Masturbation is a spontaneous, everyday practice performed by people of all ages, races and backgrounds. It is also fraught with myths and misconceptions, which raises numerous questions and ramifications regarding health and hormones. Perhaps the most commonly asked question is does masturbation lower testosterone in men? In this article, we’ll cover this in more detail, discussing the masturbation-testosterone connection as well as other factors that impact testosterone.
Understanding Testosterone
First and foremost, let’s understand what testosterone is and its role in the male body before we examine how masturbation affects testosterone. Testosterone is secreted mainly in the testicles and it drives male second-sex features during puberty, like greater muscle tone, deeper voice, and hair growth. It remains important for emotional stability, sleep, libido and bone density, among other functions, even in adults.
Testosterone inevitably depletes over time, usually around the age of 30, depending on diet, exercise, stress and health. Thus, it is especially important for men to learn how lifestyle factors like masturbation can impact hormone levels.
The Science Behind Masturbation and Hormones
Multiple experiments have examined the effects of masturbation and sex on testosterone. The scientific literature overwhelmingly recommends that masturbation does not adversely affect testosterone in the long run.
Temporary Volatiles: Studies show that sex urges and ejaculation will temporarily raise testosterone. Studies in the journal “Psychoneuroendocrinology” demonstrated sharp testosterone surges after sexual arousal and ejaculation, a measure of temporary rather than permanent hormonal transformation.
No Long-Term Decrease: A longitudinal report in the “Journal of Urology” indicated that regular ejaculation, either through masturbation or sex, had no negative long-term effects on testosterone. Subjects remained testosterone-stable throughout their lives, casting doubt on the story that daily masturbation makes testosterone drop.
Health and Testosterone: Take into account that individual health conditions like obesity, bad diet and lack of exercise can affect testosterone in significant ways. Physical activity and a healthy lifestyle can enhance hormones in ways that transcend sex.
Clearing Up Misconceptions
These myths about masturbation and testosterone are generally based on an amalgam of outdated ideas and lies. A few arguments can help make the truth clear:
Masturbation does not cause infertility: One commonly held myth is that frequent masturbation lowers the sperm count. But research has revealed that masturbation isn’t a factor in infertility, and that frequent ejaculation can even keep sperm healthy.
Ejaculation frequency and testosterone: Some say we should limit sex in order to keep testosterone high. Yet there is no association between frequency of ejaculation and baseline testosterone, which means that anyone can enjoy regular sex without worrying that they’ll deplete their hormones.
Age and testosterone: Men naturally lose testosterone with age, also known as andropause. This ageing is not related to masturbation, it is a part of biological ageing.
Biological and Psychological Factors
As interesting as the connection between masturbation and testosterone remains, it is worth remembering that testosterone is influenced by a variety of biological and psychological variables:
Old age: Testosterone naturally drops as we grow older, causing men to lose their libido and lean muscle mass with the passing of time.
Prostate & Kidney Diseases: Many diseases like obesity, diabetes, and hormonal imbalances can alter testosterone.
Stress and Mental Health: High levels of stress and anxiety can raise cortisol, a stress hormone that reduces testosterone production. Mental health is inextricably connected to hormonal regulation, which is why holistic care is essential.
Ways of Living: Diet, Exercise, and Sleep all impact testosterone. Healthy fat, moderate exercise, and proper sleep are ways to keep hormones in check.
When Might Testosterone Be Affected?
While masturbation won’t significantly alter testosterone levels if you are doing it routinely, there are cases where hormones can be influenced, including:
Masturbation that’s Too Much: The definition of ‘too much’ is ambiguous, but a unhealthy obsession or urge to masturbate can be physically exhausting or distracting from everyday duties. This may indirectly increase testosterone by making you feel stressed or tired.
Overall Lifestyle: Dietary deficiencies, physical inactivity, lack of sleep, and alcohol and drug abuse can negatively impact testosterone. These ways of life can override temporary ups and downs of sex.
Age: Testosterone production drops naturally as a man gets older (in the late 20s or early 30s). Sex behaviours, such as frequency of masturbation, shift more dramatically as they progress down this curve.
Masturbation in Moderation
Managing your hormones safely is all in moderation. Masturbation is acceptable, and even healthy, as a part of a well-balanced lifestyle. But myths about lower testosterone persist, but they stem from misconceptions created by culture-driven masturbation.
When to Seek Help
Masturbation is mostly safe, with neutral or mild testosterone enhancing effects in most instances, but sometimes it can go awry. You may want to speak to a medical professional if you can’t resist masturbating, or if it is disrupting your life, relationships or work. Sometimes, obsessive sexuality is a sign that psychological problems lie beneath.
Additionally, if you think you might have low testosterone due to tiredness, lower libido or mood swings, you should consult a doctor. Low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism, has multiple causes and can be treated medically.
Conclusion: Does Masturbation Decrease Testosterone?
Masturbation is not inextricably tied to testosterone. Some researchers have found temporary changes in testosterone levels that might occur during sexual stimulation and ejaculation, but there is no convincing evidence that consistent masturbation reduces overall testosterone levels over the long term.
You need to come in to this subject with an understanding that not every experience is the same, and other factors, including age, health, and lifestyle habits, play an important role in determining testosterone levels. Masturbation is a normal and healthy habit for most people, and myths that suggest testosterone depletion are unfounded should be taken seriously.
Hormonal balance involves a body-mind-body approach that is influenced by the lifestyle. If you are worried about your testosterone or your sexual wellbeing, a physician can offer you personalized answers and suggestions based on your unique situation.
Masturbation, in short, is not definitively related to a drop in testosterone; rather, it is an unobjectionable element of human sexuality, best understood in terms of general health and wellbeing.
