Key Highlights:

• Testosterone is a key hormone responsible for muscle growth, libido and overall health
• Hormonal changes during sexual activity may affect testosterone levels temporarily but not significantly
• Research on masturbation’s short- and long-term effects on testosterone levels remains inconclusive
• No strong correlation found between masturbation and decreased muscle-building potential
• Leading a healthy lifestyle and maintaining the right balance in sexual activities are crucial for optimum health

Introduction

Is masturbation a hot topic for you? There is an ocean of myths and wrong ideas about this natural practice. Many wonder if frequent masturbation can lower their testosterone and impact their health. This post discusses the link between testosterone and masturbation.

Testosterone is vital for processes like muscle growth, bone health and sex drive. Understanding its connection to sexual activities is important. It helps maintain good health and informs us about our sexual habits.

In my opinion, one can regulate the levels of testosterone by adopting lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight by eating balanced diet and regularly exercising. In case you feel any uneasiness, consult your doctor for appropriate medical management.

Dr. Smita barode, BAMS

What’s the Connection Between Masturbation and Testosterone?

First, let’s look at hormonal changes during sexual activity. Let’s also bust some common myths about masturbation and testosterone.

• Changes in hormones during sexual activity
• Misconceptions and myths

Now let’s move on to the table:

What Does the Research Say?

There’s been plenty of studies about masturbation and testosterone levels. But, results are inconsistent. Let’s look at the short-term and long-term impacts.

In my experience, signs of low testosterone in men include a sad state of mind, issues with memory and focus, a rise in body fat, male breast tissue enlargement (gynecomastia), reduction in bulk and strength of muscles, and reduction in endurance. None of these are seen after masturbation.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Short-term effects of masturbation on testosterone levels

Various hormonal changes happen during and after masturbation. When it comes to testosterone, let’s break down the short-term impacts:

A study evaluated changes in testosterone levels in men with erectile dysfunction after they received nonhormonal treatment. At baseline, these participants had lower testosterone levels than those in the control group. However, the researchers found that testosterone levels increased in the men who resumed regular sexual activity after their treatment. Conversely, testosterone levels did not change in the men for whom treatment was ineffective.

There is also a popular theory that abstinence from sexual activity before participation in sports provides some benefit due to the influence of frustration. However, there is a lack of recent scientific research to support this idea.

• Studies that support the idea

Many studies have found that sexual activity and masturbation may increase testosterone for a while. One study found higher testosterone after sex [3]. Another said that wall art or any visual stimuli might play a role [4].

• Studies that burst the bubble

Other studies found no large change in testosterone levels after climax. This suggests masturbation or the frequency of it does not alter testosterone levels long-term [5].

Long-term effects of masturbation and testosterone

We don’t really know the long-term impacts of masturbation on testosterone levels yet. Current studies do not agree.

• Impacts of not indulging in sexual activities

Some studies suggest a short break from sexual activities may lead to a testosterone rise. A study by Jiang et al. said some men had increased testosterone levels after a 7-day break [6]. But we can’t say for sure if this is a pattern or how it will impact testosterone levels long term.

• Impacts on overall health

We still need more data to get a full picture of how masturbation might impact testosterone levels. We also need to understand how it affects overall health.

Let us confront this myth! Studies have revealed that hormonal ratios are unaffected by masturbation. Thus, you can relax knowing that it won’t negatively impact your testosterone levels.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD

Will Masturbation Affect My Muscle Building?

Does regular exercise fill up your day? Then you might wonder if masturbation would lower your muscle mass. This thought is common as testosterone is crucial for muscle growth.

Testosterone boosts muscle growth by energising protein build-up and modifying fibre content [2]. As testosterone is linked to muscle growth, many think regular masturbation might affect their muscle mass.

But research shows no strong link between masturbation and a drop in muscle mass. The inconsistent and minor impacts of masturbation on testosterone do not make a big change. So, it seems unlikely that masturbating would hamper your muscle growth.

What are the Signs of Low Testosterone?

