Frequent Masturbation May Boost Male Fertility, Study Finds

Researchers say regular ejaculation can improve sperm quality and DNA integrity.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:40pm

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A new study from the University of Oxford found that regular masturbation and ejaculation can provide a 'small but meaningful boost' to male fertility by improving sperm quality and motility. The researchers analyzed over 100 studies involving tens of thousands of men and found that abstaining from ejaculation for too long can lead to oxidative stress and energy depletion in sperm, causing them to swim more slowly, have more DNA damage, and have lower viability. The findings suggest fertility clinics may not need to recommend long abstinence periods before collecting sperm samples.

Why it matters

The study's findings could have significant implications for male fertility, which has been a growing concern in recent decades as birth rates have declined in many Western countries. Some research has suggested sperm counts may be dropping, though the reasons are not entirely clear. This new research indicates that simple lifestyle adjustments around masturbation and ejaculation frequency could provide a natural boost to sperm quality and potentially improve fertility outcomes.

The details

The researchers from the University of Oxford looked at 115 studies involving 54,889 men, as well as 56 studies across 30 animal species, to understand how sperm quality is affected by storage time within the body. They found that when men abstain from ejaculation for too long, their sperm experiences increased oxidative stress and energy depletion, causing the sperm to swim more slowly, have more DNA damage, and have lower viability. In contrast, regular masturbation and ejaculation was shown to 'flush out' damaged sperm and maintain higher quality. The researchers believe this may have evolved as an adaptive benefit in males.

  • The study was published in March 2026.

The players

Dr. Rebecca Dean

A research fellow at the University of Oxford's biology department and co-author of the study.

Dr. Irem Sepil

A lecturer in evolutionary biology at the University of Oxford and senior author of the study.

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What they’re saying

“Our study highlights how regular ejaculation can provide a small but meaningful boost to male fertility.”

— Dr. Rebecca Dean, Research Fellow, University of Oxford

“This likely reflects the evolution of female-specific adaptations, such as specialized storage organs that provide antioxidants to extend sperm viability.”

— Dr. Irem Sepil, Lecturer in Evolutionary Biology, University of Oxford

What’s next

The researchers suggest fertility clinics may need to reconsider their recommendations around abstinence periods before collecting sperm samples, as frequent ejaculation appears to be beneficial for sperm quality.

The takeaway

This study provides new evidence that regular masturbation and ejaculation can have a positive impact on male fertility by maintaining sperm health and quality. As birth rates continue to decline in many countries, these findings offer a simple lifestyle adjustment that could help improve fertility outcomes for some couples.