Masturbation and Testosterone Levels: Debunking Myths and Understanding the Facts

You’ve heard that masturbation decreases your testosterone levels, but is it true? According to research, masturbation only causes short-term effects (but not long-term effects). Similarly, many other myths have been made around masturbation and testosterone. Learn from scientific evidence about myths and facts about masturbation and testosterone in this article. You can contact us by visiting our clinic or visiting our website at https://www.urologistbrooklyn.com.

5 Myths and facts about masturbation and testosterone

Here are some myths and facts about masturbation and testosterone that you should know about:

Q.1. Does masturbation don’t decrease your testosterone levels?

Ans. Well, the answer is yes. However, more research is still needed to understand the exact relationship between masturbation and other forms of sexual activity and testosterone levels. But the majority of evidence indicates that masturbation doesn’t cause any long-term effects.

In a study of hormonal response to masturbation in young men under 27, researchers found no long-term reductions in testosterone levels. The same study also found that a short-term rise is visible in testosterone levels following orgasm.

Still, more research is required to understand the risks and side effects of masturbation. But generally speaking, there aren’t any risks to masturbation.

This means testosterone levels won’t be affected by masturbation eventually.

Q.2. Does masturbation lower your muscle mass?

Ans. The answer is no. There is no direct relationship between muscle gain and masturbation. Masturbation itself can’t build or break down your muscle fiber and has little to no impact on muscle growth.

While yes, masturbation affects testosterone in minor ways, which plays an essential part in assisting muscles to synthesize protein, however, this doesn’t prevent you from building muscle if you follow a healthy muscle-building regimen.

There’s little to no clinical evidence that shows that refraining from masturbation or sexual activity before a workout can help you build muscle faster. So, masturbation is a normal healthy sexual activity that doesn’t affect your muscles negatively.

Q.3. How does masturbation affect sperm and hormones?

Ans. Researchers found that the relationship between sperm levels and activity and frequency of masturbation is complex. Some evidence shows that avoiding masturbation for 3 days can improve the chances of pregnancy and avoiding masturbation for 10 days (about 1 and a half weeks) can raise your sperm count. However, other studies didn’t find the same results. Conversely, they found no impact on sperm health measures like how well they move and survive.

However, masturbation or sexual orgasm also affects other hormones in the body because, during arousal and sex, your brain produces dopamine, endorphins, oxytocin, and prolactin. These hormones can provide you with feelings of relaxation, human connection, and euphoria after orgasm. Dopamine and oxytocin levels will drop temporarily after orgasm, but it doesn’t affect overall levels.

Q.4. What factors decrease your testosterone levels?

Ans. Testosterone levels naturally decrease after 30, however, this decline is gradual. Additionally, many conditions and factors can decrease your testosterone levels or lead to hypogonadism (a condition where little to no production of sex hormones). It includes:

  • Diabetes
  • Medication side effects like certain opioids, estrogen, and dopamine receptor antagonists.
  • Treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer.
  • Brain injury.
  • Testicular cancer.
  • Injury or trauma to the testicle.
  • Pituitary or hypothalamus gland disorders.
  • Obesity and excess body fat.
  • Chronic diseases, such as liver cirrhosis, kidney failure, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
  • Insufficient or poor-quality sleep.

Q.5. How to improve low testosterone levels?

Ans. You can improve your testosterone levels by making certain lifestyle changes or taking testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). However, TRT is not for everyone. Only people who are diagnosed with low testosterone levels along with some symptoms. TRT can boost fertility, restore sexual function, treat bone diseases, and much more.

You can take this therapy in several forms, including:

  • Oral tablets.
  • Transdermal patches can be applied directly on the skin.
  • Gel or cream form.
  • The buccal patch which you can put on the gums.
  • Injections
  • Pellets, which can be implanted under the skin.

Lifestyle changes include:

  • Stay physically active or exercise regularly. Doing strength training is one of the best ways to boost your testosterone levels naturally.
  • Follow a diet used to manage weight such as DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) or Mediterranean diets, which focuses on lean proteins, oils, leafy greens, and fresh vegetables.
  • Get enough sleep, at least 7 to 8 hours every day.
  • Avoid foods that are high in sugars, fats, or being processed.
  • Quit smoking, if you do, and drink alcohol in moderation if you drink.

Masturbation doesn’t cause long-term effects on your testosterone levels as you may think. However, it may cause some short-term fluctuations in hormone levels, as there is no evidence of long-term effects. Low testosterone may be caused due to distinct factors other than masturbation. So, if you are experiencing low testosterone symptoms, then consult with your healthcare provider to take the right treatment to maintain your testosterone levels.

You can schedule an appointment with Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center’s best urologist in Brooklyn and inquire about your concerns. Our specialists will work with you in managing your condition. To schedule an appointment, please visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212 or call 1-347-384-5690. You can also visit our website at https://www.urologistbrooklyn.com/.