There are many misconceptions about masturbation, such as blindness, hairy hands or acne, all of which have been long disproved. One myth that has been gaining traction recently is that people who use masturbation have lower levels of testosterone (“T”).
This is why some think that people who do the sport are less strong as well as have lower energy levels and have a lower sperm count. However research confirms that masturbation hasn’t any long-term effects on testosterone.
This article dispels some of the myths regarding masturbation’s effects on testosterone levels. It also explains the causes that can lower your testosterone levels. The article also explains the steps you can take to boost testosterone.
Sex and Gender Terminology
There are numerous words that people use to describe their gender and sexual identities, and the terminology continues to evolve. In this article, we use “male” also known as “men” to describe people who are born male as well as “female” as well as “women” to be used to refer to women who were assigned male at birth.
Masturbation Does Not Decrease T Levels
While further research is required regarding the precise relationship between masturbation and other types of sexual activity as well as testosterone levels, there’s plenty of evidence to suggest that there aren’t lasting effects. In a study of the hormonal reaction to masturbation in young males (average age of 27) researchers did not find significant reductions in testosterone levels over the long term.
The study also found an immediate increase in T levels following an orgasm. Further research is required However, in general there aren’t a lot of risks associated with masturbation.
Although there is a link to testosterone and desire, masturbation or sexual activity doesn’t alter testosterone levels or sexual desire in the long term.
Read More: Top 7 Best Testosterone Boosters for Sexual Performance in Men (ED)
Masturbation and Female Testosterone Levels
While testosterone is the most prominent sexual hormone that males produce but females also produce testosterone. Researchers have identified a connection to higher testosterone levels in women who are postmenopausal, and an increase in sexual desire and more frequent masturbation and sexual activity.
In this case, the long-term effects of masturbation or orgasm don’t affect T levels.
Effect of Masturbation on Sperm and Hormones
The research suggests that the connection between sperm count and activity as well as frequency of orgasm or masturbation is not clear. There is evidence to suggest that abstinence for three days can increase the likelihood of having a child and abstinence as long as 10 days could increase the sperm number. However, other studies haven’t confirmed this effect.
In contrast, they did not find any effect on other aspects of sperm health such as how they move or survive.
Sexual orgasm, or sexual arousal, can affect other hormones within your body. In the course of sexual arousal the brain releases endorphins, dopamine and oxytocin as well as prolactin. These hormones contribute to the feeling of relaxed, human connection and euphoria following an orgasm. Dopamine and oxytocin levels drop briefly after an orgasm, however it’s not affecting the overall level.
Effect of Masturbation on Muscular Strength
Another popular myth associated with the practice is that it weakens your body and could weaken your muscle training. However, this is not the reality. In a systematic review of research on the impact of sexual exercise on athletic performance researchers concluded that sexual activities between 30 minutes and 24 hours prior to competition didn’t affect the overall performance, strength or strength.
Certain researchers suggest that the reverse is true. In a study of a limited size the levels of testosterone in free form, which is an essential ingredient in the development of muscle, was more elevated after masturbation. While further research is required however, the authors pointed out that sexual activity prior to exercise can help improve performance.
What Decreases Testosterone?
Testosterone levels fluctuate over your life. Typically, in your late 30s or 40s the body’s production of the hormone naturally decreases. Furthermore, a myriad of circumstances and causes can influence the amount of T you’re producing and can lead to Hypogonadism (little or no production of sexual hormones). This can include:
- Diabetes
- Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer
- Side effects of medication, such as from specific opioids, estrogens as well as dopamine receptor antagonists
- Injuries to the testicle
- Cancer of the testicular tract
- Brain injury
- The pituitary gland is prone to dysfunction, as are the hypothalamus glands
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
- Obesity or body fat accumulation
- Chronic diseases, like kidney failure, liver cirrhosis and human immunodeficiency (HIV) as well as AIDS
- Sleep quality is not optimal or of poor quality.
Must Read: Best Testosterone Boosters for Sexual Performance in Men (2024 Update)
Symptoms of Low Testosterone
The low testosterone level doesn’t always trigger symptoms. Some people are affected without even realizing it. The signs that hypogonadism could manifest include:
- Reduced libido (sex drive)
- It is difficult to maintain or achieve an the erection
- Low Sperm count
- Sleepiness (inability to fall asleep or remain asleep) or any other sleep disorder
- Insufficiency of the muscle volume or Tone
- Bone mass loss
- The content of body fat in the higher range
- Depression
- It is difficult to concentrate
Diet and Testosterone
There are many theories that are out there regarding the impact of the food you consume on your testosterone levels. Although soy, as many believe, does not affect the testosterone level, certain dietary habits could. Research has found that diets high in refined sugars and wheat, bread, dairy products, processed or prepared food items–and also lower in leafy vegetables (such like Romaine lettuce and Kale) and home-cooked meals were linked with lower levels.
Treatments to Increase Testosterone
Low testosterone could influence your health. Your doctor may suggest testosterone replacement therapy to increase fertility, boost sexual function and treat bone-related diseases (such osteoporosis) and other conditions.
This treatment can take many forms, such as:
- Oral pills, for example Jatenzo (testosterone undecanoate)
- Transdermal patches that you apply to your skin
- Gels of Testosterone applied on the skin, for example Androgel
- Buccal patch put on the gums
- Injections of testosterone
- Testosterone pellets are implanted into the skin, for instance Testopel
Learn More: Top Testosterone Boosters for Sexual Performance in Men
Taking Control of Your Hormonal Health
A few lifestyle changes can help in keeping your testosterone levels in good shape. Any habit that is healthy will be beneficial for testosterone production and control. Therefore, medical professionals frequently recommend these: 8
- Participating in regular physical activity or exercising (at at least 150 mins of moderate physical activity per week)
- adopting diets that are geared towards managing weight, for example those that focus on weight management, such as DASH (Dietary Methods to End Hypertension) as well as Mediterranean diets that focus on lean proteins and oils, leafy greens and fresh fruits and vegetables
- Avoiding foods that are harmful like those that are that are high in fats, sugars or processed
- Making sure you’re sleeping enough (seven or nine hours per night)
- In the evening, going to bed and waking up at the same times throughout the day.
- Refraining from drinking alcohol or using substances Stopping smoking
Summary
Masturbation has no lasting effect on your testosterone. Although there could be brief changes in hormone levels, there’s no evidence that suggests long-term negative effects. Hypogonadism, also known as low testosterone, is usually due to disorders of the thyroid glands or pituitary glands or issues with the testicles.
A doctor may suggest testosterone replacement therapy, as well as lifestyle modifications, which can help boost levels in people who are suffering from symptoms of low T.
