Primate Study Reveals Benefits of Masturbation
This British study suggests that masturbation, or self-pleasure has played a significant role in the evolution of primates, including humans. The research, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, reveals that masturbation is prevalent among primates and was likely present in their common ancestor.
The study suggests that male primates masturbate to increase arousal before sex, allowing them to ejaculate faster and potentially outcompete other males' sperm, (Lallanilla, 2023, p. 10).
Masturbation may also serve as a strategy for low-ranking males who are likely to be interrupted during sexual intercourse, (Lallanilla, 2023, p. 9). In addition to this, regular ejaculation may help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections by cleansing the urethra.
Unfortunately though, the evolutionary benefits of female masturbation, in primates and in general, has yet to be formally researched and remains unclear for the moment.
References:
Lallanilla, M. (2023, June 6). Masturbation benefits revealed in new primate study: ‘Useful tactic’. New York Post. https://nypost.com/2023/06/06/masturbation-benefits-revealed-in-new-primate-study/
