"Qaderi, K., Yazdkhasti, M., Zangeneh, S., Behbahani, B. M., Kalhor, M., Shamsabadi, A., Jesmani, Y., Norouzi, S., Kajbafvala, M., Khodavirdilou, R., Rahmani, N., Namadian, M., Ezabadi, S. G., Alkatout, I., Mehraeen, E., & Rasoal, D. (2023). Changes in sexual activities, function, and satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic era: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sexual Medicine, 11(2), Article qfad005. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/sexmed\/qfad005","journal-title":"Sexual Medicine"},{"issue":"4","key":"3436_CR52","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"468","DOI":"10.1016\/j.sexol.2022.06.002","volume":"31","author":"SA Qalati","year":"2022","unstructured":"Qalati, S. A., Lim\u00f3n, M. L. S., & Bhayo, S. H. (2022). A review study of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on individual sexual behavior, purchasing sex toys, and related consequences. Sexologies, 31(4), 468\u2013476. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.sexol.2022.06.002","journal-title":"Sexologies"},{"key":"3436_CR53","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Rajan, S., & Pathak, S. (2024). Exploring female narratives of sexual intimacy and the social suppression of desire. Human Arenas, 2024. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s42087-024-00441-2","DOI":"10.1007\/s42087-024-00441-2"},{"issue":"3","key":"3436_CR54","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"362","DOI":"10.4103\/amhs.amhs_310_23","volume":"12","author":"R Ramasubramanian","year":"2024","unstructured":"Ramasubramanian, R., & Veerabalajikumar. (2024). A Comparison study of masturbating and non masturbating female and their marital and sexual satisfaction in India. Archives of Medicine and Health Sciences, 12(3), 362\u2013367. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4103\/amhs.amhs_310_23","journal-title":"Archives of Medicine and Health Sciences"},{"issue":"5","key":"3436_CR55","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"587","DOI":"10.1177\/0020764020950769","volume":"67","author":"A Roy","year":"2021","unstructured":"Roy, A., Singh, A. K., Mishra, S., Chinnadurai, A., Mitra, A., & Bakshi, O. (2021). Mental health implications of COVID-19 pandemic and its response in India. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 67(5), 587\u2013600. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0020764020950769","journal-title":"International Journal of Social Psychiatry"},{"issue":"1","key":"3436_CR56","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"95","DOI":"10.1017\/S0021932098000959","volume":"30","author":"P Sachdev","year":"1998","unstructured":"Sachdev, P. (1998). Sex on campus: A preliminary study of knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of university students in Delhi, India. Journal of Biosocial Science, 30(1), 95\u2013105. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1017\/S0021932098000959","journal-title":"Journal of Biosocial Science"},{"issue":"4","key":"3436_CR57","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1893","DOI":"10.1007\/s11135-017-0574-8","volume":"52","author":"B Saunders","year":"2018","unstructured":"Saunders, B., Sim, J., Kingstone, T., Baker, S., Waterfield, J., Bartlam, B., Burroughs, H., & Jinks, C. (2018). Saturation in qualitative research: Exploring its conceptualization and operationalization. Quality & Quantity, 52(4), 1893\u20131907. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s11135-017-0574-8","journal-title":"Quality & Quantity"},{"issue":"12","key":"3436_CR58","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1083","DOI":"10.4103\/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_635_23","volume":"66","author":"N Sawant","year":"2024","unstructured":"Sawant, N., Vaidyanathan, S., Rao, T. S. S., & Telang, S. (2024). A narrative review on sexual wellbeing and dysfunctions: Research in the past 15 years. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 66(12), 1083. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4103\/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_635_23","journal-title":"Indian Journal of Psychiatry"},{"key":"3436_CR59","unstructured":"Sharma, M., & Khanna, A. (2021). Female sexual orgasm in the Indian context. Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality and Culture, 7(02), Article 02. 