3 replies to this topic

[DeepB]

Hello,

If you read any mainstream magazine there is an article now and then saying that orgasms are healthy. The more the better.
Then there are monk-studies trying to proof different. ANd also a lot of anectotal evidence for abstinence.

Are there any serious studies, and is there any general conclusion about the (un)healthiness of orgasms?

Daniel

[Bogomoletz II]

It's not clear at this point. There are studies suggesting that the number of masturbation-induced orgasms per time frame correlates positively with lifespan in older men, but negatively in younger men. Correlation does not indicate causation. It's possible that for example, in the case of younger men there are hidden variables, such as testosterone levels, which can make masturbation more appealing and yet may also increase the risk of prostate cancer. Orgasm-less masturbation increases testosterone levels in the short-term, while a frequency of one masturbation-induced orgasm has been suggested in one study as the most conductive for testosterone levels. Orgasms are good at reducing stress. Sexual intercourse itself has various health benefits, even for the immune system, but there's always the risk of STDs.

Edited by Bogomoletz II, 02 April 2014 - 08:04 PM.

[DeepB]

So if I read that correctly:

 

Sex: low-STD-probability sex (in my case monogamous relationship) is good for health. 

 

Masturbation: not really clear. 

 

Concerning testosterone levels: I thought that testosterone levels are usually highest 7 days after the last orgasm?

 

[Darryl]

The "serious study" was most likely Leitzmann, Michael F., et al. "Ejaculation frequency and subsequent risk of prostate cancer." JAMA 291.13 (2004): 1578-1586.