Does Not Masturbating Increase Testosterone

“Masturbation isn’t just about pleasure and release — it’s also a biological response to stress. The brain releases dopamine when we masturbate, which feels good because it gives us an emotional boost. But this same chemical reaction happens naturally in our bodies whenever we experience any kind of physical or mental arousal, whether it’s sex with another person or a mental fantasy. This means that masturbating doesn’t really affect testosterone levels at all; rather, it raises them by triggering a natural bodily function.
Testosterone is the most famous male hormone, but there are actually several different types of the hormone (called isoforms) and each one has its own role in the body. It’s produced mainly by males’ testes, although women have small amounts as well. Men need testosterone for sperm production, bone growth, muscle development, fat loss, libido and more. Since men produce so much and since their bodies use it mostly for reproduction purposes, they don’t usually have too much leftover. In fact, the average adult man only produces between 900-1,200 nanograms per deciliter of blood serum. So what does that mean? That means your testosterone level won’t be affected by how often you masturbate, if you’re not trying to increase it.
On top of that, testosterone is highly sensitive to changes in lifestyle habits like diet and exercise, so even if you do want to alter your testosterone levels, you should consult a doctor before doing anything drastic. For example, taking steroids or other drugs that cause significant hormonal changes could lead to serious health problems. You may also find yourself developing certain medical conditions like lowered fertility or erectile dysfunction.
So while masturbation itself will not drastically change your testosterone levels, there are still other ways you can influence them. We’ll talk about those next.
The Effect of Abstinence on Testosterone Levels
Many people think that abstaining from masturbation or having sex can help increase testosterone levels. There is some evidence that suggests this might be true. A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that abstinent gay men had higher levels of total T than nonabstinent gay men did [sources: Shuster et al., 2004]. Another study found that abstinent straight men had slightly higher levels of free T than nonabstinent straight men did. These findings aren’t conclusive proof that masturbation affects testosterone, though, since neither study took into account factors like socioeconomic status or lifestyle. Also, both studies were conducted on relatively small groups of participants. And remember, overall testosterone levels are already pretty low in both cases, so any improvement would be marginal.
Even if you do have lower testosterone levels, you shouldn’t rely solely on abstinence or masturbation to get them up. Other things that can contribute to lower testosterone include smoking, obesity, sleep deprivation, depression and anxiety. If you see patterns where you feel depressed or anxious frequently, try talking to a therapist or treating the underlying problem instead of relying on self-help mechanisms like masturbation or sex. Meditation can also help reduce anxiety and lift mood. Regular exercise helps promote healthy weight and reduces stress, which increases testosterone production. And lastly, getting enough sun exposure helps regulate hormones and promotes health.
Now that you know the effects of abstinence, let’s take a look at how sometimes using lubricants during masturbation can affect testosterone.
Lube Use During Masturbation
People who masturbate commonly use lubes, and they generally tend to prefer water-based over silicone-based lubes. Water-based lubes contain glycerin, which can potentially decrease testosterone levels. Glycerin is a sugar alcohol that is similar to sorbitol, a sugar used in many foods. When ingested orally, sorbitol causes digestive issues and bloating. Similarly, glycerin can trigger intestinal distress, including diarrhea, gas, cramping and abdominal pain. Because of this, many experts recommend against using lubes containing glycerin. However, there is no scientific consensus regarding this issue, so it’s best to experiment with various products until you find a lube that works best for you.
Silicone-based lubes don’t typically contain glycerin, but they do contain dimethicone copolyols and cyclomethicone. Both of these ingredients are known for being safe for vaginal intercourse, but they can irritate skin. They can also block pores and inhibit proper circulation. Some users report experiencing irritation around the genitals after using a silicone-based lube. Because of this, many experts recommend avoiding these kinds of lubes altogether.
If you do choose to use a silicone-based lube, you should make sure to thoroughly wash off the product before going to bed. Silicones attract bacteria, so it’s important to clean away residue at least once every 24 hours. To avoid irritation, keep the area dry and apply a moisturizer afterward. Avoid prolonged contact with the lube, and never mix silicone-based lubes.
It’s possible that masturbation can improve your sex life. Read on to learn more about how masturbation can positively impact intimacy.
Research shows that people who engage in group sex have slightly higher testosterone levels than monogamous couples. Group sex involves multiple partners, whereas masturbation refers to solo sex. It makes sense that group sex would be associated with higher testosterone levels than solitary sexuality, considering that testosterone encourages competition, aggression and dominance.”