Masturbation may enhance a male primate's possibilities of having offspring, in line with new analysis.

The act of self-pleasuring could assist with profitable fertilisation by growing arousal earlier than intercourse, the examine by University College London (UCL) stated.

The scientists additionally stated ejaculating after masturbation helps shed low-quality semen, leaving contemporary sperm obtainable for mating.

The researchers added it could additionally cut back the danger of contracting sexually-transmitted infections (STIs).

However, the scientists stated the advantages of feminine masturbation - from an evolutionary perspective - stay much less clear.

Read extra:What are the symptoms, how do you catch the STIs and how are they treated?Little-known STI may increase the risk of cervical cancer in women

Lead researcher Dr Matilda Brindle stated: "Our findings help shed light on a very common, but little understood, sexual behaviour and represent a significant advance in our understanding of the functions of masturbation."

Masturbation is widespread amongst animals however is considered extra prevalent in primates, together with chimpanzees, apes and people.

The examine, revealed within the journal Proceedings of The Royal Society B, centered on primate animals, each wild and captive.

Dr Brindle and her colleagues gathered data from 246 revealed educational papers and 150 questionnaires, with the intention to know when and why masturbation developed.

They additionally analysed private communications from primate consultants and zookeepers.

Findings counsel masturbation was most definitely current within the widespread ancestor of people and all different primates.