Simply put, no. Your fertility is unaffected in any way by masturbation.
Infertility is the subject of numerous misconceptions.
Some individuals think that masturbation can result in infertility.
However, masturbation has no effect on your ability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term regardless of your genitalia, gender, or age.
In actuality, provided it isn’t done excessively, masturbating can be advantageous, healthful, and enjoyable.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
✅ Fertility is not affected by masturbation.
✅ Masturbation can be a healthy, joyful hobby for many people and has no effect on fertility levels.
✅ Make an appointment with your doctor or other healthcare practitioners to talk about your fertility if you’re having trouble getting pregnant.
✅ You might want to talk to a doctor or other healthcare professional if you’re having trouble getting pregnant.
How does it affect hormone levels, according to what we know?
Your body may release a healthy amount of particular hormones as a result of masturbation. These hormones are what make masturbation enjoyable and calming.
Among these hormones are:
- Dopamine. Dopamine is connected to your brain’s reward system and is referred to as one of the “happy hormones.”
- Endorphins. Endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, also help you feel happier and less stressed.
- Oxytocin. This hormone, also known as the “love hormone,” is frequently linked to social bonding.
- Testosterone. Sexual endurance and arousal can be increased by the hormone testosterone, which is released during sex and masturbation.
- Prolactin. The hormone prolactin, which is involved in lactation, also has an impact on your immune system and mood.
It can’t alter your hormones to the point where it compromises a pregnancy or impairs your fertility.
How does it affect ovulation, according to what we know?
When an egg is released from your ovary, ovulation takes place. The fallopian tube is where the egg “waits” to become fertilized. A pregnancy will result if this egg is fertilized by sperm cells and then implants in the uterus. The egg travels through the vagina if it is not fertilized.
Ejaculation typically happens as a result of orgasm in those who have penises. This is the release of semen, which is necessary for fertilization and contains sperm cells. However, an orgasm is not necessary for ovulation to occur. Orgasming won’t cause your egg cells to be expelled from your body if you have a uterus as it does with sperm.
How does it affect menstruation, according to what we know?
According to anecdotal evidence, masturbating can initiate menstrual bleeding, but only if it’s close to the time when your period is due. It is unclear why this occurs, though, as this hasn’t been properly investigated.
As endorphins, a naturally occurring painkiller, are released during masturbation, it can help soothe the discomfort of menstrual cramps and muscle strain. A lot of people also engage in masturbation to elevate their mood naturally while they are menstruating.
How does it affect fertilization, according to what we know?
A sperm cell fertilizes an egg cell to cause conception. Contrary to what you might think, this actually takes place in the fallopian tube rather than the uterus.
The sperm cell must travel to the fallopian tube and penetrate the outer wall of the egg to fertilize it in order for conception to occur. This means that in order to ensure that the egg is prepared for fertilization, ovulation must occur first.
What do we know about how implantation is affected?
Following successful fertilization, an egg travels to the uterus where it implants. It, therefore, adheres to the uterine wall. Between 6 and 12 days after ovulation and 8 to 9 days following conception, implantation takes place. Occasionally, fertilized eggs do not implant in the uterine wall.
An ectopic pregnancy, also known as cell implanting, can occur in the fallopian tube lining. In other circumstances, the fertilized cell may enter the uterus and exit the vagina without implanting.
What does this indicate about your general fertility?
Fertility is not affected by masturbation. If you’re having trouble getting pregnant, there could be another reason. Your general health, reproductive issues (such as polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS]), and certain lifestyle choices may be included in this. It’s important to remember that while masturbating while pregnant is normally okay, it might cause issues in high-risk pregnancies.
Your physician might advise against having sex, for instance, if:
- You have a history of premature labor or are exhibiting indicators of it.
- Your cervix or placenta previa has been determined to be incompetent.
- You experienced uterine hemorrhage
If your doctor advises you to avoid sexual activity while you are pregnant, find out if this includes masturbation.
Is there anything that you can do to encourage conception?
Having intercourse at the proper time of the month is one important technique to improve your chances of getting pregnant. As previously said, for fertilization to occur, you must have intercourse in the days leading up to or on the day of ovulation, more specifically.
Because ovulation occurs at the midway of the menstrual cycle, you may determine your ovulation date by counting the days of your cycle and locating the midpoint. On the first day of your period, each cycle begins. For instance, if your period is 28 days long, you’ll typically ovulate on or around day 14.
There are a few natural strategies to encourage fertility besides paying attention to time. This includes specific way-of-life adjustments like:
- cutting back on or quitting smoking
- cutting back on alcohol consumption
- avoiding coffee
- consuming prenatal vitamins and any other supplements that your doctor may have recommended
- maintaining a healthy diet.
- Performing light exercise
Stress can negatively impact fertility, and trying to get pregnant can be stressful.
Utilizing counseling or other forms of interpersonal support to manage your stress levels may be beneficial for you. Exercise, meditation, and fun hobbies are all excellent ways to reduce stress.
When should you consult a physician?
You might want to talk to a doctor or other healthcare professional if you’re having trouble getting pregnant. Your primary care physician, who is an OB-GYN with experience in fertility, may recommend you to a fertility specialist.
In general, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor if you’re under 35 and have been trying to get pregnant for 12 or more months without success. After six months, if you’re 35 or older, see one.