There is no evidence that how often a male releases sperm can negatively affect health. There may be some health benefits to sex and frequent ejaculation, though how often a male ejaculates will be different for each person.

Most males ejaculate when having an orgasm, although some can have an orgasm without ejaculating.

This article looks at how often a male should release sperm, possible health benefits of ejaculation, and whether there is a link between ejaculation and cancer.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.

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There is limited research on ejaculation frequency, and as such there is no specific guidance on how often a person should ejaculate.

Ejaculation does not necessarily depend on partnered sex or masturbation. Many factors can determine how often a person ejaculates.

Average ejaculation frequency may vary according to many factors, including a person’s:

  • age
  • health
  • relationship status

According to a 2017 study, partnered sex — and the ejaculation that usually accompanies it — is most frequent among males ages 25–29, with 68.9% reporting vaginal intercourse during the last month.

The figure drops slightly to 63.2%, among males in their 30s, and declines with each decade of advancing age.

With this in mind, the average frequency of ejaculation may decline with age. However, it is important to note that a person may also ejaculate as a result of masturbation. How often a person ejaculates will be different for each individual.

A person may ejaculate frequently, either intentionally or involuntarily, to release semen from the body. The prostate gland and seminal vesicles constantly make semen, and the body needs to release it regularly. Ejaculation may happen involuntarily if a person does not ejaculate frequently enough either through intercourse or masturbation.

According to a 2021 article, there is no evidence that frequent masturbation, which may result in ejaculation, is harmful.

Likewise, most people do not consider frequent consensual sex with a partner to be harmful to either party as long as both partners:

  • feel comfortable in their actions
  • avoid sexual activities that cause pain
  • adopt safer sex strategies

A 2015 study found that males who ejaculated daily over 14 days experienced slight decreases in the number of sperm in their ejaculate. However, the reduction did not cause sperm count to fall below usual thresholds. Also, frequent ejaculation did not affect other measures of sperm health, such as sperm motility and morphology.

Other 2015 research found that partners who have sex at least weekly report being happier with their relationships. More frequent sex did not increase relationship satisfaction, but it also did not cause it to decline.

There is limited research into the health benefits of ejaculation. However, if a person does not ejaculate after becoming aroused, this may actually cause discomfort. This is a result of the prostate and seminal vesicles filling with semen and becoming swollen. Some people refer to this as “blue balls.”

Sex, which may include ejaculation, offers numerous possible benefits.

Examples include:

  • relieving stress due to its effects on cortisol
  • relieving pain by releasing certain hormones that help with pain
  • improving heart health and lowering blood pressure due to physical activity
  • boosting the immune system by producing a greater quantity of antibodies
  • improving sleep with the release of the hormone prolactin
  • increasing intimacy with a partner

Learn more about the possible health benefits of sex.

People who ejaculate frequently may have a lower risk of prostate cancer, according to a 2016 study spanning nearly 2 decades.

Researchers found that males ages 40–49 who ejaculated more frequently had a lower risk of prostate cancer. Those with the lowest risk ejaculated at least 21 times per month.

The study did not establish that ejaculation could prevent cancer in younger males. The researchers remain unsure whether frequent ejaculation fights prostate or any other cancer in males under 40 years.

The age at which a male stops ejaculating will be different for each person. However, a person may find that ejaculations decrease in force and volume as they age.

It is best for a person to contact their doctor if they have concerns about changes in ejaculation.

Learn more about what can affect the volume of ejaculation.

There is no medical guidance on how frequently a male should ejaculate. More frequent ejaculation and sex can offer numerous health benefits, such as managing stress, relieving pain, improving heart health, and reducing high blood pressure.

Some research suggests that ejaculation may help to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. However, more research is necessary.

Frequent ejaculation is generally safe, and ultimately, there is no right number of times a person should ejaculate.