Masturbation is a physical activity both men and women pursue. When you masturbate, sexual pleasure ensues after each time you do it. For some people, it is a regular activity. Several medical experts / clinicians consider masturbation quite a healthy activity to do. It has a few psychological benefits contributing to developing a healthy attitude towards sex. Masturbation also contributes to overall wellbeing, and is known to reduce stress-levels.
Does Masturbation Decrease Testosterone?
Masturbation does not decrease your testosterone levels. In general, ejaculation does not have a negative effect on testosterone levels - also known as T-levels.
Research done on this state masturbation may temporarily increase your testosterone levels. There is however no proper scientific evidence on long-term negative effects of masturbation on your testosterone levels. Your testosterone levels generally fluctuate all through the day. This happens due to your body weight, intake of alcohol, stress levels you are exposed to, diet and exercise – to name a few.
Disorders in your pituitary gland, thyroid gland or problems in testicles can lead to changes in T-levels. These levels also vary on your age, quality of sleep, presence of kidney diseases, tumors, infectious conditions and onset of a few autoimmune diseases.
Among men, normal testosterone level is between 270 and 1070 ng / dL. In case of women, it is in between 15 - 70 ng / dL. Researchers monitored T-levels in a group of males over several periods post-ejaculation. During the first few days, results indicated a marginal movement - both up and down. However, after a week’s time, a sudden spike in T-levels was observed; an increase of ~ 50% above baseline was observed. The cause behind this spike continues to elude researchers though.
Does Masturbation Release Testosterone?
There is no known association between masturbation and release of testosterone. The actual answer is perhaps a ‘no’. There are several studies showing an increase in your testosterone levels after masturbation or engage in sexual intercourse with a partner.
But, ejaculation can cause changes in levels of dopamine as well as prolactin. In fact, a temporary drop in dopamine levels is observed; while, prolactin sees an increase. Your testosterone level is known to remain same. Moreover, refraining from sexual activities does not seem to affect testosterone levels much.
Does Masturbation Affect Testosterone?
Studies do not reveal the role of masturbation in causing long-term or negative effects on testosterone levels. At best, you are likely to experience short-term changes in T-levels. Testosterone levels peak during sexual arousal (or prior to having sex) and drops soon after an orgasm.
Also, testosterone content in blood is higher than in seminal plasma. This hormone is not known to play a role in sperm production. Hence, masturbation - or any other sexual activity – does not have a direct effect on this hormone. A few potential effects on availability of free testosterone cannot be ruled out though.
Does Masturbation Raise Testosterone?
Masturbation can lead to a mild-raise in your testosterone levels – but, this is only for a short period of time. Thus, it has a moderate impact on male sex hormone. Men who frequently masturbate (and also ejaculate) do not witness sizable alteration(s) in testosterone.
Your libido and testosterone level are knitted together. Masturbation is known to reduce cortisol as well as stress levels. It also helps you in balancing (and also maintaining) your testosterone at a healthier level. You are advised to check with a qualified sexologist or doctor of concerns – if any, about your testosterone level.
Your caregiving team is likely to order a few lab tests; there are blood tests done to know your T-levels with ease. There are men who may have this hormone at a very low level; to such males, treatment such as testosterone replacement therapy (in short, TRT) is administered.
Bringing over a decade of expertise in pharmaceutical studies, I have dedicated my career to advancing knowledge in male sexual health. I focus on erectile dysfunction treatments, their mechanisms, and their impact on enhancing quality of life for individuals worldwide.
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