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.
Board certified Urologist and assistant clinical professor in Urology
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.
Quick FAQs
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.
Does it Really Make You Last Longer?
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?
Should You Believe the Hearsay?
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.
2. Hormone Levels
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.
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.
3. Your first orgasm is likely to be stronger than subsequent ones
Subsequent orgasms decrease in strength and intensity, so if you masturbate before sex, your coital orgasm might not be as good.
Alternatives to Masturbating Before Sex for Performance
Though there could be benefits to taking the time to jack off before sex for premature ejaculation, these next few alternatives will definitely help.
1. Delay Sprays
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.
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).
Sources:
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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
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
