Will ejaculating too frequently help or hinder your fertility? Is there a set number of times per day, week, or month that you should masturbate in order to maintain optimal fertility? Does masturbation have an effect on sperm count?
When it comes to masturbation, it's natural to wonder, "What is normal?" Let's look at the facts to see if masturbation affects fertility.
Does Masturbation Reduce Sperm Count?
Masturbation does not lower sperm count. Masturbation is not thought to affect sperm count or fertility in otherwise healthy men. However, there is a catch. If you have been diagnosed with low sperm count, it is recommended that you do not ejaculate for two to three days when trying to conceive for optimal sperm quantity.
Does Porn Affect Sperm Count?
There is evidence that porn improves sperm quality, according to research. This could be because porn can elicit excitement similar to having sex with a new partner, which can benefit fertility.
Not only can the quality of sperm be improved, but it is also beneficial for sperm to be relatively fresh. According to a health expert,” many men who want to conceive believe their sperm should be stored until their partner's ovulation because the testes constantly produce sperm. It's actually best not to leave it alone for too long. As a result, when a man ejaculates at least twice a week, his sperm quality improves”.
Fertility is affected by sperm count, but the equation is not straightforward. "There is such a thing as having too much of a good thing." It is possible to overdo it, particularly if sperm counts are already low. As a result, aiming for ejaculation every other day allows sperm to regenerate to numbers that are more likely to result in conception.
Is Semen Retention Good for Fertility?
You may have come across information about "semen retention" if you are looking to improve fertility or increase low testosterone (intentionally avoiding ejaculation). Some claim that avoiding ejaculation and "retaining semen" boosts energy, fertility, sexual pleasure, and emotional health.
This idea has been around for quite some time. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the claims, and abstaining from ejaculation for more than a few days is actually harmful to your sperm quality.
Benefits of Masturbation and Ejaculation
Masturbation can be beneficial if you have a healthy relationship with it (i.e., it is not an addiction). Masturbation, for example, may:
1. Improve Your Mental Health by Reducing Stress
Both masturbation and sex cause the release of endorphins in the brain, which improves your mood. Sex also lowers cortisol levels, which are associated with stress.
2. Helps You Sleep Better
Ejaculation causes the release of hormones like oxytocin, vasopressin, and prolactin. These produce calming effects and aid in sleep.
3. Gives Your Immune System a Boost
According to some studies, masturbation and orgasm may boost your immune system.
4. Makes Sex Better
Masturbation stimulates blood flow to the genitals. This keeps your sexual organs in good working order. It also assists you in becoming accustomed to the sensations of sex and becoming more at ease with your own body. This can be beneficial if you have issues with your body image, premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, or other sexual anxieties.
5. Lowers the Risk of Prostate Cancer
In 2016, the European Urology journal published a study that found men who ejaculated more than 20 times per month were 20% less likely to develop prostate cancer (21 times was the magic number).
6. Lowers the Risk of Heart Diseases
According to the American Journal of Cardiology, a lack of sex (once a month or less) can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Over to You
Masturbation will not affect your fertility, aside from a short-term effect on sperm counts, and there is no evidence that avoiding ejaculation has any medical benefits. Have a good time!