9\u201316. https:\/\/ijhsc.info\/index.php\/ijhsc\/article\/view\/163"},{"issue":"1","key":"3436_CR60","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"63","DOI":"10.1080\/02674659808406544","volume":"13","author":"V Sharma","year":"1998","unstructured":"Sharma, V., & Sharma, A. (1998). The guilt and pleasure of masturbation: A study of college girls in Gujarat, India. Sexual and Marital Therapy, 13(1), 63\u201370. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/02674659808406544","journal-title":"Sexual and Marital Therapy"},{"issue":"2","key":"3436_CR61","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"53","DOI":"10.4103\/ajoim.ajoim_19_22","volume":"13","author":"C Shekar","year":"2023","unstructured":"Shekar, C., Shetty, K. V., Gowda, M. R., Srinivas, P., Gurusamy, P., Kumbar, P., & Kumar, S. (2023). Young adult sexual health: Masturbation behaviors among para-medical trainees. Assam Journal of Internal Medicine, 13(2), 53. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4103\/ajoim.ajoim_19_22","journal-title":"Assam Journal of Internal Medicine"},{"key":"3436_CR62","unstructured":"Shetty, R. (2022, March). 6 Indian sexual wellness brands that have started a positive conversation around sex. HELLO! India. Retrieved from:https:\/\/in.hellomagazine.com\/lifestyle\/20220324300307\/6-indian-sexual-wellness-brands-that-are-bringing-in-a-positive-conversation-around-sex\/"},{"key":"3436_CR63","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Singh, S., Menon, S., Reddy Pachika, T., Kaura, U., & Guna Kaleru, N. (2025). \u201cI should not be doing this thing\u201d: A qualitative exploration of masturbation experiences among young Indian women. International Journal of Sexual Health. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/19317611.2025.2587108","DOI":"10.1080\/19317611.2025.2587108"},{"issue":"3","key":"3436_CR64","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"333","DOI":"10.4103\/ijcm.IJCM_365_19","volume":"45","author":"N Singh","year":"2020","unstructured":"Singh, N., Sharma, P., & Mishra, N. (2020). Female sexual dysfunction: Indian perspective and role of Indian gynecologists. Indian Journal of Community Medicine, 45(3), 333\u2013216. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4103\/ijcm.IJCM_365_19","journal-title":"Indian Journal of Community Medicine"},{"issue":"10140","key":"3436_CR65","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"2642","DOI":"10.1016\/S0140-6736(18)30293-9","volume":"391","author":"AM Starrs","year":"2018","unstructured":"Starrs, A. M., Ezeh, A. C., Barker, G., Basu, A., Bertrand, J. T., Blum, R., Coll-Seck, A. M., Grover, A., Laski, L., Roa, M., Sathar, Z. A., Say, L., Serour, G. I., Singh, S., Stenberg, K., Temmerman, M., Biddlecom, A., Popinchalk, A., Summers, C., & Ashford, L. S. (2018). Accelerate progress\u2014sexual and reproductive health and rights for all: Report of the Guttmacher\u2013Lancet Commission. Lancet, 391(10140), 2642\u20132692. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/S0140-6736(18)30293-9","journal-title":"Lancet"},{"key":"3436_CR66","unstructured":"Subaiya, L. (2024). Premarital sex in India: Issues of class and gender. Economic and Political Weekly, 43(48). https:\/\/www.epw.in\/journal\/2008\/48\/national-family-health-survey-3-special-issues-specials\/premarital-sex-india-issues"},{"issue":"1","key":"3436_CR67","first-page":"401","volume":"22","author":"P Sur","year":"2021","unstructured":"Sur, P. (2021). Discipline and surveillance: Adolescent girls talk about body and sexuality: A case study from Kolkata, India. Journal of International Women\u2019s Studies, 22(1), 401\u2013416.","journal-title":"Journal of International Women\u2019s Studies"},{"issue":"4","key":"3436_CR68","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1403","DOI":"10.1007\/s10508-022-02473-7","volume":"52","author":"S Thorpe","year":"2023","unstructured":"Thorpe, S., Peterson, R. L., Malone, N., Coleman, M. N., Annett, J., & Hargons, C. N. (2023). From sin to sexual self-awareness: Black women\u2019s reflection on lifetime masturbation messages. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 52(4), 1403\u20131415. