Spring Break
Orgasm debate and rising to the occasion
Kathy Greaves
Issue date: 2/27/08 Section: Forum
Dear Dr. Sex,
My girlfriend and I were discussing whether or not it is necessary for males to ejaculate in semi-regular intervals (either through sex, masturbation or wet dreams). I claim that about five days is as long as most men can go... she says that men can go longer if they really had/want to. Who's right?
Signed,
Need to Cum
Dear Need to Cum,
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there is no reason why a man has to ejaculate. There are many men (maybe not your age) who go weeks or months without ejaculating. Take those who choose to be celibate, for example. In its purest definition, celibacy is refraining from all sexual activities, including masturbation. Also keep in mind that just because someone isn't participating in partnered sexual activity or masturbating, they will not automatically have wet dreams. Wet dreams beyond puberty are typically caused by erotic dreams, so if an adult isn't having erotic dreams, then they won't be having wet dreams either.
What I can tell you is there appears to be health benefits related to reaching orgasm. Keep in mind that researchers don't know if the health benefits are actually caused by orgasm. Basically it is a questions of which comes first, the chicken or the egg. Here are some of those health benefits:
• Orgasms provide relief from menstrual cramps.
• 1-2 orgasms a week strengthens the immune system.
• Men who have 2 or more orgasms a week actually live longer.
• Men who have at least 3 orgasms a week are 50 percent less likely to die of heart disease.
• Men who have more than 5 ejaculations a week have lower rates of prostate cancer later in life.
• The release of estrogen and endorphins following orgasm are related to increased mood and reduced chance of depression in women.
• When a person reaches orgasm, oxytocin is released fivefold. Oxytocin is a hormone that increases feelings of love and intimacy which may help maintain long-term relationships.
My girlfriend and I were discussing whether or not it is necessary for males to ejaculate in semi-regular intervals (either through sex, masturbation or wet dreams). I claim that about five days is as long as most men can go... she says that men can go longer if they really had/want to. Who's right?
Signed,
Need to Cum
Dear Need to Cum,
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there is no reason why a man has to ejaculate. There are many men (maybe not your age) who go weeks or months without ejaculating. Take those who choose to be celibate, for example. In its purest definition, celibacy is refraining from all sexual activities, including masturbation. Also keep in mind that just because someone isn't participating in partnered sexual activity or masturbating, they will not automatically have wet dreams. Wet dreams beyond puberty are typically caused by erotic dreams, so if an adult isn't having erotic dreams, then they won't be having wet dreams either.
What I can tell you is there appears to be health benefits related to reaching orgasm. Keep in mind that researchers don't know if the health benefits are actually caused by orgasm. Basically it is a questions of which comes first, the chicken or the egg. Here are some of those health benefits:
• Orgasms provide relief from menstrual cramps.
• 1-2 orgasms a week strengthens the immune system.
• Men who have 2 or more orgasms a week actually live longer.
• Men who have at least 3 orgasms a week are 50 percent less likely to die of heart disease.
• Men who have more than 5 ejaculations a week have lower rates of prostate cancer later in life.
• The release of estrogen and endorphins following orgasm are related to increased mood and reduced chance of depression in women.
• When a person reaches orgasm, oxytocin is released fivefold. Oxytocin is a hormone that increases feelings of love and intimacy which may help maintain long-term relationships.
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