Many women look for small moments of calm in a busy day. A new study suggests that one surprising habit helps them find that peace. The results show that masturbation, for many women, has far more to do with stress relief than desire.

Researchers in Switzerland surveyed hundreds of women between ages 18 and 56. They found that the group as a whole masturbated about nine times a month. But the turning point came when they discovered that women under higher stress did it more often than those who felt emotionally steady.

The study showed that many women use the habit as a coping tool. Some said it helped them relax during exams, while others used it to quiet anxiety or break overwhelming thoughts. Many described it as a simple way to “switch off” and feel calm again.

Most participants said they masturbated to relax rather than for sexual pleasure. Sixty-four percent named relaxation as their main reason, while more than half said it brought small moments of joy. Very few used it to fall asleep or manage physical pain.

Scientists explained that masturbation can trigger dopamine, the brain’s feel-good chemical. This helps explain why stressed women might turn to it as an emotional reset. The findings also support earlier research linking the habit to improved mood and reduced tension.

In the end, the study shows that many women are simply searching for relief in a demanding world—and sometimes, a quiet moment alone is enough to help them breathe again.