Masturbation, Prostate Enlargement, and Infertility Risks

Q: Masturbation, Prostate Enlargement, and Infertility Risks

Blue： Can we trust what the news says? Of course, masturbating five times a day is excessive; who has that much free time? Masturbation is a way to release semen and experience pleasure! It is understandable for unmarried men to engage in masturbation, but moderation is key. <br>

Masturbation, benign prostatic hyperplasia, infertility?

I masturbate once a week (with ejaculation), and I have been doing this for about four years, occasionally increasing to twice a week.
Recently, I have felt more sexual urges, and I have masturbated three times a week for the past three weeks.
A few days ago, I saw a news article stating, "A male college student masturbated five times a day, and after six months, he developed benign prostatic hyperplasia, similar to that of middle-aged men." I also came across a claim that men who masturbate more than four times a week before the age of forty have a higher risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia.
After reading this news, I became concerned and have three questions:
1.
With my current frequency of masturbating once a week, occasionally twice, and recently three times a week (all with ejaculation), will this also lead to benign prostatic hyperplasia?
2.
Will this masturbation habit affect my fertility?
3.
I have been exercising more to reduce my sexual desire and want to minimize my masturbation habit.
If I masturbate very infrequently in the future, could that actually be detrimental to my prostate health?

Lán sè, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/08/26

Dr. Lin Hexing reply Urology

Blue: Can we trust what the news says? Of course, masturbating five times a day is excessive; who has that much free time? Masturbation is a way to release semen and experience pleasure! It is understandable for unmarried men to engage in masturbation, but moderation is key.
At your age, it's fine to do it no more than three times a week.
Masturbating less will not harm your prostate, so there's no need to worry.

Reply Date: 2014/08/26

More Info

Masturbation is a common sexual activity that many individuals engage in throughout their lives. It is often surrounded by various myths and misconceptions, particularly regarding its effects on prostate health, fertility, and overall well-being. Let's address your concerns based on current medical understanding.

1. Masturbation and Prostate Enlargement: The concern about masturbation leading to prostate enlargement, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common one. However, the evidence does not support a direct link between masturbation frequency and the development of prostate enlargement. Studies have shown that regular ejaculation, whether through masturbation or sexual intercourse, may actually have protective effects against prostate cancer. The key factor is the overall health and lifestyle of the individual rather than the frequency of masturbation alone. Your current frequency of masturbation (once a week, occasionally twice, and recently three times) is within a normal range and is unlikely to cause prostate enlargement. It's important to note that prostate enlargement is more commonly associated with aging and hormonal changes rather than sexual activity.

2. Masturbation and Infertility: Regarding infertility, masturbation itself does not cause infertility. In fact, regular ejaculation can help maintain healthy sperm production. Concerns about infertility typically arise from factors such as hormonal imbalances, medical conditions, or lifestyle choices (like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or poor diet). If you are otherwise healthy and have no underlying medical conditions, your masturbation habits are unlikely to affect your fertility negatively.

3. Changing Masturbation Habits and Prostate Health: If you decide to reduce your frequency of masturbation, it is unlikely to have a negative impact on your prostate health. In fact, some studies suggest that regular ejaculation may help reduce the risk of prostate issues. However, if you find that reducing masturbation leads to increased sexual frustration or anxiety, it might be worth exploring healthier outlets for sexual expression or discussing your feelings with a healthcare professional. Engaging in regular physical activity, as you mentioned, is a great way to manage sexual urges and improve overall health.

In summary, your current masturbation frequency is not likely to lead to prostate enlargement or infertility. If you have concerns about your sexual health or experience any unusual symptoms, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice. Remember, sexual health is an important aspect of overall well-being, and maintaining open communication about these topics can help alleviate anxiety and promote a healthier lifestyle.

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