Does Masturbation Cause Low Sperm Count, Quality, and Volume
Masturbation is a natural part of a human being’s sexual life and some various myths and misconceptions come with it. One of the repeatedly asked questions is “Does Masturbation Cause Low Sperm Count?” Some data shows that optimum semen quality occurs after two to three days of no ejaculation. However, other research suggests that men who have normal sperm quality, maintain normal sperm motility and concentrations even with daily ejaculation. Introduction If you masturbate excessively, it does come with certain effects. Both negative and positive results fall under this. For one thing, when men indulge in ejaculation 3-5 times per week, that is normal. That often keeps the sperm quality in a fair and healthy quantity. Out of the 300 million sperm that are released in regular ejaculation, only one is required to enter the egg and cause pregnancy. When you masturbate, you can discharge as many sperms in your semen as that, either live or infertile. So, if your question is “Masturbation causes infertility”, the answer is no. There are quite a few myths linked to masturbation. Among them, there are such myths as: Masturbation causes blindness Masturbation causes mental illnesses Masturabation cause infertility Masturbation can cause physical weakness Masturbation can cause hairy palms There are many misunderstandings about masturbation, and many men are unsure what the whole truth is any longer. Moreover, in numerous cases, masturbation can have such advantages as strengthening the immune system, controlling anxiety and relaxation. Can masturbation cause low sperm count? – Excessive masturbation can cause low sperm count but there are also other other factors that can affect it. These include: Age: As men grow older, their testosterone levels drop, which affects their sperm production. Lifestyle Smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use can all affect sperm count. Medical diseases: Certain medical disorders such as hormonal imbalances, infections, and varicoceles can affect sperm production. Medications: Some medications used to help chronic illnesses like cancer can also reduce sperm count. It is important to address these factors if you have a low sperm count. Effects of Masturbation on Male Fertility Masturbation does not directly affect a male’s fertility, but can masturbation cause low sperm count? A male releases sperm daily, unlike women whose ovaries produce just one egg every month. However, for better-quality of the sperm, it takes about two to three days. In the issue of fertility tests, a male needs to come for a test around two days after ejaculation, as the sperm will be of good quality during this period. So, if a male were to masturbate too much – more than once every day, the sperm would not get sufficient time to recoup. The lower the sperm quality, the lesser the chances of successful conception. Regular ejaculation: Excessive masturbation in a short duration may lower sperm concentration for a while due to decreased recovery time. Impact on libido: Masturbation may lead to decreased sexual desire, possibly affecting conception. Delayed ejaculation: Habitual masturbation, particularly with unrealistic stimuli, might cause difficulty ejaculating during intercourse. Impact of Masturbation on Low Sperm Count, Quality, and Volume Here is an example story of a man named Joshua who experienced the ill effects of excessive masturbation first-hand – Joshua is a working professional who masturbates frequently, sometimes several times a day, to relieve pressure from work. After a few six months of trying to conceive, he and his wife consulted a fertility specialist as their attempts were unsuccessful. The doctor performed a semen analysis, which indicated low sperm count and sperm motility. It was discovered the masturbation effect on sperm count is high and temporarily reduces sperm count, quality and volume. Hence, John lowered the frequency of masturbation to let his body recover in time. – He also incorporated healthier habits, changed his lifestyle and stopped watching porn. Three months later, they went back for a check-up to find improved sperm count, motility, and volume. Masturbation is not an issue, but excessive ejaculation may temporarily affect sperm count. Some of the effects of Masturbation on Male Fertility are – Sperm count: Excessive masturbation may cause a short-term decline in sperm concentration. Sperm volume: Masturbating numerous times in a day can lessen semen volume per ejaculation. Motility: Excessive masturbation may lead to tiredness in the reproductive system, and affects the sperm motility Hormonal imbalance: Excessive masturbation might slightly influence testosterone levels, indirectly affecting sperm production. Does Masturbation Cause Low Sperm Count? Low sperm count occurs when a man’s semen contains less sperm than normal. A man is believed to have a low sperm count if he has fewer than 15 million sperm per millimetre of semen. Factors that can cause a low sperm count are: Alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs Extreme mumps infection after puberty Hormone disorder Exposure to poison Regularly wearing very tight underwear Prior damage to the groin area Normal masturbation does not directly cause male infertility or any long-term effects on sperm count. However, if masturbation causes ejaculation, then it may affect sperm count temporarily because sperm is discharged. For example, if someone ejaculates right before going for a semen analysis, the count may be lower than normal. Effects of Masturbation on Testosterone Levels and Testes Size Testosterone is a hormone that plays a crucial role in male sexual activity, including the release of sperm. Masturbation can promote the production of testosterone, which can have an impact on sperm count and quality. However, excessive masturbation can also lead to a reduction in testosterone levels, which can have adverse effects on sperm count and reproductive health. It’s necessary to preserve a healthy balance when it comes to masturbation patterns and sexual activity in general. Indulging in regular physical activity, getting enough sleep, and preserving a healthy diet can all help to maintain healthy testosterone levels and enhance sperm count and quality. In some cases, medical assistance may be necessary to address low testosterone levels or other hormonal imbalances that can affect male fertility. Also Read: Does Masturbation Cause Memory Loss? What is Normal, Excessive, Moderate,