Gooning: A Fast-Growing Fetish Redefining Sexual Habits—and Its Risks

Is "gooning" the next big sexual trend, or a growing concern for relationships and mental health? Gooning, the practice of prolonged masturbation to pornography without climaxing, has seen a dramatic rise in interest. According to a ZipHealth survey, 1 in 4 Americans has engaged in this practice, with men being twice as likely to participate as women.

While some describe gooning as meditative, its effects can extend beyond the bedroom, leading to desensitization, relationship challenges, and even physical fatigue. This article explores key findings from the ZipHealth study, shedding light on who is engaging in gooning, why it's on the rise, and the potential risks it carries. 

Key takeaways

• 1 in 4 Americans have engaged in "gooning," with nearly half of men and about 1 in 5 women participating.
• 1 in 10 Americans spend 78 hours per year engaging in gooning.
• 1 in 7 Americans liken gooning to meditation, saying it brings a sense of peace.
• 1 in 10 Americans goon 3 or more times per week.
• 13% of Americans struggle to stop gooning once they've started, and 5% have considered seeking help to reduce or stop the behavior.

What is gooning? A closer look at the rising fetish

• 1 in 4 Americans have engaged in gooning.
  • Gooning by gender:
    • Nearly 1 in 2 men have engaged in gooning.
    • 1 in 5 women have engaged in gooning.
  • Gooning by generation:
    • 1 in 5 baby boomers and Gen Xers have engaged in gooning.
    • 1 in 3 millennials have engaged in gooning.
    • 1 in 3 Gen Zers have engaged in gooning

• On average, Americans are gooning once per week.
  • On average, men are gooning twice per week.
  • On average, women are gooning once per week.

• 1 in 10 Americans goon 3 or more times per week.
  • 1 in 17 women goon 3 times per week.
  • 1 in 6 men goon 3 times per week.

• 1 in 5 Americans goon for 30 minutes or longer.
  • 1 in 8 women goon for 30 minutes or longer.
  • 1 in 3 men goon for 30 minutes or longer.

• 1 in 10 Americans goon for an hour or longer.
  • 1 in 20 women goon for an hour or longer
  • 1 in 6 men goon for an hour or longer

• 1 in 10 Americans spend 78 per year gooning.

The emotional and physical impact of gooning

Spelling error of gooning above image of woman

• 1 in 7 Americans liken gooning to meditation, saying it brings a sense of peace.
• 1 in 7 Americans admit to watching increasingly extreme or niche pornography to maintain arousal during extended gooning sessions.
• What participants experienced as a result of gooning:
  • Desensitization to sexual stimuli: 9%
  • Porn obsession: 7%
  • Improved sexual stamina: 7%
  • Physical fatigue or soreness: 7%
  • Decreased sexual desire for real-life partners: 7%
  • A decrease in productivity or missed obligations: 4%
• 13% of Americans find it difficult to stop gooning once they've started.
• 16% of Americans sometimes feel the urge to goon even when they don't plan to.
• 8% of Americans tried to stop or reduce gooning but found it challenging.
• 5% of Americans have considered seeking help or advice to reduce or stop gooning
• 84% of Americans have experienced no impact on their mental health from gooning.
• 7% of Americans have experienced positive impacts on their mental health from gooning.

Methodology

We surveyed 1,000 Americans to explore the growing phenomenon of "gooning" and its prevalence, participants' motivations, and potential risks to promote awareness of healthy sexual practices. The average age of respondents was 39; 50% were female, and 50% were male. Generationally, 27% were baby boomers and Gen X, 53% were millennials, and 19% were Gen Z.

About ZipHealth

ZipHealth offers online consultations and treatments tailored to your needs, with options like Cialis and Tadalafil. Our focus is on providing quick, discreet, and reliable health care solutions, helping you take control of your health from home.

Fair use statement

You may reference these findings for noncommercial purposes as long as proper credit is given through a link.