(225) INVESTIGATING RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN MASTURBATION FREQUENCY AND SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION IN MEN UNDERGOING FERTILITY TESTING

Abstract Introduction Male masturbation is a scarcely discussed topic in male sexual health. In the context of trying to conceive, male masturbation may impact overall sexual function and ultimately fertility outcomes. Objective To evaluate the relationship between masturbation frequency and sexual function amongst men undergoing fertility testing. Methods We performed a review of a prospectively maintained database of men utilizing a mail-in semen analysis test system developed by Fellow Health, Inc. Men ≥18 years were included if they consented to participate in research and completed survey questionnaires on both their quality of life and sexual function. Men reported their typical weekly masturbation frequency (0, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, or ≥ 7 times per week) as part of the sexual function questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were reported and chi-squared tests were used to determine statistical significance at the 0.05 alpha level. Results Of the 2,034 men included, most reported masturbating one to two times per week (41.2%). Nearly one-fourth (21.6%) reported never masturbating, and only 14.2% reported a frequency of more than four times per week. Mean semen volume did not differ significantly by masturbation frequency (p = 0.07). Of note, patients were instructed to abstain from ejaculation for 48 hours prior to sample collection. Men who reported masturbating most frequently (≥7 times per week) were least likely to report ejaculatory dysfunction (12.0% vs. 21.0% for all others combined; p = 0.04), but most likely to report orgasmic dysfunction (12.0% vs. 5.7% for all others combined; p = 0.02). Interestingly, men who reported masturbating most often (≥7 times per week) were both most likely to report having sex less than once per week and most likely to report having sex ≥7 times per week when compared to other strata of masturbation frequency. Conclusions Those with higher masturbation frequency also had better ejaculatory function, but worse orgasmic function. Men who masturbate most frequently (>7 times per week) were most likely to report having sex less than one time per week and also most likely to report having sex >7 times per week, which may be reflective of differences in libido in this group. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Fellow Health.