According to Dr. Tra Anh Duy of Men's Health, ejaculation is a normal physiological reflex, usually occurring upon orgasm during sexual intercourse, masturbation, or sometimes involuntarily during sleep. Many young men, or those in periods of heightened sexual excitement, often wonder if frequent ejaculation affects their health.
While some consider this behavior normal if it doesn't disrupt daily life, from a medical perspective, physiological, endocrinological, psychological, and reproductive aspects need evaluation for a comprehensive assessment.
What is the ejaculatory reflex?
Ejaculation results from a series of complex neural reflexes. It begins with sensory stimulation of the penis, sending signals to the lumbar spinal cord where the ejaculatory reflex control center is located. Coordination between the sympathetic nervous system and the motor system stimulates contractions of the muscles around the vas deferens, prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and pelvic floor, propelling semen out of the urethra.
This process releases neurotransmitters like dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins, which create feelings of pleasure and relaxation.
Effects of frequent ejaculation
Ejaculating one to two times a day at a consistent frequency, interspersed with rest days, is likely harmless for healthy young men. However, at frequencies of three to five times a day or more for several consecutive days, negative impacts can arise.
Physical effects
Temporary weakness: Each ejaculation releases about 2-6 ml of semen containing water, protein, minerals, zinc, and fructose. Frequent ejaculation can prevent the body from recovering, leading to fatigue, muscle aches, and reduced physical strength.
Erectile dysfunction: Continuous ejaculation can desensitize dopamine receptors, reducing arousal and making it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection.
Reduced sperm quality: A study in *Fertility and Sterility* found that daily ejaculation significantly reduces total sperm count and motility, although sperm morphology remains largely unchanged.
Increased risk of infection: Frequent friction can injure the foreskin and make the urethra susceptible to infection if hygiene is poor.
Psychological effects
Dependence on sexual pleasure: Some individuals may overuse masturbation or intercourse to achieve orgasm, neglecting emotional aspects.
Post-orgasmic depression: Feelings of emptiness, guilt, or depression can occur after ejaculation, especially if the act is compulsive.
Increased risk of compulsive sexual behavior disorder, officially recognized as a mental disorder in the WHO's ICD-11.
What is a safe ejaculation frequency?
There's no absolute number for an "ideal" daily ejaculation frequency. However, a study in the *Journal of Sexual Medicine* indicated that men who ejaculate two to four times per week have better mental health, sleep quality, and relationship bonding than those with much lower or higher frequencies.
Research published in *European Urology* suggests that men who ejaculate about 21 times per month have a lower risk of prostate cancer than those who ejaculate fewer than 7 times per month. This doesn't advocate for daily ejaculation, but emphasizes the importance of regular ejaculation without excessive suppression.
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