Masturbation does not seem to have any long-lasting effects on testosterone levels. However, masturbation may have short-term effects on the levels of this hormone. It also affects other factors, such as sex drive.
Masturbation does not typically pose risks to any other aspects of a person’s physical health.
In this article, we discuss the possible short-term and long-term effects of masturbation on testosterone levels. We also consider the results of abstinence, the influence of testosterone on sex drive, and signs of high and low testosterone.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
Researchers are interested in both the short-term and long-term effects of masturbation on testosterone levels. However, the research to date is limited and somewhat conflicting.
One reason for this is that it is difficult for scientists in a laboratory to recreate an environment in which people would typically masturbate.
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However, the researchers highlighted that further research into the topic is necessary, including studies involving female participants.
A small 2020 study investigated levels of testosterone, cortisol, and prolactin before, during, and after masturbation. The study authors measured the levels of these hormones before ejaculation, at the time of ejaculation, and 10 minutes after ejaculation.
They found that testosterone levels rose significantly at ejaculation and returned to pre-ejaculation levels 10 minutes later. Cortisol and prolactin levels rose before erection, at ejaculation, and continued to rise 10 minutes after.
One 2010 study used a United States sex club to evaluate changes in testosterone levels in response to sexual stimuli in a real-world setting.
The researchers compared the salivary testosterone levels in men who participated in sexual activity with those in men who only observed. While testosterone levels increased in all the men who visited the sex club, the increase was significantly higher in those who participated.
An earlier study from 1992 assessed the effects of sexual activity on testosterone levels in males and females. The researchers measured testosterone levels before and after intercourse and also on days when there was no sex.
In both groups, testosterone levels were highest after intercourse. Levels were lower before sex and on days with no intercourse. These results suggest that sexual activity influences testosterone rather than testosterone influencing sexual activity.
Research is still lacking regarding the long-term effects of masturbation on testosterone levels.
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There is some limited older research on the effect of abstinence on testosterone levels. Therefore, further large-scale studies into this topic are necessary.
An older study from 2001 measured hormone levels, including testosterone, during a masturbation-induced orgasm both before and after 3 weeks of abstinence from masturbation. Data revealed that testosterone levels were higher after the 3-week abstinence period.
Another
There is also a popular theory that abstinence from sexual activity before participation in sports provides some benefit due to the influence of frustration. However, a lack of recent scientific research supports this idea.
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Testosterone has an influence on sex drive in males and females. Experts believe it to have a more significant effect on male sex drive due to naturally higher levels of testosterone. Of course, other factors play into this as well.
A 2012 study sought to find a link between saliva testosterone levels and sexual desire, whether alone or with a partner. For women, testosterone had a definite connection to masturbatory desire but a negative link to sexual desire with a partner.
Men showed a higher sexual desire than women. However, the researchers suggested that this was due to their higher frequency of masturbation rather than their testosterone levels.
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Testosterone had a positive association with sexual desire and masturbation. However, the research found that follicle-stimulating hormone, which reaches elevated levels during menopause, reduced sexual function in women.
This section discusses different abnormalities in testosterone levels.
Low testosterone levels
Low testosterone levels may cause many different signs and symptoms in males, including:
- reduced lean muscle mass
- fatigue
- mood disturbances, such as feelings of irritability or depression
- erectile dysfunction
- low sex drive
Doctors
While testosterone replacement may help with some of the symptoms of low testosterone, research has not shown that it consistently improves cardiovascular risk, mood, and sexual function. However, it appears to improve muscle strength.
High testosterone levels
It is uncommon for an adult male to have a disorder that causes high testosterone levels.
In young children, high levels of testosterone can lead to early puberty and possibly infertility.
Females with high testosterone levels may have a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome, particularly if they have these symptoms:
- acne
- atypical hair growth on the face or chest
- male-pattern hair loss on the scalp
- irregular periods
- a deepening voice
Masturbation does not seem to have any harmful effects on a person’s testosterone levels or general health.
Research on the relationship between masturbation and testosterone is somewhat limited, especially regarding the long-term effects. However, some studies suggest masturbation or other sexual activity may lead to a short-term increase in testosterone.
Limited older studies also suggest that short-term abstinence from sexual activity can increase testosterone levels.
People can treat low testosterone with replacement therapy. If a person has concerns about their testosterone levels, they can consult a doctor.