Scientists discover unexpected side effect of regular masturbation

Researchers are beginning to shed new light on a topic that has long been surrounded by myths and speculation: how ejaculation frequency may influence sperm health.

For years, advice around male fertility has ranged from diet adjustments to carefully timed intercourse. One recurring question remains: how often is “too often” when it comes to masturbation—or is there even such a limit?

In recent years, trends like “No Nut November” have fueled the idea that abstaining from ejaculation might boost testosterone levels or improve sperm quality. However, medical experts have largely dismissed these claims. In fact, some sources, including Medical News Today, suggest that prolonged abstinence may even contribute to increased stress, anxiety, or low mood.

More importantly, emerging research appears to point in the opposite direction when it comes to sperm health.

A large review conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford analyzed 115 studies involving nearly 55,000 men. The findings indicated that longer periods without ejaculation were associated with declines in key markers of sperm quality. These included reduced motility—how effectively sperm move—and lower viability, meaning fewer sperm remained alive. At the same time, levels of DNA damage were found to increase.

In simpler terms, sperm that remain in storage for extended periods may begin to deteriorate.

By contrast, more frequent ejaculation—whether through sexual activity or masturbation—may help maintain healthier sperm by regularly clearing out older cells and allowing newer ones to take their place. This process is sometimes described as a “refreshing” of the sperm supply.

Additional research has explored broader health implications. A long-term study from Harvard found that men who ejaculated 21 times or more per month had a notably lower risk of developing prostate cancer—approximately 31 percent lower compared to those with less frequent ejaculation.

“The results held up to rigorous statistical evaluation even after other lifestyle factors and the frequency of PSA testing were taken into account.”

While the exact biological mechanisms are still being studied, researchers have proposed a few possible explanations. One involves oxidative stress, which can build up over time and damage cells, including sperm. Regular ejaculation may help reduce this buildup. Another theory relates to energy depletion—since sperm are highly active cells, those stored for too long may lose the energy required for proper function.

Taken together, these findings suggest that moderation and regularity may be more beneficial than extended periods of abstinence, particularly for those concerned with fertility.

As with many aspects of health, individual factors still matter, and there is no universal “perfect” frequency. However, current evidence leans toward the idea that the body functions best with balance—rather than extremes—when it comes to reproductive health.