International Masturbation Month

Origins and history

The observance began in the United States in 1995 as National Masturbation Day, marked on either May 7 or May 28. A retailer named Good Vibrations established the occasion in support of Joycelyn Elders, the former United States Surgeon General. Elders lost her government post under President Bill Clinton in 1994 after stating that masturbation should be part of school sex education. In response to her firing, advocates created the day to defend personal rights and normalize the topic. Over time, the single day grew into a worldwide observance covering the entire month of May.

Themes and public dialogue

The primary focus of the observance is encouraging honest conversations about physical health, personal autonomy, and the benefits of self-pleasure. In earlier decades, commercial markets often sold restrictive or anti-masturbation devices. In contrast, modern participants and wellness enterprises view personal pleasure as an ordinary aspect of life. Businesses promote supportive tools and intimacy products during this period. Beyond commercial activity, advocates emphasize that discussing intimacy openly helps dismantle long-standing social stigmas, improves bodily awareness, and supports healthy personal development.

Global campaigns

Over the years, the observance has spread beyond North America. In Japan, the sexual health company TENGA initiated a campaign called #DoItInMay on May 1, 2017. This project sought to foster broader social dialogue, elevate sexual wellness culture, and overcome cultural taboos around pleasure. As part of its efforts, the company published an extensive global survey in 2018 studying worldwide habits and attitudes. Other awareness initiatives, including social media campaigns on May 20, have also been organized to coincide with the month.

How International Masturbation Month is kept

Throughout May, educators, health groups, and individuals mark the month through online outreach, discussions, and educational campaigns. Companies and advocacy organizations publish research studies and promote products designed for intimacy and well-being. Participants use social media tags to share perspectives, question taboos, and encourage factual sex education. Rather than following fixed communal rituals, people mark the observance privately or by engaging in open conversations about wellness, bodily autonomy, and self-care.

When and where

The observance takes place across the entire month of May every year. When it was first created in 1995, it was held on a single date, falling on either May 7 or May 28, before expanding into a full month.

The observance started in the United States and has since reached an international audience. Organizations and businesses in countries such as Japan actively participate with public campaigns and research surveys.

What International Masturbation Month means

The observance stands for bodily autonomy, informed health education, and freedom from shame. By framing self-pleasure as a normal component of human life, it challenges historical taboos and emphasizes that individuals have a right to understand and care for their own bodies.

Questions people ask about International Masturbation Month

See also

KadomatsuA Japanese New Year gateway decoration of pine and bamboo where a visiting deity can restAdvent wreathAn evergreen ring of candles lit week by week in the lead-up to ChristmasCyber MondayAn annual online shopping observance held on the Monday following American Thanksgiving.LosarThe Tibetan Buddhist New Year festival of renewal, offerings, and family feasts

Good reading and sources

• International Masturbation Month on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-06.