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Have you ever wondered if that solo session might be shrinking your muscles or sabotaging your sex drive? You’re not alone. Many people have questions about the link between masturbation and testosterone.
Let’s take a look at the truth behind this common concern. We’ll answer the burning question: does masturbation decrease testosterone?
Key takeaways
- There isn’t enough evidence that masturbation decreases testosterone. In fact, some studies show that free testosterone increases after ejaculation.
- Some minor fluctuations in testosterone occur after ejaculation. But they are temporary and do not have a long-term impact.
- Factors like age, diet, exercise, stress, sleep, alcohol consumption, and obesity have a much stronger influence on testosterone than masturbation.
- A balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and quality sleep are key to keeping healthy testosterone levels.
- If you have concerns about your testosterone or are experiencing any low testosterone symptoms, talk with your doctor.
Understanding testosterone
Testosterone is a crucial sex hormone. It’s primarily produced in the testicles of people assigned male at birth. It plays a crucial role in many aspects of male development, including:
- Muscle growth and strength: Testosterone helps build muscle mass and increases bone density.
- Sex drive: It plays a fundamental role in arousal and sexual desire.
- Sperm production: Testosterone is essential for the production of sperm.
- Mood and mental health: Testosterone influences mood, energy levels, and even cognitive function.
All of the above are facts about testosterone. But, there are also a lot of myths about the role masturbation plays in this sex hormone.
Does masturbation decrease testosterone levels?
One of the most common myths is that masturbation leads to a significant drop in testosterone levels.
This myth is not supported by scientific evidence.
Here’s what science currently says.
Short-term fluctuations
One small study found that after one week of abstinence, testosterone concentrations increased by 146%. However, this study has since been retracted.
There might be minor changes in T levels after ejaculation. But, these changes are typically temporary and don’t have a lasting impact.
Focus on free testosterone
A small study found that total testosterone levels might slightly decrease after ejaculation. However, the levels of “free testosterone” — the biologically active testosterone — may actually increase in some cases.
Another study found higher testosterone concentrations after three weeks of abstinence. It’s clear that more research needs to be done to determine the effect of masturbation on testosterone.
However, we do have evidence of how ejaculating affects other hormones in the body.
The impact of ejaculation on hormones
It’s important to understand this: ejaculation, whether through sex or masturbation, triggers a hormonal release.
During sexual arousal and masturbation-induced orgasm, the body releases a surge of hormones. These include:
- Dopamine: Associated with pleasure and reward.
- Oxytocin: Known as the “love hormone,” it promotes bonding and relaxation.
- Endorphins: Natural pain relievers that contribute to feelings of well-being.
These hormone surges are temporary. Shortly after ejaculation, hormone levels typically return to their baseline.
The effect of masturbation on sperm parameters
Did you know that how often you masturbate can affect your sperm?
Frequent masturbation may not significantly impact testosterone production. But, it’s important to understand how the frequency can affect your sperm quality.
The role of abstinence
Studies show the quality of semen can be influenced by the length of sexual abstinence. This is true in both masturbation and intercourse.
- For men with fertility struggles: Studies suggest that the best sperm samples for analysis happen after one day of abstinence. This allows sperm to mature and replenish while minimizing the potential for oxidative damage.
- For men with normal sperm parameters or sperm donors: A slightly longer abstinence period (<10 days) is recommended.
Prolonged abstinence (more than 2 days) can lead to an increase in semen volume and sperm count. However, studies show that longer periods of abstinence can also lead to:
- Immature sperm: Sperm that haven’t fully matured may have decreased motility and viability.
- Increased sperm DNA damage: This can negatively impact the ability of sperm to fertilize an egg.
So it’s key to find a balance. While some abstinence is good for optimal sperm quality, too much can have negative effects.
What actually decreases testosterone levels?
While masturbation itself doesn’t significantly impact your T levels, several other factors can influence your hormones.
Age
Testosterone production naturally declines with age. This starts in the mid-20s for most men.
