Masturbation does not appear to cause a lasting reduction in testosterone levels, despite widespread claims that frequent ejaculation weakens men, reduces masculinity or interferes with muscle development.
Although sexual activity can produce temporary hormonal changes, scientific research has not established that masturbation causes long-term testosterone deficiency in otherwise healthy people.
The belief that men lose significant amounts of testosterone through ejaculation has gained popularity, particularly among online communities promoting sexual abstinence.
However, studies examining the relationship between masturbation and testosterone suggest that the reality is considerably more complicated.
What happens to testosterone when a man masturbates?
Testosterone is a sex hormone produced primarily in the testicles in men.
It plays important roles in sexual development, sperm production, sex drive, muscle development and bone health. Women also produce testosterone, although generally at considerably lower levels.
A 2021 study published in Basic and Clinical Andrology, titled Hormonal response after masturbation in young healthy men – a randomized controlled cross-over pilot study, investigated hormonal changes following masturbation.
Researchers initially recruited 11 men, but only eight completed the study.
They found that masturbation and visual sexual stimulation appeared to counteract the normal decline in free testosterone concentrations during the day.
However, there were no significant changes in the ratios between testosterone and cortisol.
Free testosterone refers to testosterone circulating in the bloodstream without being attached to transport proteins.
Although the findings suggest that masturbation can influence short-term hormonal patterns, the small sample size means the results cannot be generalised to all men.
Does ejaculation reduce testosterone?
One persistent misconception is that ejaculation causes men to lose significant amounts of testosterone, leaving them physically weak or hormonally depleted.
Available research does not support this claim.
A 2003 study published in the Journal of Endocrinology by Krüger and colleagues examined hormonal responses during sexual arousal and orgasm in men.
The researchers found that testosterone levels remained largely unchanged during arousal and orgasm, while prolactin, another hormone associated with sexual function, increased following orgasm.
Similarly, a 2001 study published in the World Journal of Urology investigated ten healthy men before and after three weeks of sexual abstinence.
Researchers found that testosterone levels did not change significantly as a direct result of orgasm.
However, higher testosterone concentrations were recorded following the abstinence period.
Although this finding has contributed to claims that avoiding ejaculation boosts testosterone, the study involved only ten men and did not establish whether the increase represented a lasting improvement in hormonal health.
Consequently, there is insufficient evidence that abstaining from masturbation produces significant long-term testosterone benefits.
Does sexual activity increase testosterone?
Interestingly, some research suggests that testosterone levels can increase during sexual activity rather than consistently decline following ejaculation.
A 2011 study published in Archives of Sexual Behavior examined 44 men attending a sex club in the United States.
Researchers compared 18 men who participated in sexual activities with 26 who observed.
Testosterone levels increased by an average of 36 per cent during the visit.
However, the increase was considerably higher among participants, at 72 per cent, compared with 11 per cent among observers.
Although the findings suggest that sexual stimulation and participation can influence testosterone levels, the observational nature of the study means it cannot establish a lasting hormonal effect.
Does masturbation affect sex drive?
Testosterone contributes to sexual desire in both men and women, but psychological, emotional and relationship factors also influence libido.
A 2012 study published in Archives of Sexual Behavior examined the relationship between testosterone and sexual desire among 196 healthy adults, comprising 105 men and 91 women.
Researchers found a positive association between testosterone and solitary sexual desire among women, but no significant association between testosterone levels and sexual desire among the men studied.
Another investigation, published in 2014 in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, examined 3,302 women aged 42 to 52 participating in the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation.
The researchers found positive associations between testosterone levels and masturbation frequency, sexual desire and arousal.
However, they emphasised that the associations were modest and might have limited clinical significance.
These findings demonstrate that sexual desire cannot be explained by testosterone levels alone.
Is masturbation harmful to physical health?
For most people, masturbation is a normal sexual activity and does not cause serious physical health problems.
Medical evidence does not support claims that masturbation causes blindness, infertility, permanent penis shrinkage, erectile dysfunction or lasting testosterone deficiency.
It may also help some people relieve stress, relax and sleep better.
However, rough masturbation can cause temporary skin irritation, soreness or swelling.
Another concern is compulsive sexual behaviour, particularly when the activity becomes difficult to control and interferes with work, relationships or everyday responsibilities.
There is no universally established number of times a person should masturbate.
Frequency varies between individuals, and the more important consideration is whether the behaviour causes physical discomfort, emotional distress or disruption to everyday life.
What are the signs of low testosterone?
Although masturbation does not appear to cause lasting testosterone deficiency, some men experience a medical condition known as hypogonadism, in which the body does not produce sufficient testosterone.
Possible symptoms include reduced sexual desire, erectile difficulties, persistent fatigue, loss of muscle mass, mood changes, reduced body hair and decreased bone density.
However, these symptoms can also result from other medical conditions and should not automatically be attributed to low testosterone.
A blood test is the most reliable way to establish whether testosterone levels are abnormally low.
The Endocrine Society recommends measuring total testosterone in the morning and confirming an initially low result with a second morning test on a separate day.
A diagnosis should be based on consistently low testosterone levels alongside compatible symptoms.
Men diagnosed with testosterone deficiency may benefit from medically supervised testosterone replacement therapy.
Treatment options include injections, gels and skin patches.
However, testosterone therapy can suppress sperm production and affect fertility.
Men planning to have children should discuss these risks with a qualified doctor before starting treatment.
What should people understand about masturbation and testosterone?
Current scientific evidence does not support the widespread belief that masturbation causes permanent testosterone loss or that abstaining from ejaculation is a reliable way to increase testosterone.
Although some studies have identified temporary hormonal changes following sexual activity and abstinence, existing research remains limited, with several investigations involving small samples.
Masturbation is generally considered a normal sexual behaviour that does not cause testosterone deficiency or damage reproductive health.
People experiencing persistent fatigue, reduced sexual desire or erectile difficulties should seek medical evaluation rather than assume masturbation is responsible.
Ultimately, maintaining good hormonal health requires understanding the body’s natural processes, recognising genuine symptoms and seeking appropriate medical advice instead of relying on unverified claims about sexual activity.