Concerned about your testosterone levels? Know the signs of low testosterone: 

• Physical symptoms: Less muscle mass, reduced strength, hair loss, diseases like osteoporosis, gaining higher amounts of body fat, including chest fat (gynecomastia)
• Mind-related symptoms: Mood swings, memory issues, trouble focusing
• Impact on sex and relationships: Weak erections (erectile dysfunction), less interest in sex

However, some of these signs can be caused by lifestyle choices. Smoking and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can influence your Testosterone levels.

Certain health conditions can also impact your Testosterone levels, such as

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Thyroid conditions

Doctors can treat men with low testosterone levels using extra testosterone that they deliver via a patch, gel, or injection into a muscle.

While testosterone replacement may help with some of the symptoms of low testosterone, research has not shown that it consistently improves cardiovascular risk, mood and sexual function. It does appear to improve muscle strength, though. It is uncommon for an adult male to have a disorder that causes high testosterone levels.

Women with high testosterone levels may have a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome, particularly if they have these symptoms:

• acne
• abnormal hair growth on the face or chest
• male-pattern hair loss on the scalp
• irregular periods
• a deepening voice

What are the Benefits and Risks of Masturbation?

Masturbation is not bad for health. It is actually a physiological demand of the body. 

• Good for mental and physical health: It relieves stress, improves mood, relaxes you and helps with sleep
• Possible side effects: Guilt, strain on the mind, problems in relationships
• Balance and control: Know yourself and talk to your partner about your sexual needs

Note- Excessive urge to masturbate that hampers relationships and daily routine, obsession or addiction to watch porn are not healthy and can be managed with the help of a psychiatrist. 

Also Read: What Causes Wet Dreams: Research-Backed Explanations and Implications

Masturbation and Sex Drive

Masturbation can affect one’s sex drive. Testosterone has an influence on sex drive in both men and women. Experts believe it to have a more significant effect on men’s sex drive due to their naturally higher levels of testosterone. Of course, other factors play into this as well. Now we’ll look into how testosterone plays a role in sex drive and the balance between masturbation and sexual health.

• How masturbation might change libido
• Role of testosterone in sex drive
• Balancing sex drive and habits of masturbation

Let’s look at this table for a clearer view:

The Takeaway

Masturbation’s effect on testosterone and overall health is not simple. While it can cause hormone changes, its long-term effects are unclear.

No doubt, health is important. If you are worried about your testosterone or sexual health, seek professional help. With the right advice and a balanced life, maintaining testosterone levels becomes easy. And you can enjoy your sexual life without guilt or fear.

Here’s a final table for you:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

To sum up, while the link between masturbation and testosterone is indeed complex, there’s no strong proof that it has lasting negative effects on your testosterone levels. It’s important to understand your sexual health and live a healthy life. This ensures your well-being. As always, don’t hesitate to talk to a doctor about your worries to make sure you get the best help for your needs.

References:

1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Hormonal response after masturbation in young healthy men – a randomized controlled cross-over pilot study [Internet]. [cited 2023 Oct 16]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8697462
2. PubMed. Sexual thoughts: links to testosterone and cortisol in men [Internet]. [cited 2023 Oct 16]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21993767
3. ScienceDirect. Brief communication [Internet]. [cited 2023 Oct 16]. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0031938492904539
4. ScienceDirect. Increased estrogen receptor alpha immunoreactivity in the forebrain of sexually satiated rats [Internet]. [cited 2023 Oct 16]. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0018506X06003345?via%3Dihub
5. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Relationship between sexual satiety and brain androgen receptors [Internet]. [cited 2023 Oct 16]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17268169
6. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Masturbation frequency and sexual function domains are associated with serum reproductive hormone levels across the menopausal transition [Internet]. [cited 2023 Oct 16]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25412335
7. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Endocrine response to masturbation-induced orgasm in healthy men following a 3-week sexual abstinence [Internet]. [cited 2023 Oct 16]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11760788
8. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Increased estrogen receptor alpha immunoreactivity in the forebrain of sexually satiated rats [Internet]. [cited 2023 Oct 16]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17239879

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