Does masturbation cause low testosterone?

Masturbation is a normal and healthy part of human sexuality. However, it is surrounded by many myths and misconceptions. One common concern, especially among men, is whether masturbation lowers testosterone levels. Testosterone plays an essential role in male health, influencing muscle mass, energy, mood, libido and reproductive function. Because of this, anything that might affect testosterone levels often causes worry.

This article explains what research says about the link between masturbation and testosterone, how male orgasm affects hormone levels, whether abstinence changes hormones, and how low testosterone can be treated.

In One Sentence:

Masturbation does not cause a long-term decrease in testosterone levels and is a normal sexual activity that has no lasting negative impact on male hormones.

Key Takeaways:

Here are the five biggest takeaways from this article about masturbation and whether it causes low testosterone:

Masturbation has no proven long-term effect on testosterone levels.
Testosterone may fluctuate slightly during periods of abstinence, but this change is temporary.
Orgasms trigger short-lived changes in hormones such as prolactin, but not testosterone.
The hormonal effects of an orgasm are similar whether a man has abstained or not.
Low testosterone can be treated with medical therapy and healthy lifestyle changes.

Does masturbation cause lower testosterone levels?

Scientific research shows that masturbation does not significantly reduce testosterone levels. A study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found no evidence that masturbation leads to lasting hormonal decline, although temporary fluctuations can occur depending on arousal and orgasm frequency [1].

Short-term variations are part of the body’s natural hormonal rhythm and are not harmful. Regular sexual activity, including masturbation, is not linked with testosterone deficiency or reduced fertility. Instead, it may support mental well-being by reducing stress and improving sleep quality.

How does a male orgasm affect a man's hormone levels?

Orgasms temporarily alter several hormones in the body. However, the changes are brief and return to baseline shortly afterwards.

Testosterone

Testosterone levels remain stable before and after orgasm [2]. Some studies note a small increase in testosterone after a few days of abstinence, but this is modest and not enough to influence physical or sexual performance significantly. No reliable evidence shows that ejaculation causes a drop in testosterone [3].

Prolactin

Prolactin levels increase sharply following orgasm by approximately 10 to 15 ng/ml. They then return to normal within 20 minutes [4]. This spike is linked to a sense of satisfaction and may temporarily reduce sexual desire [5] [6]. It is also specific to ejaculation and does not occur during arousal without orgasm [7].

Vasopressin and FSH

Other hormones, including vasopressin and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), generally remain unchanged after orgasm. Cardiovascular activity, such as heart rate and adrenaline levels, does rise during sexual activity, but this is due to physical exertion and arousal rather than hormonal imbalance.

Overall, hormonal changes are short-lived and part of the body’s normal physiological response to sexual stimulation. None of these responses lowers testosterone levels in any meaningful or lasting way.

Is there a difference in hormonal changes between an orgasm after abstinence and an orgasm without abstinence?

When comparing an orgasm after a period of abstinence with one following regular sexual activity, research finds no major differences in testosterone or other hormones. Slight increases in heart rate and adrenaline have been observed in men reporting higher arousal after abstinence, but these are temporary and do not reflect significant hormonal shifts [2].

What is the link between testosterone and an orgasm?

Testosterone plays an important role in driving sexual desire and function. Higher testosterone levels are associated with a stronger libido, while low levels can lead to reduced interest in sex and difficulty achieving erections. However, orgasms do not directly affect testosterone production.

Instead, testosterone influences how often someone might feel sexually aroused. Once aroused, the hormonal changes associated with orgasm (such as a temporary rise in prolactin or adrenaline) are separate from testosterone regulation.

This means that while testosterone contributes to sexual motivation, orgasm does not significantly affect testosterone levels positively or negatively [8] [9].

How to treat low testosterone levels

If someone experiences symptoms of low testosterone, such as fatigue, mood changes, reduced muscle mass, or low libido, medical treatment may be appropriate. Testosterone deficiency should always be diagnosed by a healthcare professional through blood tests and clinical assessment.

Medical treatment

Treatment options include testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), which restores hormone levels to a normal range and can improve energy, mood and sexual function [10]. This should always be supervised by a doctor to ensure it is appropriate and safe. Perhaps the most popular testosterone treatment is Testogel, which comes in sachet and pump form.

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes can also help support healthy testosterone levels. Regular exercise (especially resistance training), a balanced diet, reducing alcohol and tobacco use, managing stress, and adequate sleep can all have a positive impact on hormone balance.

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is also important, as excess body fat can contribute to lower testosterone production.

Final Thoughts

Masturbation does not cause low testosterone. Although hormone levels naturally fluctuate in response to sexual activity and arousal, these changes are short-lived and not harmful. Testosterone levels remain stable whether someone masturbates regularly, occasionally, or never.

Low testosterone can be addressed through medical treatment, not by avoiding normal sexual activity. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeking appropriate medical advice are the best ways to support hormone health and overall well-being.