How Frequently Should Men Ejaculate? Plus 8 Key Insights

The question of how often men should ejaculate doesn't have a definitive answer. Research on the health benefits related to ejaculation frequency is still inconclusive, as much depends on personal comfort and individual circumstances.

Understanding the '21 Times a Month' Concept

In 2017, a headline caught the attention: "Ejaculating at least 21 times a month significantly reduces prostate cancer risk." This was based on a study published in the December 2016 edition of European Urology, involving nearly 32,000 male participants. While the results hinted at a link between ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer risk, further studies are required to verify these findings.

It's also essential to note that the study relied on self-reported data collected in 1992 and 2010, which may not accurately reflect the participants' true habits. Additionally, the study did not differentiate between ejaculation from sexual intercourse and masturbation, which could influence the findings.

Does Frequent Ejaculation Lower Prostate Cancer Risk?

Current evidence is not definitive. Here’s a brief overview of the situation:

• A comprehensive study conducted over 18 years indicated that frequent ejaculation might have a protective effect against prostate cancer.
• However, this study used self-reported data, which is often subject to inaccuracies due to memory biases.
• A previous study conducted in 2004 found no significant connection between ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer risk, highlighting the need for further investigation.

Other Potential Benefits of Ejaculation

Currently, scientific research has not established any specific health benefits directly linked to ejaculation frequency. However, arousal associated with sexual activity can trigger the release of hormones like oxytocin and dopamine, which are known to enhance mood and reduce stress.

Masturbation vs. Partnered Sexual Activity: Are the Benefits Different?

Scientific literature is limited on this topic, making it challenging to establish clear differences. Some perceived benefits of ejaculation—whether through masturbation or intercourse—include:

• Improved sleep quality
• Enhanced sperm quality
• Boosted immune function
• Alleviation of migraine symptoms
• Potential reduction in heart disease-related mortality

Should You Regulate Your Ejaculation Frequency?

In ancient Taoist philosophy, control over ejaculation is believed to conserve vital energy. Some practitioners suggest a model of ejaculation occurring only 20-30% of the time during sexual activity, though these claims lack empirical support. Many Taoist teachers advocate for listening to one's body rather than adhering strictly to numbers.

Is it Possible to Deplete Your Sperm Supply?

Absolutely not! The male body continually produces sperm, generating approximately 1,500 sperm per second. This equates to millions being produced each day, so there’s no risk of running out.

Should You Avoid Ejaculation Entirely?

Your decision to abstain should align with your comfort level. Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that complete abstinence leads to adverse health conditions or side effects, nor is there convincing evidence for long-term advantages either.

Regarding the "No-Fap" Movement:

Many associate "no-fap" with abstaining from masturbation, but for some, it also includes refraining from ejaculation through partner activity. While some believe this can stabilize testosterone levels, research does not support this idea. Testosterone fluctuations are more often linked to underlying medical conditions.

What Happens to Non-ejaculated Sperm?

Whether or not you ejaculate has no bearing on overall libido or fertility. Sperm that is not ejaculated is simply reabsorbed by the body or released during nocturnal emissions, often referred to as "wet dreams," which can occur at any age.

The Final Takeaway

Understanding your body's signals is crucial when deciding on your ejaculation frequency. The notion of 21 times a month is not a one-size-fits-all recommendation. Pay attention to your feelings in the aftermath of ejaculation and adapt accordingly. For instance, if you find that you feel good post-ejaculation, whether through masturbation or sex, it may be beneficial to continue with frequency. Conversely, if too much activity leaves you feeling fatigued or unwell, consider reducing how often you ejaculate.