Does Female Masturbation Cause Infertility?

It’s no secret that in a country like India, the term “masturbation” is a topic that society often avoids discussing and labels as taboo. As a result, people are often unaware of the facts and live in a world of delusional myths.

Most people, especially women, often assume that masturbation causes multiple problems, such as infertility, damages the womb, or disturbs the menstrual cycle. 

But that’s not the fact. Even according to a research published in The Journal of Positive Sexuality, 73% of women have masturbated in their lifetime. This means that female masturbation is not a rare practice. Yet, this topic calls for greater awareness and discussion.

If you are looking for an answer to the question that does female masturbation cause infertility, then you have come to the right place. Aastha Fertility Care’s specialist, Dr. Namita Kotia, MBBS, MS – Obstetrics & Gynaecology & IVF Specialist, breaks down all the misconceptions about female masturbation and helps you find the right answers.

What is female masturbation?

In simple terms, female masturbation is a process of stimulating your own genitals for sexual pleasure. This can be done in various ways, like: 

• Touching or rubbing the clitoris, vulva, or vagina.

• Some females use sex toys and external objects for the same purpose.

• Fantasizing to explore sexual pleasures through imagination.

Does Female Masturbation Cause Infertility?

One of the most common questions that arises in the mind of females is does female masturbation cause infertility?

The truth of the matter is ‘No’, female masturbation does not cause infertility.  

Dr. Namita Kotia, the fertility expert at Aastha Fertility Care, claims that there is no scientific study that links masturbation with infertility. It does not damage your body and does not reduce the chance of you getting pregnant.

Effects of Female Masturbation 

Though female masturbation does not cause any harmful damage to your body, there are a few temporary effects on female hormones when reaching orgasm. 

In short, masturbation can cause your body to release certain hormones that make your experience pleasant and de-stressing.

Let’s look at the natural cycle of hormonal release, so that you can be aware of all the possibilities.

1. Dopamine release: This hormone boosts your mood and provides immense pleasure.

2. Oxytocin: Oxytocin has a significant impact on your emotions, as it builds feelings of comfort and relaxes your muscles.

3. Endorphins: They work as a natural painkiller and relieve cramps and headaches. 

4. Prolactin: Prolactin provides a sense of calmness and satisfaction.

Causes and Risk Factors for Infertility

Masturbation has nothing to do with infertility, which means the reasons for infertility are not related to masturbation. 

Let’s understand it this way: in the male body, orgasm comes with ejaculation, which means when they release semen out of their body. 

But a female body is completely different because orgasming won’t require your eggs or egg cells to be expelled from your body. Therefore, there will be no effect on when you ovulate. 

There are certain reasons, though, that impact your fertility. 

Here’s a brief explanation of all the possible reasons that can cause infertility. 

• Ovulation disorders like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) are the most common reason for infertility. It is associated with hormonal imbalance and insulin resistance, which results in irregular periods and excessive hair growth.

• Another common reason that can cause infertility is blocked fallopian tubes. They prevent sperm from reaching the egg and fertilized eggs from entering the uterus.

• Fibroids are non-cancerous growths present in the uterus that can block the fallopian tubes, which results in infertility.

• Age also plays a vital role when it comes to conceiving a baby. Women’s fertility decreases over time, especially around the age of 35.

• Additional causes like Thyroid Problems, High Prolactin, and a bad lifestyle of obesity, smoking, and alcohol also raise the risk.

Myths vs. Facts

Since masturbation is considered taboo, no one really knows about it. Hence, people are covered with myths and are unaware of facts.

But it is very important to have complete and accurate knowledge about such topics, as believing in myths can impact your sexual health, anxiety, guilt, and fertility-related stress. 

That’s why having complete knowledge about the facts and myths that revolve around masturbation and infertility can help you improve your sexual life. 

Let’s understand the myths and facts related to masturbation and infertility.

When to Consult a Doctor 

Your sexual health is a significant part of your physical and mental well-being. Hence, you should always focus on maintaining a hygienic and balanced lifestyle to maintain sexual confidence.

But if you are experiencing irregular periods, pain, heavy bleeding, or signs of infection, or are unable to conceive a baby, you should instantly consult a doctor and receive safe treatment; the earlier the better. 

Masturbation is a safe and common sexual practice, done by millions of women. It does not reduce a woman’s chance of being pregnant; instead, it provides sexual pleasure and multiple other benefits like stress relief, body calmness, and satisfaction.

At Aastha Fertility Care, we are committed to guiding women with true and accurate information. If you are facing any kind of challenges that involve conceiving a baby or have doubts about fertility, we are here to always support you.

Book a consultation with our specialists today and begin your journey to becoming parents with full confidence.

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