Science just found new side effect of regular masturbation and it's left people gobsmacked

 

Researchers at University of Oxford have uncovered a surprising insight into maximizing sperm health—one that challenges many popular beliefs.

From eating pineapple to improve taste, avoiding sugary drinks, or even trying to keep the testicles cool, countless myths surround male fertility. However, this new research focuses on something far more scientifically grounded: the timing of ejaculation.

When discussing fertility, women are often said to have a biological “ticking clock” because they are born with a limited number of eggs that age over time. Men, on the other hand, produce sperm continuously from puberty. But there’s an important detail often overlooked—sperm can “age” too, especially when stored in the body for extended periods.

A common recommendation for men trying to conceive is to abstain from ejaculation for several days to increase sperm count. While this may boost quantity, the research suggests it can negatively impact quality.

By analyzing 115 studies involving nearly 55,000 men, researchers found that longer periods of abstinence were linked to poorer sperm health. Key indicators such as motility (the ability of sperm to swim) and viability declined, while DNA damage increased. 

Scientists believe this decline is mainly due to two factors:

• Oxidative stress, a process similar to biological “rust” that damages cells
• Energy depletion, as sperm gradually lose the energy needed to function effectively over time

Current guidelines typically recommend abstaining for two to seven days before providing a sperm sample for testing or IVF. However, the findings suggest that shorter abstinence periods may actually lead to healthier sperm.

Supporting this, other studies have shown improved IVF outcomes when ejaculation occurs within 48 hours before providing a sample.

The research also aligns with evolutionary theory. Frequent ejaculation—including masturbation—may help maintain sperm quality by clearing out older, damaged sperm and replacing them with fresher ones.

Interestingly, this pattern is not unique to humans. Similar trends have been observed across various animal species, where prolonged sperm storage leads to reduced quality and lower chances of successful fertilization. In some species, sperm stored inside females deteriorates more slowly, likely due to biological mechanisms that help protect and sustain them. 

Overall, the findings suggest that sperm, much like eggs, have a kind of “use-by date.” While many factors affecting fertility are beyond control, this is one area where simple behavioral changes—such as avoiding long periods of abstinence—could potentially improve outcomes.