Does Masturbation Lead to Infertility? Myths vs Facts

This is one of the commonest myths about infertility in our society. This may be due to religious or cultural beliefs of individuals. However, there is no scientifically proven evidence that masturbation reduces and has any impact on fertility in men or women. Masturbation is a sexual activity that does not cause any damage to ovaries, uterus, testes and sperm. There is no scientific study or research indicating that it leads to permanent infertility in men or women.

In men sperm are continuously produced in the testes. Due to masturbation the concentration of the sperm may reduce temporarily but it does not affect the quality of sperm nor does it cause low testosterone, erectile dysfunction or permanent damage. Perhaps samples for semen analysis are collected via masturbation.

While in fermales, masturbation does not affect the quality of egg, ovarian reserve, or cause damage to the fallopian tube. There is no research indicating that masturbation can cause hormonal disturbance in females.

However, in some cases excessive masturbation can be linked to different psychological issues and it is important for an individual to seek help from a psychologist .Masturbation can be harmful if unsafe practices are observed that can cause physical injury. Even though many cultures and religions discourage masturbation it is important to separate cultural beliefs from scientific facts.

Fertility Health Facts Vs Myths

The actual causes of infertility in adults mainly depend upon the quality of the egg and sperm. At Njinsky IVF & Fertility Clinic, we help patients to identify what is causing infertility. The main reasons for infertility in females are advanced maternal age, PCOS, endometriosis, premature ovarian failure, hormonal imbalances such as thyroid and blocked fallopian tubes. While in males the most common causes of infertility are varicocele, hormonal imbalance, genetic disorders, infections and long- standing diabetes mellitus.

Does Sexual Activity Affect Fertility?

Normal sexual activity does not cause infertility. In fact regular intercourse is recommended for conception. Sexual activity does not affect egg quality, uterus lining, or sperm quality. However, daily intercourse may slightly reduce the concentration of sperm per ejaculation but the quality is not compromised. Frequent intercourse without tracking ovulation may lead to missed ovulation which might stress the couple as no conception would have occurred despite frequent intercourse. The recommended time for intercourse is 2-3 times per week while tracking ovulation.

Sexual activity can only cause infertility if it leads to Sexual Transmitted Diseases (STIs) as micro- organisms such as Gonorrhea and Chlamydia can cause long-term infections in the reproductive tract which damage the reproductive tract, leading to infertility. Other conditions causing infertility initiated by unprotected sexual intercourse are Pelvic Inflammatory diseases (PID) and tubal damage.

How to Prevent Infertility?

Preventing infertility naturally is not always possible as it depends on the causes of infertility. If the cause is lifestyle related or overall health precautions can be taken at an initial stage to prevent infertility in the future. Some of the natural ways to prevent infertility are as follows:

• Maintaining a healthy weight as being overweight worsens insulin resistance and PCOS. While being underweight leads to ovulation suppression. Obesity in men causes low levels of testosterone and low sperm quality.
  
  
• Regular exercise increases blood flow to reproductive organs and reduces stress levels.
  
  
• Healthy eating habits- a poor diet can cause inflammation in the body causing oxidative stress and cellular damage which affects the quality of egg and sperm.
  
  
• Avoid smoking and alcohol intake also causes infertility and it is harmful for the baby after conception.

Njinsky IVF & Fertility Clinic offers a wide range of infertility treatments.

• Female infertility treatment consists of ovulation induction, hormonal therapy, surgical treatment for blocked fallopian tubes and Assisted Reproductive Techniques- IVF, IUI and ICSI.
  
  
• While male infertility treatment includes hormonal therapy, surgery for varicocele, sperm retrieving procedures such as TESA/TESE and Assisted Reproductive Techniques.

Therefore it is really important to differentiate cultural values from scientific evidence and understand that masturbation does not lead to infertility. Infertility is caused by practices that cause damage to male and female reproductive organs. If infertility is diagnosed by fertility experts there are proper medical treatments to treat infertility and not every condition can be treated naturally. At Njinksy, the best IVF center in Pakistan, we understand every concern of our patients and aim to provide the most effective treatment for infertility.