Masturbation is a common topic of discussion, and many people believe that it can have negative effects on men’s testosterone levels. However, this is not necessarily true. While there may be short-term effects, masturbation has no lasting impact on testosterone levels.
In this article, we will explore the potential short- and long-term effects of masturbation on testosterone levels and discuss other factors that affect libido and physical health, and a possible solution for those suffering from low testosterone.
Short and long-term effects
While researchers are interested in understanding the effects of masturbation on testosterone levels, studies have produced limited and sometimes contradictory evidence. One challenge is recreating a natural environment for masturbation in a laboratory setting. For example, a study in the US used a sex club to assess changes in testosterone levels during sexual stimulation. The researchers compared testosterone levels in the saliva of men who had performed sexual intercourse with those of men who had merely observed it. While all men had increased testosterone levels, the men who had sex had significantly higher levels.
Another study in 1992 evaluated the effect of sexual activity on testosterone levels in both men and women. Testosterone levels were highest after intercourse, and lower levels were recorded before sex and on days when the subjects did not engage in sexual activity. These findings suggest that sexual activity may influence testosterone levels instead of the other way around. In a 2007 study on rats, researchers found that the number of estrogen receptors was higher 24 hours after ejaculation or prolonged mating. Estrogen receptors help the body use estrogen. Another rat study in the same year showed that the number of androgen receptors, which help the body use testosterone, was lower 24 hours after ejaculation or after prolonged mating.
Effects of abstinence on testosterone
Studies have also examined the effects of abstinence from ejaculation on testosterone levels in men. During days 2-5 of abstinence, testosterone levels changed only slightly, but on the 7th day of abstinence, there was a significant increase in testosterone levels. A 2003 study found that testosterone levels were higher after a 3-week abstinence period. Additionally, a study of men with erectile dysfunction found that regular sex after non-hormonal treatment increased testosterone levels.
Masturbation and libido
Testosterone affects libido in both men and women, although the effect may be more significant in men due to higher levels of the hormone. However, other factors also influence libido. A study published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behaviour found that testosterone had a clear positive effect on the desire to masturbate in women but a negative effect on the desire to have sex with a partner. Men had a higher sex drive than women, but the researchers attribute this to more frequent masturbation, not testosterone levels.
Possible low testosterone solution
For those with low testosterone levels, enclomiphene citrate may be a good solution. This medication stimulates the body to produce more testosterone and can be taken orally. It has been shown to be effective in clinical trials and has a low risk of side effects.
