There are a lot of misbeliefs about masturbation that it can cause hairy palms, blindness, or acne. Another myth that has gained popularity lately is that men who masturbate experience lower levels of testosterone.
Masturbation is defined as stimulation of the genitals or other parts of the body for sexual pleasure.
Testosterone is a male hormone that is responsible for producing male sex characteristics, fertility, spermatogenesis, and regulating sex differentiation [1].
In this blog, we will debunk some myths about masturbation decreasing testosterone and also cover what you can do to boost your levels of testosterone.
What’s The Connection Between Masturbation And Testosterone?
There are a few pieces of evidence that suggest a complex relationship between masturbation and testosterone levels.
- Short-term changes – The levels of testosterone increase shortly after sexual intercourse or masturbation, though the effect lasts for a short duration.
- Long-term changes – Masturbating regularly does not appear to have a significant long-term impact on testosterone levels.
- Individual variation – Responses can differ from individual to individual due to factors like age, lifestyle, and overall health.
In summary, masturbation can cause short-term reduction in the levels of testosterone, but it does not seem to have a long-lasting impact on overall testosterone levels.
Does Masturbating Lower Testosterone – What The Science Says
Some studies suggest that masturbation can increase the level of testosterone in men for a short duration. This level usually goes back to normal after an ejaculation.
Whereas other studies suggest that masturbation doesn’t directly affect the testosterone level. Thus, the exact impact of masturbation on testosterone is still under investigation.
If you come across any issue after masturbating, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
According to a 1972 study, ejaculating from masturbation doesn’t have direct effects on serum T levels. This means the levels of testosterone don’t get lower the more you masturbate [2].
Another research published in 2001 found that abstaining from masturbation for 3 weeks may cause a mild increase in testosterone levels [3].
What Decreases Testosterone?
The levels of testosterone fluctuate throughout your lifetime, and starting in your 30s or 40s, the (production of this hormone declines naturally). Additionally, a lot of conditions and factors can affect how much testosterone you have and result in hypogonadism (little to no production of sex hormones). These include [4]:
- Brain injury
- Obesity or excess body fat
- Injury to the testicle
- Diabetes
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer
- Hypothyroidism
- Dopamine receptor antagonists
- Side effects of certain medications, including estrogen, opioids, and dopamine receptor antagonists
- Testicular cancer
- Insufficient or poor sleep
- Chronic diseases such as kidney failure, liver cirrhosis, and AIDS.
Symptoms Of Low Testosterone Levels
Low levels of testosterone don’t always show signs and symptoms, and some people may have it even without knowing. Common signs include –
- Reduced sex drive
- Low sperm count
- Erectile dysfunction
- Insomnia or other sleep disorders
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depression
- Higher body fat content
- Loss of muscle mass or tone.
One of the most common problems faced by men all over the world is erectile dysfunction, which we have mentioned above. It is the persistent inability to keep and get an erection.
If you or a loved one is suffering from this condition, it is important to talk to a doctor. Many medications known as PDE5 inhibitors and other treatment options are available to manage this condition. However, medicines are most commonly prescribed for ED.
Explore a wide range of medications for ED at Vedicare Health online pharmacy by simply clicking on our main category page, Erectile Dysfunction Treatment.
If you want natural alternative ways to improve ED, our blog page might help you understand the foods that contain PDE5 inhibitors.
Ways To Increase Testosterone
Low testosterone can impact a person’s health negatively. Your doctor may suggest testosterone replacement therapy to restore sexual function and fertility, among other applications.
This therapy can take various forms, including the following –
- Oral pills, such as Jatenzo (testosterone undecanoate)
- Buccal patch, which is placed on gums
- Testosterone pellets implanted in the skin, such as Testopel
- Testosterone gels applied to the skin, such as Androgel
- Injections of testosterone.
Taking Control Of Your Hormonal Health
Sticking to numerous lifestyle habits can help in controlling and keeling your testosterone levels healthy. Healthcare professionals often recommend the following –
- Avoiding alcohol and smoking.
- Taking part in regular exercise or physical activity.
- Proper sleep
- Adopting diets aimed at managing weight
- Avoid foods rich in fats and sugar.
- Sugary
Conclusion
If you’re someone experiencing symptoms of low testosterone levels or experiencing ED, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to seek medical advice. There may be other underlying health issue that might be causing the symptoms and need to be addressed.
FAQs
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References
- Physiology, Testosterone, NCBI
- Studies on the relationship between plasma testosterone and human sexual activity, bioscientifica
- Endocrine response to masturbation-induced orgasm in healthy men following a 3-week sexual abstinence, NCBI
- Does Masturbation Decrease Testosterone? Verywellhealth