Does Female Masturbation Cause Infertility?

One overlooked and misunderstood topic in this world filled with taboos is female masturbation. Many females have questions related to masturbation and generally ask, Does female masturbation cause infertility?. No. Female masturbation does not cause infertility in women; on the brighter side, it is considered a healthy habit with a list of health benefits. This article will attempt to uncover the misconceptions about masturbation and how it does not cause infertility. 

Frequency of Female Masturbation?

Masturbation releases certain positive brain chemicals that contribute to mental stability and upliftment of mood.  Some sex educators have recommended that a woman can masturbate two to three times a week for 15-30 minutes each session. 

Now, let’s look into some data published about the frequent number of masturbations. According to PLOS ONE journal, it was reported in a survey that among 1046 women, 21.8% of women never masturbated in their entire lifetime. According to another survey conducted in 2020 on sex in India, 90% of the respondents reported that they masturbate once per month.

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Advantages of Female Masturbation

The most appropriate answer to the question Does female masturbation cause infertility? is proved by the benefits of masturbation on women’s health. Masturbation can cause your body to release certain hormones that help the process of masturbation be a pleasant and distressing experience.

Some hormones released during masturbation are – 

1. Dopamine – This hormone is also known by its other name, “happiness hormone”. This hormone is related to the reward system of the brain.
2. Oxytocin – This hormone is often associated with social bonding, called the “love hormone”.
3. Testosterone – This hormone can improve sexual stamina and arousal. It is released during sex and masturbation.
4. Endorphins – The pituitary gland releases this hormone, which is the natural pain killer of the body. This hormone is the reason for your reduced stress and anxiety levels.

The body releases these hormones to give a sense of pleasure, but these hormones do not intercept fertility levels. 

Women also experience the effects of masturbation on ovulation, implantation, and fertilisation. These effects are described below.  

Also Read: Signs Ovulation is Over: You Need to Know If You Ovulated or Not

Effects of Masturbation on Ovulation:

Does Female Masturbation Cause Infertility: In ovulation, a vital part of a woman’s body, your ovary releases an egg every month that moves through the fallopian tube to the uterus for fertilisation and implantation. In men, during masturbation, sperms are released in semen, and the sperms are vital for conception, but in women, ovulation does not require any orgasm to take place. Masturbation does not force the egg to ejaculate from the ovary, like semen. Therefore, Does Female Masturbation Cause Infertility? The answer is no. 

Effects of Masturbation on Implantation:

There is an effect of masturbation in the case of ectopic pregnancy. Normally, if an egg is released from the ovary, it will fertilise in the fallopian tube and travel to the uterus to be attached to the uterine wall. This process is called implantation. Sometimes, the fertilised egg does not travel to the uterus and implants in the fallopian tube. This is the case of ectopic pregnancy that is not affected by masturbation. 

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Effect of Masturbation on Fertilization:

Fertilisation is when the sperm travels to the fallopian tube and penetrates the egg’s wall. The fertilisation process happens in the fallopian tube, and it is not affected by masturbation in any way. Hence, masturbation does not cause infertility.

Effects on Pregnancy:

During pregnancy, it is fine to masturbate as the fetus is in the amniotic fluid inside the uterus, making no contact with the outside environment. During masturbation, if an orgasm occurs, the body’s response will be contractions. These mild contractions are okay for the mother and the baby, but if a person faces extreme contractions, they must consult the doctors.

Read Also: Preparing For a Healthy Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Guide for Couples

Is Female Masturbation Dangerous?

There is a side effect of everything excessive; likewise, there are some side effects of female masturbation. Some side effects make a person think, Does female masturbation cause infertility?

