It’s said that masturbating before sex can help you last longer in bed, but is it true? We’ll take a look at this common myth and see if there is any truth to it.
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There is a lot of anecdotal evidence that masturbation helps you perform better or longer during sex.
Is it true, though? Does masturbation before sex actually affect anything, or is it a bunch of nonsense?
Let's take a look at where this idea came from and if there's any truth to it.
The science is still out on this one now, but there are some potential benefits that are worth looking at. For instance, the refractory period. It is entirely possible that you will last longer after the initial climax.
Yes, there are several safe over-the-counter alternatives available as well as techniques and sex positions that can also help you last longer in bed.
Let's get this out of the way - there's no scientific evidence that masturbating prior to sex will help you last longer.
So no, we cannot say that it's been proven in any capacity, but what about that anecdotal evidence?
The anecdotal evidence to support masturbation before sex commonly boils down to a few specific concepts:
It’s thought that masturbating before sex helps you get rid of pent-up sexual impulses, so you don't pop as soon as you start.
There is a potential bit of validation here because if you're nervous about sex, masturbating before sex can help clear your head.
It's hardly scientific though, and it won't benefit everyone equally.
Some believe that masturbation before sex somehow affects your hormone levels that regulate your sex drive, your ability to climax, or something similar.
Masturbation triggers the male refractory period, or the time it takes between ejaculation and the ability to regain an erection.
It’s thought that after the first ejaculation, and once you’re able to regain an erection, the subsequent time till ejaculation is longer for the second intimate session.
The refractory period is a real thing, so this is the best evidence to support rubbing one out before you have sex.
However, your age is a very important factor for how long it takes to become aroused or have an erection after ejaculation.
The refractory period of an 18-year-old is vastly different from that of a 55-year-old.
Let's look at the actual pros and cons and try to figure it out.
The refractory period is real, and if you masturbate regularly, you probably have a good idea of your timeframe and how to take advantage of it.
If you orgasm and then start having sex soon after, it definitely can make your next orgasm take longer, prolonging your ability to perform.
When you're exceptionally horny and nervous - especially with a new partner - having an orgasm first can help get you out of your head during sex.
This can help you stay focused on your partner's pleasure and last longer.
Masturbation before sex increases blood flow to your genitals, which can make the sex you have later feel even better and more exciting.
There are disadvantages to masturbating before sex, too, and it's important you understand those as well before trying this PE treatment method.
If you want to impress your partner with a big ending, keep this in mind.
It's worth noting, however, that masturbation doesn't seem to affect sperm quality, so even though the volume of ejaculate will decrease, it might not actually affect your ability to conceive.
Though this is also listed as a benefit, we felt it necessary to point out that for older guys, the refractory period can last a lot longer - hours even.
This can make sex great for your partner if it helps you last longer, but it also may make it difficult if not impossible for you to achieve an erection, which can be frustrating.
Know about how long you’ll have to wait from ejaculation to being able to achieve an erection before hand.
Subsequent orgasms decrease in strength and intensity, so if you masturbate before sex, your coital orgasm might not be as good.
If you came into this asking, "should I masturbate before sex" because you're having trouble with premature ejaculation, there are other methods to help with that concern.
Though there could be benefits to taking the time to jack off before sex for premature ejaculation, these next few alternatives will definitely help.
Delay sprays are typically lidocaine or benzocaine-based topical sprays that help desensitize the nerves of the penis. This makes your penis less sensitive and in turn, helps you last longer.
Men who use desensitizing sprays find that they increase their performance time by 300% or more, going from a few seconds to several minutes.
The longer you use them, the better the results.
These sprays are extremely easy to use. They simply need a single application which you then rub into the underside of the penis head and shaft.
After waiting 5-10 minutes, you can expect up to an hour of decreased sensitivity.
Delay wipes work similarly to sprays, except they come in the form a single-use pre-treated benzocaine wipe, about the size of a condom.
You can pull them out, wipe around your penis head and shaft, and wait 10 minutes, like with the spray.
Wipes are great because they're a lot easier to carry around than a spray bottle, so you're ready when the moment comes up.
Kegel exercises are essentially squeezing your pelvic floor muscles, which are the same muscles that help you stop peeing mid-stream.
You perform Kegels by squeezing those muscles, holding for about 10 seconds, and letting go.
Do these ten sets of 10 each day, and you'll gain better control over those muscles.
Stronger pelvic floor muscles help to:
Does masturbation help premature ejaculation?
Anecdotal evidence about hormones or "getting the tension out" are largely unfounded.
Masturbation before sex will trigger the refractory period.
For younger men, the refractory period is a lot shorter, so how long before sex should you masturbate is highly dependent on your age.
There’s no harm in mastubrating before sex, so giving it a shot comes with very little barriers.
If it does not work as intended, there are medically proven options you can turn to for better and more consistent results.
Dr. Rachel S. Rubin is a board-certified Urologist with fellowship training in sexual medicine. She is an assistant clinical professor in Urology at Georgetown University and practices at IntimMedicine Specialists in Washington DC. Dr. Rubin provides comprehensive sexual medicine care to all genders. She treats issues such as pelvic pain, menopause, erectile dysfunction, and low libido. Dr. Rubin is currently the education chair for the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) and an associate editor for the journal Sexual Medicine Reviews. Dr. Rubin has fellowship designation from both ISSWSH and the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA).
Absorption Pharmaceuticals LLC (Promescent) has strict informational citing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic or research institutions, medical associations, and medical experts. We attempt to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references and only citing trustworthy sources. Each article is reviewed, written, and updated by Medical Professionals or authoritative Experts in a specific, related field of practice. You can find out more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
Valente, S., Marques, T., & Lima, S. Q. (2021). No evidence for prolactin’s involvement in the post-ejaculatory refractory period. Communications Biology, 4(1). Accessed July 12, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-020-01570-4
Haake, P., Exton, M. S., Haverkamp, J., Krämer, M., Leygraf, N., Hartmann, U., Schedlowski, M., & Krueger, T. H. C. (2002). Absence of orgasm-induced prolactin secretion in a healthy multi-orgasmic male subject. International Journal of Impotence Research, 14(2), 133–135. Accessed 12, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3900823
NHS Choices. (2022). Can premature ejaculation be controlled? Accessed July 12, 2022. https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/sexual-health/can-premature-ejaculation-be-controlled/#:~:text=masturbating%201%20to%202%20hours,you’re%20close%20to%20ejaculating)
Benzocaine Wipes Might Help Men with Premature Ejaculation. (2017, July 13). SMSNA. Accessed July 12, 2022. https://www.smsna.org/patients/news/benzocaine-wipes-might-help-men-with-premature-ejaculation
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