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VIVA – Masturbation is said to be a pleasurable activity. In fact, it is suggested that it can help protect against sexually transmitted infections by clearing the genital tract, according to a new study.
"We found that masturbation is an ancient trait in the primate order," anthropologist Matilda Brindle from University College London and her colleagues explained in their research, where they compiled the largest-ever recorded database of masturbation examples in 105 primate species.
It has been known that masturbation is widespread among mammals and other animals such as birds.
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While some primates are known for their self-touching habits - bonobos use mutual masturbation as part of their social repertoire, and monkeys have been caught with sex toys - other species seem to be less interested.
Examples of masturbation can be found throughout the primate evolutionary tree, where they stroke someone's sexual sensitive zone due to an ancient hobby inherited by all primate groups from the same early ancestors.
However, as the tarsier, about the size of a tennis ball, took a different evolutionary path from apes and monkeys, masturbation became more common in some species than others, said Brindle and her team.
This suggests that masturbation somehow can enhance the chances of fertilization in competitive sexual scenarios. While the scientific answer is still unclear, one theory suggests that it may improve the quality of ejaculation by expelling 'stale' sperm first, as reported from Live Science.
But the team also found strong evidence for coevolution between masturbation and pathogen occurrence in males, pointing to a secondary theory as to why masturbation occurs commonly - to clear out disease-causing microorganisms from the genital tract.
Masturbation also occurs more frequently in males of larger primate species who cannot reach down to care for their genitals orally.
They proposed that examining the timing of masturbation could reveal trends that drive the selection of masturbation in each species.
If masturbation most often occurs before sexual intercourse, it would enhance male fertility. On the other hand, if it occurs after sexual intercourse, it may indicate a prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
"It is important to note that reports of masturbation in female primates are much fewer in our data set. This is partly because female passion and masturbation may be less conspicuous compared to males, but it also reflects a lack of broader information about female sexual behavior and morphology in biological science," Brindle explained.
Although ultimately there may not be such benefits for humans who do not possess a penis, masturbation has many health benefits. This activity can aid in sleep, alleviate pain, and provide other health benefits.
