Does female masturbation cause infertility?

Discussions around sexuality, including female masturbation, remain a huge taboo subject, particularly in India. The topic of female masturbation is often surrounded by myths and misconceptions.

Many women hesitate to discuss their sexual health due to societal norms and stigma around the subject, but the truth is there is no shame in acknowledging your needs or exploring your own body.

A common question is does female masturbation cause infertility? The good news is that scientific research shows no connection between masturbation and infertility. We’ll break down the myths, provide scientific evidence, and offer a clearer understanding of female reproductive health and fertility.

Various misconceptions continue about female masturbation, often due to cultural taboos and the lack of sexual education. One of the most common myths is that masturbation can damage one's reproductive organs or cause hormonal imbalances that lead to infertility. Rooted in misinformation, these beliefs can create unnecessary fear and guilt among women when masturbating.

According to the National Health Portal of India (NHP), female masturbation is a natural part of human sexuality and does not negatively impact health or fertility.

In fact, masturbation does not disrupt hormonal balance, reproductive health, or the menstrual cycle in any way. It is important to recognise that the myths connecting masturbation to infertility are entirely unfounded.

Female masturbation is a natural process. When you masturbate and achieve an orgasm, your body releases hormones that make masturbation a de-stressing experience. Here are the hormones that are released:

• Oxytocin: Oxytocin, a chemical messenger in the brain, plays a vital role in various human behaviours such as sexual arousal, trust, recognition, romantic attachment, and bonding between mother and infant and her partner. Due to its involvement in these processes, oxytocin is often referred to as the ‘love hormone’ or ‘cuddle chemical’. This hormone is released when a woman reaches orgasm.
• Endorphins: Masturbation has been found to have stress-reducing effects and helps one to relax. In fact, for some individuals, it may even help them fall asleep.
• Dopamine: Masturbation triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter closely linked to feelings of pleasure. This surge of dopamine can result in improved mood and a general sense of well-being.

Now, to understand why masturbation doesn't affect fertility it's vital to know how the female reproductive cycle works. The female reproductive cycle is a complex system influenced by various biological processes.

Fertility in women relies on the regular function of reproductive organs, hormone levels, regular ovulation, and other factors that can be influenced by lifestyle, genetics, and age. Let's have a look at them:

Ovulation and the menstrual cycle

Ovulation is a key process in a woman’s fertility cycle. Every month, during ovulation, an egg is released from the ovaries; it then travels through the fallopian tubes, where it awaits fertilisation by a sperm, preparing a woman for potential pregnancy.

If the egg isn't fertilised, the body sheds the uterine lining through menstruation, and the cycle begins again. For pregnancy to occur, the processes of ovulation, fertilisation, and implantation must all work together in perfect harmony.

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), regular ovulation is essential for fertility. Despite the myths surrounding female sexual health, it’s important to clarify that masturbation has zero effect on ovulation or the menstrual cycle.

Factors that influence fertility in women

The ability to conceive depends on multiple factors beyond just sexual activity. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), factors such as age, hormonal imbalances, lifestyle choices (like diet and physical activity), stress and underlying medical conditions all impact fertility.

But here’s the good news: masturbation doesn’t affect any of these important factors. So, there’s no need to worry—it doesn’t interfere with your chances of having a baby in the future.

No scientific evidence linking masturbation to infertility

Despite common myths, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that female masturbation has any impact on fertility. Masturbation does not interfere with the menstrual cycle, ovulation, or the health of reproductive organs.

In fact, sexual activity in general—including masturbation—can promote overall sexual health by reducing stress and increasing self-awareness of the body. It is a completely safe and natural activity that does not lead to infertility.

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse for women under 35, or after 6 months for women over 35.

Female infertility is often caused by a range of medical conditions or lifestyle factors that can interfere with the reproductive system and is not linked to masturbation.

Infertility affects a significant portion of couples in India, with an estimated 10-15% of Indian couples experiencing difficulties in conceiving, according to the Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction (ISAR).

Medical Conditions That Can Impact Fertility
Several medical conditions can affect a woman's ability to conceive:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A common hormonal disorder that affects up to 3.7–22.5% of Indian women of reproductive age. PCOS can interfere with regular ovulation. Irregular periods, hirsutism (abnormal hair growth on a woman's face and body), and weight gain are the common symptoms of PCOS.
• Endometriosis: This condition, is where the uterine tissue grows outside the uterus. According to the Endometriosis Society of India, it affects about 10% of Indian women. It can cause fertility issues by blocking fallopian tubes or altering pelvic anatomy.
• Blocked Fallopian Tubes: Blocked fallopian tubes can prevent the egg and sperm from meeting, making the ability to conceive naturally difficult. Common causes include pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, or scar tissue from surgeries.
• Uterine Fibroids: Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. As noted by the MoHFW, they can interfere with fertility by disrupting implantation.

Lifestyle Factors and Infertility

Certain lifestyle factors also contribute to infertility. According to the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI), these include:

• Smoking and Consumption of Alcohol: Both are known to reduce fertility by affecting ovarian function.
• Body Weight: Being significantly underweight or overweight can lead to hormonal imbalances that affect fertility.
• Diet and Nutrition: A diet lacking essential nutrients can negatively impact reproductive health.

Despite the misconception that masturbation is harmful, female masturbation offers several benefits that can support both sexual and reproductive health. According to the Indian Journal of Sexual Health and Reproduction, these benefits include:

• Stress Reduction: Stress is one of the key factors that can negatively impact fertility. Masturbation helps you reduce stress naturally, by releasing endorphins, that promote relaxation.
• Improved Sexual Function: Regular sexual stimulation, including masturbation, increases blood flow to the pelvic region. This in turn helps maintain the health of the reproductive organs.
• Self-Awareness: Masturbation helps women explore their bodies and understand their sexual responses better. This can lead to increased sexual satisfaction. It also helps improve intimacy between partners.

If you have concerns about infertility, seeking guidance from your doctor is the best course of action. The National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (NIRRH) advises women who have been trying to conceive for over a year to consult a fertility specialist.

Early diagnosis of underlying conditions like PCOS or endometriosis can lead to more effective treatments. Options for treatment include medications to stimulate ovulation, surgical procedures to correct blockages, and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

Female masturbation is a natural, healthy part of human sexuality and has no impact on fertility. The myths linking masturbation to infertility are baseless and only contribute to reinforcing the stigma.

Infertility in women is influenced by medical conditions and lifestyle factors, and masturbation is not one of them. For women facing fertility concerns, consulting a doctor is the most effective way to identify the underlying causes and explore potential treatment options.