1. Imbalance in Mental and Physical Health – Too much masturbation or excessive masturbation can lead to an obsession with the process. This can result in preoccupation with sexual thoughts and activities. This preoccupation is enough to distract an individual from daily life responsibilities, relationships, or personal goals. Since taboos and misconceptions surround female masturbation, it can lead to feelings of guilt and shame that can further cause psychological distress.Physical stress, like soreness, discomfort, or weakness, can result from excessive masturbation. It can, over time, lead to injuries in the genital area.
2. Back Pain – Masturbation can also lead to pain and cramps in the pelvic region and back pain. The pelvic muscles are contracted and do not relax for some time, which causes extreme pain.
3. Decreased Libido Level – Many people complain that their sex life is affected by masturbation. These people get addicted to masturbation, which can result in lower levels of libido. 
4. Emotional Trauma – Female masturbation is considered taboo by society, so it can make an individual feel guilty according to their religion or culture. In this case, consulting with someone or talking to a sexologist is better.
5. Harm During Pregnancy – Masturbation during high-risk pregnancy can be dangerous as extreme contraction can occur in the pelvic region during this time, which will affect the baby. Pregnant women tend to release their sexual tension, which can put pressure on the womb, thus making it dangerous for both the mother and the baby.

Read Also: Empowering Couples For Parenthood: Navigating Pregnancy With PCOS And PCOD

Infections Caused By Masturbation

Some women are confused about the question Does female masturbation cause infertility? but with this question, they also look up infections like UTIs or yeast infections caused by masturbation.

There is no direct link between masturbation and yeast infections. Some factors can relate to the increased risk of developing an infection. 

• Factors like poor hygiene, not using clean toys, not cleaning hands or the genital region before masturbation. These factors can increase the chance of bacterial (UTI) infections. These bacterial infections can further lead to Candida infection.
• Aside from poor hygiene, yeast infection can also be caused by irritation during masturbation. Some people make excessive friction or handle the genital region roughly, which creates wounds or abrasions, leading to infections.
• If someone encounters an infection, it can be detected by symptoms like itching, burning, redness, swelling, and an unusual discharge. Many other reasons than masturbation that can cause yeast infection.

Read Also: Consuming Jamun During Pregnancy: Benefits and Risk Factors

Masturbation Habits Among Women

While it is important to break the misconception about the question, Does female masturbation cause infertility? It is normal for women if they are not willing to masturbate.

Masturbation is a personal choice; some women masturbate, and some do not. Sometimes, women do not have the urge to masturbate, which is also absolutely normal. People must break the century-long myths about female masturbation and learn its effects on fertility. 

To know more about topics related to infertility or pregnancy. We are here to help you, contact us now!!

Frequently Asked Questions about Does Female Masturbation Cause Infertility:

Q: How frequently can women masturbate?
Ans: Some sex educators have recommended that a woman can masturbate two to three times a week for 15-30 minutes each session. 

Q: What advantages do women have when they masturbate?
Ans: Masturbation can cause your body to release certain hormones that help the process of masturbation be a pleasant and distressing experience.

Q: Female masturbation: Is it dangerous?
Ans: There is a side effect of everything excessive; likewise, there are some side effects of female masturbation. Some side effects are imbalance in mental and physical health, Bach pain and soreness in genital areas, decreased libido level, emotional trauma, and some harm during high-risk pregnancy.

Q: Can female masturbation cause yeast infections or UTIs?
Ans: There is no direct link between masturbation and yeast infections. Some factors can relate to the increased risk of developing an infection. Factors like poor hygiene, not using clean toys, not cleaning hands or the genital region before masturbation. These factors can increase the chance of bacterial (UTI) infections. These bacterial infections can further lead to Candida infection.

Q: Is it normal for women not to masturbate?
Ans: It is also important to understand the feelings of women who do not masturbate. It is normal for women if they are not willing to masturbate. Masturbation is a personal choice of women. Some women masturbate, and some do not.

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Dr. Payal Bajaj

Sr. IVF Specialist & Medical Director at NANDI IVF

Dr. Payal Bajaj is an experienced Obstetrician & Gynecologist with over 20 years of experience in the discipline. She is a Reproductive Endocrinologist & Infertility Specialist. She has Done MBBS From the Renowned Lady Hardinge Medical College. DGO from the prestigious VMMC & Safdarjang Hospital, DMAS From World Laparoscopy Hospital.

She has Completed Her esteemed ASPIRE -ISAR Fellowship in the field of Reproductive Medicine from AFGC, Delhi And St' Mother's Hospital Japan.She has also been trained from the University of KEIL Germany. She has won various academic awards all through her academic career.

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