Masturbation has been the subject of various myths and old wives' tales, such as the belief that it can lead to blindness or hairy palms. Another common concern is, does masturbation decrease testosterone. However, scientific studies provide a straightforward answer: No, masturbation does not affect testosterone levels in the long term (1).
How Masturbation Effects Testosterone Levels
If you've ever had your testosterone levels checked, you know that mornings between 8 and 10 are when levels are highest. Still, even then, you'd most likely have two tests on different days to get a more accurate reading.
That's because testosterone levels change constantly throughout the day, even hour by hour, with spikes or dips occurring naturally. As men reach around 35, testosterone levels begin to decrease. Lower levels leave many men worried about doing anything that may lower it even further.
Since testosterone is directly related to sex drive, you may think that masturbating may lower testosterone levels. Still, according to research, (2) while testosterone may rise during masturbation or sex, it returns to normal levels after orgasm. This clearly leads us to understand that masturbation doesn't affect your testosterone levels.
According to another study, (3) 3 weeks of abstinence from sex and masturbation showed a slight increase in testosterone levels. Again this indicates no real benefit to going without.
What Does Having Low Testosterone Mean
Testosterone provides a variety of crucial functions to keep you healthy. During adolescence, it turns boys into men as they develop masculine features such as muscle mass and facial hair. It controls the sex drive, sperm production, erections, and fertility.
Testosterone helps produce red blood cells to supply oxygen throughout the body. It's also vital for mood and energy, which affects mental health.
However, for men who are unable to produce enough testosterone, it can have a serious effect on their sex life. Low T can also affect relationships. From low libido to poor erections and anxiety, this can cause tension between partners, leading to putting sex low on the agenda.
Additional issues caused by low testosterone include:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Muscle loss
- Sleep problems
- Low sperm count
- Increased body fat
- Low fertility
- Depression
- Trouble concentrating
The Causes of Declining Testosterone
As men hit their mid-thirties, testosterone levels begin to decline naturally at about 1% per year, but health conditions can also reduce testosterone. (4) They include:
- Hormones and hormone production
- Thyroid function
- Medication side effects
- Obesity
- Testicular injury
One way to increase testosterone levels is testosterone replacement therapy which replenishes your body with testosterone, easing the symptoms of low T so you can feel like your younger self.
While a decline in testosterone is natural as you hit your mid-30s, it's not natural for adolescents. Yet, according to research, (5) testosterone levels are declining in young men in record numbers. Research shows that lifestyle factors, such as weight gain and high BMI, a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, lack of quality sleep, and related factors, interfere with testosterone production.
Does Masturbation Increase Testosterone Levels?
You might conclude that because of the connection between sex, masturbation, and testosterone, the more sex, whether alone or with a partner, you have, the more testosterone you should produce. But the fact is that studies have shown mixed results depending on the focus of the particular research and age groups. So far, there doesn't seem to be a definitive answer on whether or not masturbation decreases or increases testosterone levels.
When healthy, your body works in harmony to produce and regulate hormones, so your testosterone levels, even after masturbation, are maintained as normal. Limited research makes conclusions hard to reach, and most studies have a small sample size. The unnatural circumstances surrounding these studies are less than reliable in gaining conclusive data.
One study (6) found that men with erectile dysfunction had lower testosterone levels and less sexual activity than other subjects. Still, testosterone replacement therapy rectified that problem for the men who responded positively to it, while those who didn't respond favorably continued to have low T.
Without reliable studies to answer this question, it would seem that testosterone isn't negatively impacted, and therefore avoiding masturbation with hopes of boosting testosterone may not be realistic.
Testosterone levels can be a complex issue with many factors that can make levels rise and fall significantly within short periods. According to a study (7) among 30 and 40-something men, testosterone levels could fluctuate by about 25% from morning to late afternoon.
The Benefits of Masturbation
While masturbation still provokes various feelings surrounding the activity, (8) without the cloud of low T over the subject of masturbation, let's discuss some of the positive aspects it may provide.
Safe Sex
While it may not be as much fun as rolling around in bed with a partner, you also won't need to worry about the possibility of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). (9) Learning about your own body and what you like and don't like sexually can be empowering and can help improve conversations surrounding sex with a partner.
Increased Feelings of Well-Being
Orgasms release endorphins, the feel-good hormones that produce feelings of relaxation. (10) After you have one, stress disappears and gives you renewed energy.
Improves Sleep
Since having an orgasm helps you to release stress and promote relaxation and well-being, it's easier to fall and stay asleep. (11)
Conclusion: Does Masturbation Decrease Testosterone?
It's pretty safe t say masturbation doesn't decrease testosterone. Various things can affect low testosterone, but according to research, masturbation isn't one of them. Health issues and emotional problems can impact testosterone levels, so if you think your levels are lower than they should be or you're experiencing irritating symptoms of low T, help is available.
