Regarding "whether masturbation affects fertility", the current consensus in the medical community is that moderate masturbation itself will not directly affect fertility, but the following scientific facts and potential related factors should be noted:
1. Masturbation and male fertility
• Sperm production is not affected: Sperm is continuously produced by the testicles, and moderate masturbation will not significantly change the number or quality of sperm.
• Potential risks of extreme frequency: Multiple masturbations per day may cause a short-term decrease in sperm concentration (similar to the recovery period after abstinence), but it will return to normal 1-2 days after stopping.
• Indirect effects: Excessive masturbation accompanied by psychological pressure (such as anxiety and guilt) may indirectly cause sexual dysfunction (such as erectile dysfunction), but such conditions can be improved through psychological counseling.
2. Masturbation and female fertility
• No physiological mechanism: Masturbation does not interfere with ovulation, fallopian tube function or uterine environment.
• Hygiene hazards may affect: If the masturbation tools are unclean or improper operation leads to reproductive tract infections (such as vaginitis and cervicitis), it may indirectly affect conception.
1. Research on male sperm parameters
• Normal range: WHO standards show that the normal sperm concentration of one ejaculation is ≥15 million/mL, and moderate masturbation will not be below this threshold for a long time.
• Short-term fluctuations: Frequent masturbation (such as more than 2 times a day) may cause a temporary decrease in sperm concentration, but it will recover within 24-48 hours after stopping (data from the Journal of Human Reproduction).
2. Female pelvic health
• Risk of infection: Using non-medical tools (such as nails, foreign objects) or unclean tools may introduce bacteria and cause inflammation (such as pelvic inflammatory disease), thereby increasing the risk of fallopian tube blockage.
• Masturbation during menstruation: Pay attention to cleanliness to avoid reflux of menstrual blood causing endometriosis (but the probability is extremely low and it is not a risk unique to masturbation).
3. Indirect effects of psychological factors
• Sexual anxiety and stress: Long-term shame or excessive worry about masturbation may cause sexual dysfunction (such as premature ejaculation, loss of libido), indirectly affecting the quality of sexual life.
1. "Masturbation will 'waste' sperm and lead to infertility"
• Error: Tens of millions of sperm are produced every day, and only a small amount is discharged in a single ejaculation. Moderate discharge helps maintain sperm vitality.
2. "Masturbation causes thin semen or high deformity rate"
• Error: Unless there are diseases such as prostatitis, masturbation itself will not change the characteristics of semen.
3. "Female masturbation can cause hymen damage and infertility"
• Error: The hymen is very elastic, and masturbation will not directly lead to infertility, but rough operation may cause local infection.
1. Men
• Avoid high temperature environments (such as long baths, long sitting) and tight underwear to protect the environment for sperm production.
• If you are preparing for pregnancy, it is recommended to quit smoking and limit alcohol, and eat a balanced diet (supplement zinc, selenium and other nutrients).
2. Women
• Keep the vulva clean and avoid using irritating detergents.
• Reduce penetrative masturbation during menstruation to prevent infection.
3. Common precautions
• Avoid sharing masturbation tools to prevent cross infection.
• If you have been preparing for pregnancy for a long time without success, it is recommended that both husband and wife undergo fertility tests (such as semen analysis, hormone testing, hysterosalpingography, etc.).
