Does Masturbation Cause Low Testosterone?

As male sex hormones. testosterone influences sex-drive, muscle, bones, mood, energy, and more. It’s only reasonable that some men might wonder if something that they do might negatively impacts testosterone levels, including masturbation. But does testosterone actually decrease as a result of masturbation? Does Masturbation Cause Low Testosterone? 

The answer is No, It Doesn’t.

As far as every scientific study goes, masturbation has no long term effects on testosterone levels. There is no primary chronic low testosterone symptom (hypogonadism) associated with masturbation. Yes, there are some shifts in levels. But these shifts are widespread and are only momentarily changes.

What Happens to Testosterone During and After Masturbation?

As one masturbates, there is a direct testosterone high, and then a direct low. It’s interesting that some older studies indicated a change in testosterone levels before and after ejaculation, but all changes seemed to return to normal after a brief period.

In fact one study published in Urology, compared the testosterone levels of men who regularly ejaculated with those who did so without ejaculating for several days and found no testosterone levels changed.

What Causes Low Testosterone?

Several biological issues or lifestyle factors will result in Low Testosterone:

Natural aging process,

Obesity,

Sleep issues,

Prolonged chronic stress,

Imbalances in the hormonal system or issues involving the pituitary gland,

Pituitary gland tumors,

The use of certain drugs,

Substance abuse, and/or

Injury or infection of the testicles.

And contrary to the beliefs of some, normal and healthy sexual behavior, in this case masturbation, has no impact on long term testosterone levels.

Can Over-Masturbation Impact Hormones or Health?

Masturbation in itself does not lower testosterone levels. However, the behavior may become compulsive. Compulsive masturbation may indicate the presence of concerns such as anxiety, distress, or addiction to pornography. When this occurs an individual may also experience:

Mental exhaustion,

Apathy,

Guilt,

Dysfunctional sexual behavior, such as the inability to become sexually aroused by a partner.

All of the described issues are in the realm of the psyche and/or behavior. In such scenarios the individual may have low testosterone symptoms. And yes, they would improve with a reduction in the frequency of masturbation, Testosterone Replacement Therapy, or other mental health interventions.

Does Abstinence Increase Testosterone?

Some people think that not masturbating will increase testosterone. A 2003 study found a small bump in testosterone on day 7 of abstinence but it went back to normal after that. There’s no proof that long term abstinence increases baseline testosterone or has any lasting hormonal benefits.

The Bottom Line

Masturbation doesn’t cause low testosterone. It’s a normal part of being human and has no lasting effect on testosterone. If you’re experiencing fatigue, low libido or mood changes talk to a healthcare professional and get your hormone levels checked. Don’t believe the myths – believe the science.