Does Masturbation Affect Testosterone Levels?

Why do individuals seek to increase T levels?

This is because testosterone is probably more than the sex drive.

It attributes to muscle growth, energy, cognition, and mood.

Besides, low testosterone is associated with fatigue, bone loss, weight gain, irritability, and hair loss.

Various aspects affect testosterone, including diet, exercise, lifestyle factors, age, diseases and medication.

There is a notion that masturbation affects testosterone levels.

Yet, this is not true.

What does science say?

Masturbation And Testosterone: What Is The Link?

Generally, testosterone directly affects libido.

Testosterone levels are high during arousal but decrease after climaxing. Masturbation does not affect testosterone levels.

Generally, testosterone levels rise during intercourse and masturbation and fall after ejaculation.

This means that masturbation will not lower or increase serum testosterone levels when done for a long time.

A study ¹ involving ten individuals showed that testosterone level s were not affected after masturbation.

But, testosterone levels increased in individuals who abstained for three weeks.

A 2003 study ² showed that testosterone levels elevated by 145 percent following 7 days of no masturbation.

This means that for testosterone to increase, you must abstain for at least seven days.

However, research shows that a build-up without ejaculation may increase the risk of prostate cancer.

Therefore, you may need to reach the peak more often.

A 2007 study ³ on rats, showed that androgen receptors reduced 24 hours after sexual satiety or ejaculation.

Androgen receptors support the body to utilize testosterone.

However, research on the subject is limited because it is hard for researchers to get people to masturbate.

Besides, research is also conflicting, and there is no evidence on long term effects of masturbation on testosterone levels.

All in all, most studies support that abstinence from intercourse or masturbation elevates T levels.

What Benefits And Risks Does Masturbation Have?

Masturbation is considered a safe way to explore your body and attain sexual pleasure.

It is a healthy act; however, chronic masturbation may cause guilt or relationship problems.

In both males and females, masturbation is associated with increased sexual arousal and sensitivity.

Here are some proven benefits:

• Enhances moods.
• Promotes better sleep.
• Lessen sexual tension.
• Improves body relaxation.
• Reduce built-up stress and anxiety.
• Reduce cramps.
• Promote better sex.

Additionally, research shows that regular ejaculation may reduce the risk of prostate cancer and ease pregnancy symptoms like lower back pain.

How Does Low Testosterone Affect Your Body?

If you think that low testosterone only risks your abs and sex drive, you may need to absorb more.

Testosterone does not only increase muscle growth and libido but also improves cardiovascular function, bone mass and cognitive function.

Testosterone receptors exist in the entire body.

Thus, low testosterone may affect more than between the sheets and lifting weights.

You lose muscles

Normal testosterone levels create an anabolic state which helps the body to synthesize proteins, which promotes muscle growth.

However, if your testosterone levels drop, you go into a catabolic state where the body breaks down muscle tissue.

You may notice that you cannot lift as much weight as before, and eventually, your muscles start to shrink.

You get a protruding belly

Low testosterone is associated with weight gain.

It has been seen to increase visceral fat-abdominal fat that surrounds internal organs, particularly.

You may notice that your belly grows when your T levels dip.

Low testosterone boosts the activity of lipoprotein lipase, an enzyme that accelerates lipids storage in visceral fat cells.

Besides, increased visceral fat increases the risk of heart diseases and diabetes.

You get mood swings

Low testosterone may cause irritability, depression, or lack of focus.

Research shows that men with low testosterone have depressive symptoms compared to those with normal levels.

If your mood suddenly drops, you may need to check your testosterone levels.

You lack sexual desire

Men with low testosterone have a little sexual interest.

The most popular effect of low testosterone is low sex drive.

The brain regions that are involved with sexual arousal contain testosterone receptors that bind to testosterone to trigger arousal.

Low testosterone means less sensitivity and sexual desire.

Your bones become fragile

When your T levels drop, your bones may be a culprit.

Bones keep growing, replacing old bones.

However, low testosterone affects the rebuilding process making bones more prone to fractures, low bone density, and osteoporosis.

Research shows that osteoporosis affects almost 2 million men in the United States.

Your penis is smaller

Your penis may pay the price for low testosterone levels.

Tissues in the testicles, penis, and scrotum may waste away due to low T resulting in smaller penis and testicles.

You have slow memory

Your cognitive function may be at risk.

Low testosterone has been seen to have low memory scores and less attention.

Brain regions responsible for your memory contain testosterone receptors; hence low testosterone may impair their functionality.

So, how would you approach getting more testosterone?

You do not need to get prescription meds; all you need is an effective natural testosterone booster ⁴  and a visit to the gym.

Studies show that resistance training elevates testosterone levels; but, only in certain moves.

Fortunately, you will get all the moves right here.

Deadlifts

This move targets the most prominent muscle groups in the body.

The deadlift is a compound move that involves more muscle and stimulates metabolic stress in your body.

This leads to a significant boost to your testosterone levels.

Pull-ups

Pulls ups involve the upper body.

Adding weights to your pull-ups will trigger the release of more testosterone.

Barbell squat

The barbell squat works the whole body and compounds a large group of muscles.

Research shows that squats boost testosterone and growth hormone levels by more than 16 percent compared to the leg press.

Bench presses

Bench presses engage the whole body, including the core, chest, legs and hips.

This increases testosterone levels.

Conclusion

Masturbation does not seem to affect testosterone levels.

There is limited research on how masturbation affects testosterone.

But, research shows that testosterone levels increase for a short period after ejaculation in both masturbation and intercourse.

There are no long term effects.

Some studies indicate that testosterone levels may increase after seven days of no masturbation or sexual activity.

Low testosterone levels can be increased through resistance training in the gym and by taking a natural T-booster.

Read next: Testosterone And Hair Loss: Is There A Connection?