Science Says Men Should Masturbate 21 Times a Month

While self-love is crucial for emotional well-being, self-pleasure through masturbation offers significant benefits for overall health, potentially even impacting longevity. Despite its clear advantages, masturbation often remains a stigmatized topic, influenced historically by various cultural and religious beliefs.

Understanding Masturbation

Masturbation, also known as onanism, is defined as the act of self-stimulation to achieve sexual pleasure. Scientific studies indicate that approximately 95% of men and 63% of women have masturbated at some point in their lives. The average age of initiation is around 14 for boys and 16 for girls. Interestingly, research suggests women tend to masturbate more frequently when in a stable relationship, whereas men may increase frequency after a relationship breakup or when single.

Frequent Ejaculation and Prostate Cancer Risk Reduction

Recent scientific investigations have uncovered a compelling link between frequent ejaculation and a reduced risk of certain cancers. A notable study published in the journal *European Urology* found that individuals who masturbate more than 21 times a month significantly decrease their likelihood of developing prostate cancer.

Specifically, young men in their 20s who ejaculate at least 21 times monthly were found to be 19% less prone to developing prostate cancer compared to those who ejaculated less frequently. Similarly, men in their 40s could reduce their prostate cancer risk by approximately 22% through consistent, frequent masturbation. It’s important to note that sexual intercourse also provides these protective benefits, making masturbation an equally effective alternative.

Expert Insights on Frequent Ejaculation

This significant research was conducted by investigators from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Harvard Medical School, with funding from the National Cancer Institute and the Prostate Cancer Foundation Young Investigator Award. Jennifer Rider, the study’s director, emphasized the importance of this finding, stating that ejaculating 21 times a month correlates with a lower risk of prostate cancer.

The study also suggested that ejaculation frequency might be an indicator of general health status. Individuals who reported masturbating three times a month or less were more likely to experience other medical issues and premature mortality from causes unrelated to prostate cancer. This extensive cohort study tracked approximately 30,000 male volunteers between 1992 and 2010, monitoring their monthly ejaculation frequency from both sexual activity and masturbation. The cumulative findings strongly suggested that 21 ejaculations per month could help prevent the onset of prostate cancer.

Beyond Cancer Prevention: Additional Health Benefits of Masturbation

While the prostate cancer link is a significant finding, masturbation offers a wide array of other positive impacts on both physical and mental health. Research points to several additional benefits:

• Alleviates Menstrual Pain: For women, masturbation can induce an analgesic effect and reduce inflammation in the genital area, offering relief from menstrual cramps.
• Enhances Genital Health: It positively impacts genital health, promoting natural lubrication in women and maintaining healthy erection and ejaculation reflexes in men.
• Boosts Immune System: Regular self-pleasure can strengthen the immune system by increasing levels of immunoglobulin A, which helps in fighting off infections.
• Improves Sleep Quality: Masturbation triggers the release of neurochemicals like serotonin and endogenous opioids such as endorphins, contributing to relaxation and better sleep.
• Reduces Stress and Promotes Well-being: It is an effective way to relieve both mental and physical tension, fostering a greater sense of calm and overall well-being.
• Facilitates Sexual Self-Discovery: This act allows individuals to explore their own sexuality, understand their body’s responses, and ultimately lead to more satisfying orgasms.
• Positively Impacts Partnered Sex: Through self-exploration, individuals can better communicate their desires and enhance intimacy within a partnership.

Masturbation and Intelligence: A Noteworthy Correlation

A curious study conducted by the National School of Health and Sexual Behavior, led by prominent Kinsey Institute researcher Debby Herbenick, suggested a correlation between masturbation frequency and intelligence. This research indicated that individuals who engage in self-pleasure more often tend to be more intelligent and achieve better academic results, proposing a positive link between masturbation frequency and educational attainment levels.