Can masturbation cause low testosterone?

Many people worry that masturbation might lower testosterone levels. This concern is widespread on online forums and in everyday conversations, yet scientific evidence shows it is largely a myth. Studies consistently find that masturbation does not cause lasting reductions in testosterone.

In fact, hormone levels may briefly rise during sexual arousal and orgasm before returning to baseline.

This article takes a closer look at what testosterone does in the body, where the myth comes from, and what science actually says about the link between masturbation and hormone health.

What Testosterone Does in the Body

Testosterone is a vital hormone for both men and women, influencing many aspects of health and well-being:

Physical health: It helps build and maintain muscle mass, strengthens bones, and stimulates the production of red blood cells. These effects are important for energy, mobility, and overall physical resilience.

Reproductive roles:

• In men, testosterone supports sperm production, libido, and erectile function.
• In women, it contributes to ovarian activity, menstrual cycle regulation, and sexual desire.

Mind and mood: Beyond physical health, testosterone plays a role in motivation, cognition, and emotional balance. Low levels are sometimes linked with fatigue, reduced motivation, and mood changes.

Metabolism and systemic effects: Testosterone helps regulate body composition by promoting lean muscle and reducing fat. It also influences cardiovascular health, glucose metabolism, and inflammation.

It is normal for testosterone levels to gradually decline with age. In women, testosterone is mainly produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands, and levels decrease steadily after menopause.

The Myth: Masturbation Lowers Testosterone

Many people online, especially in communities like Reddit’s, believe masturbation lowers testosterone.*

Some users link frequent ejaculation to symptoms like hair loss, fatigue, or weaker erections, often blaming a supposed drop in testosterone. Others argue that testosterone is not reduced but converted to DHT, creating similar effects.*

However, scientific studies show no lasting decrease in testosterone from masturbation. At most, levels may dip briefly and return to normal within days.*

The widespread claim that masturbation lowers testosterone is therefore more myth than fact, fueled by personal anecdotes rather than strong evidence.*

What Science Says

Scientific research consistently finds that masturbation has no long-term negative effect on testosterone. Instead, studies suggest it causes only short-term fluctuations that quickly stabilize.

Key points from the evidence include:

• Masturbation and sexual activity may temporarily counteract the body’s natural circadian drop in testosterone, helping levels stay stable for part of the day [1].
• These changes are short-lived, and testosterone quickly returns to baseline, meaning there is no lasting hormonal disruption.
• Some studies report that abstinence from ejaculation for several days or weeks may slightly increase testosterone, but the effect is mild and not clinically significant [2].

• Overall lifestyle factors—such as stress, diet, physical activity, sleep quality, and general health—play a much stronger role in testosterone balance than masturbation frequency.
• A review by Isenmann et al. (2021) concluded that masturbation has no long-term detrimental impact on sexual function or hormone levels.

In summary, masturbation does not lower testosterone in any meaningful way. It is a normal, healthy behavior with no harmful effects on hormone balance.

Factors That Actually Lower Testosterone

While masturbation does not lower testosterone, several well-established factors do:

Intrinsic factors: Aging and genetics are natural contributors to declining testosterone levels.

Lifestyle influences: Obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and chronic stress all negatively affect hormone production.

Health conditions: Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or sleep apnea can contribute to low testosterone.

Medications and treatments: Certain drugs, including opioids and corticosteroids, may suppress testosterone.

Maintaining healthy habits—such as regular physical activity, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and stress management—can help slow or moderate the natural decline in testosterone.

If lifestyle changes are not enough and symptoms persist, medical evaluation is recommended.

When to See a Doctor

It is important to remember that low testosterone symptoms are not always obvious. If you experience persistent fatigue, decreased sexual desire, difficulty maintaining erections, or unexplained changes in mood and motivation, it may be time to consult a healthcare professional.

Blood tests can provide a clear picture of hormone levels, while medical advice ensures that any underlying conditions are properly evaluated and managed.

Conclusion

Masturbation does not cause testosterone to drop in the long term. Short-term hormonal fluctuations are normal and quickly stabilize.

Instead of worrying about masturbation, focus on lifestyle factors that truly matter: staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, getting quality sleep, and managing stress.

These habits have a far greater impact on testosterone balance and overall well-being than masturbation ever could.

References

[1] Eduard Isenmann, Schumann, M., Notbohm, H. L., Ulrich Flenker, & Zimmer, P. (2021). Hormonal response after masturbation in young healthy men – a randomized controlled cross-over pilot study. Basic and Clinical Andrology, 31(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12610-021-00148-2

‌[2] Exton, M. S., Kr�ger, T. H. C., Bursch, N., Haake, P., Knapp, W., Schedlowski, M., & Hartmann, U. (2001). Endocrine response to masturbation-induced orgasm in healthy men following a 3-week sexual abstinence. World Journal of Urology, 19(5), 377–382. https://doi.org/10.1007/s003450100222

‌Disclaimer

The content of this blog post is originally published at vinatura.store for general information only and does not constitute professional medical advice. Please consult with a doctor before making any changes to your healthcare routine.