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s10508-022-02473-7","journal-title":"Archives of Sexual Behavior"},{"key":"3436_CR69","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"117","DOI":"10.1007\/978-3-030-84514-8_7","volume-title":"Anthropologies of global maternal and reproductive health: From policy spaces to sites of practice","author":"M Unnithan","year":"2022","unstructured":"Unnithan, M. (2022). Conflicted reproductive governance: The co-existence of rights-based approaches and Coercion in India\u2019s Family Planning Policies. In L. J. Wallace, M. E. MacDonald, & K. T. Storeng (Eds.), Anthropologies of global maternal and reproductive health: From policy spaces to sites of practice (pp. 117\u2013136). Springer."},{"key":"3436_CR70","unstructured":"Vaidya, S. (2021, August 5). Meet 3 Indian sex-positive influencers working towards a more liberated future. Vogue India. https:\/\/www.vogue.in\/culture-and-living\/content\/meet-3-indian-sex-positive-influencers-working-towards-a-more-liberated-future"},{"issue":"4","key":"3436_CR71","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"327","DOI":"10.20529\/IJME.2024.055","volume":"9","author":"A Viswanathan","year":"2024","unstructured":"Viswanathan, A. (2024). Women navigating sexuality in contemporary India: A review of Amrita Narayanan\u2019s women\u2019s sexuality and modern India. Indian Journal of Medical Ethics, 9(4), 327\u2013329. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.20529\/IJME.2024.055","journal-title":"Indian Journal of Medical Ethics"},{"key":"3436_CR72","unstructured":"Vohra, P. (n.d.). Agents of Ishq. Retrieved April 28, 2024, from https:\/\/agentsofishq.com\/"},{"issue":"3","key":"3436_CR73","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"233","DOI":"10.1097\/01.jnr.0000387619.10554.f5","volume":"15","author":"R-J Wang","year":"2007","unstructured":"Wang, R.-J., Huang, Y., & Lin, Y.-C. (2007). A study of masturbatory knowledge and attitudes and related factors among Taiwan adolescents. Journal of Nursing Research, 15(3), 233\u2013242. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1097\/01.jnr.0000387619.10554.f5","journal-title":"Journal of Nursing Research"},{"key":"3436_CR74","unstructured":"Yadav, V. (2011). Love Matters | Love, sex and relationships. Love Matters. https:\/\/lovematters.in\/en"}],"container-title":["Archives of Sexual Behavior"],"original-title":[],"language":"en","link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/content\/pdf\/10.1007\/s10508-026-03436-y.pdf","content-type":"application\/pdf","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"text-mining"},{"URL":"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s10508-026-03436-y","content-type":"text\/html","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"text-mining"},{"URL":"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/content\/pdf\/10.1007\/s10508-026-03436-y.pdf","content-type":"application\/pdf","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2026,6,17]],"date-time":"2026-06-17T15:40:35Z","timestamp":1781710835000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/10.1007\/s10508-026-03436-y"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026,4]]},"references-count":74,"journal-issue":{"issue":"4","published-print":{"date-parts":[[2026,4]]}},"alternative-id":["3436"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s10508-026-03436-y","relation":{},"ISSN":["0004-0002","1573-2800"],"issn-type":[{"value":"0004-0002","type":"print"},{"value":"1573-2800","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2026,4]]},"assertion":[{"value":"13 September 2025","order":1,"name":"received","label":"Received","group":{"name":"ArticleHistory","label":"Article History"}},{"value":"25 January 2026","order":2,"name":"revised","label":"Revised","group":{"name":"ArticleHistory","label":"Article History"}},{"value":"1 February 2026","order":3,"name":"accepted","label":"Accepted","group":{"name":"ArticleHistory","label":"Article History"}},{"value":"27 May 2026","order":4,"name":"first_online","label":"First Online","group":{"name":"ArticleHistory","label":"Article History"}},{"value":"The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.","order":1,"name":"Ethics","group":{"name":"EthicsHeading","label":"Conflicts of Interest"}},{"value":"The Institutional Review Board at Indiana University reviewed and approved measures and protocols associated with this research (Protocol #2,010,538,895).","order":2,"name":"Ethics","group":{"name":"EthicsHeading","label":"Ethics Approval"}},{"value":"Verbal informed consent was provided by individuals before the interview data collection began.","order":3,"name":"Ethics","group":{"name":"EthicsHeading","label":"Informed Consent"}}]}}