By Mike Kocsis | 7 minutes read | Last updated: October 16, 2025 Categories: Testosterone
Medically Reviewed by Dr. George Touliatos
When it comes to testosterone, many misconceptions and rumours circulate on the internet.
One such misconception is about the impact of masturbation on testosterone. Some believe masturbation can cause lower testosterone levels, leading to concerns among men.
In this article, we will help you understand the connection between masturbation and testosterone, backed by evidence-based research.
Does masturbation decrease or increase testosterone?
Many men believe masturbation can reduce testosterone production, but science does not support this claim. Masturbation may cause short-term fluctuations in testosterone levels, but they are temporary and a part of your body’s natural hormonal response to sexual activity.
Testosterone levels increase during and after testosterone for a few minutes but then they return to regular levels.
Watch our YouTube video on Does Masturbation Kill Testosterone?
Research about the link between masturbation and testosterone
Research on testosterone and masturbation is limited so far, and results are also somewhat conflicting. It is possibly due to the reason that researchers in labs are unable to create a proper environment for men to masturbate.
A 2020 study checked the levels of prolactin, cortisol (stress hormone) and testosterone before, after and during masturbation. The researchers noticed that the levels of testosterone increased significantly at ejaculation and returned to the regular level after 10 minutes. While the levels of prolactin and cortisol increased before erection and at ejaculation.
In a small study, researchers found that masturbation had no impact on testosterone levels in participants. It means masturbation does not lower your serum testosterone levels.
In a 2011 study, participants visited a US sex club. Some participated in sexual activity, while others only observed. Results show that participants who were involved in sexual activity had higher salivary testosterone levels than men who did not perform any sexual activity.
A 1992 study observed testosterone levels in both men and women before and after intercourse.
Researchers found out that men had higher testosterone levels after intercourse than they had before intercourse or on no-sex days. This study shows that sexual activity may increase your testosterone levels temporarily.
So does masturbation cause low testosterone?
As mentioned earlier, masturbation does not have any long-term effect on testosterone levels. Studies also show conflicting results about its short-term effects on testosterone.
Fluctuation in testosterone levels is a natural process that happens throughout a man’s life. Various factors affect testosterone production, including age, sleep quality, diet, overall health, etc.
Does masturbation cause acne and hair loss?
No, there is no direct connection between masturbation and acne or hair loss. A variety of factors, including hormonal imbalance and genetics, can influence your hair and skin health.
Can masturbation affect muscle building?
Testosterone plays an important role in increasing muscle mass, muscle strength and eventually athletic performance. As masturbation has no long-term impact on testosterone levels, it means it also doesn’t impact muscles as well.
Follow a balanced muscle-building regimen, eat protein rich meals, work out consistently and get adequate rest to grow your muscles.
Can masturbation cause erectile dysfunction (ED)?
Masturbation itself does not cause erectile dysfunction in men according to a 2023 review. However, psychological factors like stress, anxiety and guild that some people feel after masturbation may cause erection problems.
What are the benefits and side effects of masturbation?
Masturbation comes with some health benefits as well as risks. Some of its common benefits are:
- Reduction in stress
- Feel pleasure
- Mood improvement
- Reduce anxiety
- Reduce sexual tension
- Ease cramps
In addition to providing these benefits, masturbation can cause guilt and anxiety in some individuals because of their cultural or religious beliefs.
It may also disturb your relationship with your partner especially if you are involved in frequent masturbation or compulsive masturbation habits that make you skip responsibilities.
Communicate clearly with your partner about your sexual activities if you think they are disturbing your relationship. Seek help from a couple therapist when needed.
What factors affect testosterone levels?
Masturbation, a common form of sexual behaviour, seems to produce no noticeable effect on testosterone levels. However, some factors can truly reduce your testosterone sex hormone. These factors are:
Age: Total testosterone levels decline in men as they get older. Some men may develop low T symptoms and learn to live with them anyway.
Hormonal regulation: The HPG axis controls testosterone production. Any disruption in its three parts (hypothalamus, pituitary, and gonads) can reduce testosterone generation.
Lifestyle: Poor lifestyle habits such as inadequate sleep, daily consumption of fast food, stress, excessive alcohol use, smoking, and inactivity negatively impact hormone balance. Replacing bad habits with good ones can help you have normal testosterone again. Add healthy habits like stress management and strength training to your life to improve hormonal health.
Diet: You should have a balanced diet consisting of healthy fats, protein, veggies, and fruits to maintain your free testosterone concentrations. Certain nutrients, including zinc, are required for testosterone production. Their deficiency can lead to low T. Similarly, some nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B are associated with healthy testosterone levels.
Certain diseases: Type 2 diabetes, HIV, chronic liver or kidney failure, brain tumour, prostate cancer, and obesity are a few diseases that cause low T. This kind of testosterone deficiency often goes away when you get rid of the disease.
Sleep: Quality sleep is crucial for the overall well-being of a person. Some essential hormones like testosterone are mainly produced during sleep.
So when you do not get enough sleep, you disturb testosterone production time, leading to lower testosterone levels (if you do not restore your sleep quality and quantity in the long run).
Psychological effects: Anxiety, depression and stress are known to induce hormone imbalance. They increase serum cortisol levels and lower testosterone levels. However, confidence, success and other positive emotions can produce the opposite effect.
What are the signs of low T in men?
Low T, also called hypogonadism, produces different effects on the body that vary from man to man. