Exploring the Biological Benefits of Masturbation: Insights from a Study on Primates

Masturbation is an act of self-pleasure or engaging in solo sexual activity. Researchers at the University College London (UCL) conducted a study to explore the potential advantages of male masturbation. The findings, published in The Journal Proceedings of The Royal Society, focused on both wild and captive primates.

Similar to humans and some other animals like dogs, primates such as chimpanzees, monkeys, and apes frequently engage in masturbation.

Lead researcher Matilda Brindle and her colleagues gathered data from 246 scholarly papers and 150 questionnaires, as well as correspondences with zookeepers. Their goal was to gather information about masturbation and its effects. The study revealed that self-pleasuring promotes effective fertilization by increasing arousal before sexual activity.

According to the researchers, ejaculating after masturbation helps eliminate low-quality sperm, ensuring that healthy sperm are available for mating. Additionally, it may reduce the risk of developing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The researchers suggest that masturbation can help cleanse the urethra, the organ responsible for expelling sperm and urine from the body, which is also a primary source of infection for many STIs.

As for the potential biological benefits of female masturbation, the results are currently unknown.