Diet
A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and protein is crucial for optimal hormone production.
Exercise
Regular physical activity, particularly strength training, can boost testosterone levels.
Stress
Chronic stress can significantly impair testosterone production.
Sleep
Adequate sleep (7-9 hours per night) is essential for hormone regulation.
Alcohol consumption
Excessive drinking can suppress testosterone production.
Obesity
Obesity can disrupt your hormone balance and lead to lower testosterone.
Medications
Certain medications like corticosteroids and opioids can also affect testosterone production.
Medical conditions
Certain medical conditions like hypogonadism can impact testosterone. Hypogonadism is when the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone.
Know more: 9 Sperm Killers to Avoid When You’re Trying to Conceive
Symptoms of low testosterone
Low testosterone can cause a range of symptoms including:
- Low libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Reduced muscle mass and strength
- Mood changes, like irritability and depression
- Decreased bone density
- Hot flashes
- Reduced energy levels
If you’re experiencing any of these low T symptoms, talk to a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause.
And if you’re wondering about ways you can naturally boost testosterone production, keep reading.
How to boost testosterone levels
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for optimal T levels, and overall health. Here are some things you can do to help boost your testosterone levels.
- Engage in regular weight lifting: Exercise and physical activity such as weight lifting and cardio are key.
- Eat a healthy, protein-rich diet: Focus on a diet that is full of protein and whole, unprocessed foods.
- Get quality sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours per night.
- Limit alcohol consumption: Reduce or cut out alcohol intake. Alcohol increases estrogen and decreases testosterone.
- Avoid recreational drugs and smoking: These can wreak havoc on your hormones.
- Maintain a healthy weight: If you’re overweight or obese (a BMI of greater than 25), losing even a small amount of weight can improve your hormones.
- Avoid testosterone supplements for 3-4 months before TTC: Studies show that four months of supplementation can suppress sperm production and reduce sperm count by 65%
Conclusion
Masturbation itself does not have a major negative impact on testosterone levels. Short-term fluctuations in hormone levels after ejaculation are normal. And they don’t cause long-term harm.
It’s key to remember that various factors like age, lifestyle, and medical conditions can affect your testosterone levels. If you’re worried about your levels or are experiencing symptoms of low T, talk with your doctor.
FAQs
Research suggests that sexual activity (intercourse and masturbation) can have a short-term effect on men’s testosterone levels.
This includes a mild increase in T levels after sexual behavior. It’s usually temporary and returns to normal quickly.
The anticipation, arousal, and sexual desire leading up to sexual activity can also lead to a temporary increase in testosterone levels.
Also, some studies show that free testosterone levels increase after ejaculation.
No, there isn’t enough evidence to support that masturbation lowers testosterone concentrations.
There is no scientific evidence to support this.
It’s normal to feel a slight sense of relaxation or fatigue after an orgasm. This is temporary and not a sign of weakness.
Sexual activity can actually release endorphins, which are natural mood boosters.
The most common factors that lower testosterone levels include:
- Age
- Obesity
- Chronic stress
- Lack of sleep
- Certain medications
- Underlying medical conditions like hypogonadism and type 2 diabetes
- Alcohol abuse
- Opioid use
Men produce small amounts of estrogen naturally. However, there is no scientific evidence that masturbation directly increases estrogen levels in men.
Estrogen levels can naturally increase slightly as men age. Certain medical conditions or medications may also affect estrogen production.
Some minor fluctuations might happen during or right after sexual activity. However, this is temporary and does not disrupt the balance of hormones in the body.
Your testosterone levels may temporarily lower after ejaculation. But this change is minimal and does not have a significant or long-term decrease in testosterone.
There isn’t enough research on edging (the practice of repeatedly bringing yourself to the brink of orgasm and then stopping). However, some studies have found that semen retention can negatively affect your sperm quality.
Read more: Does Semen Retention Increase Testosterone?
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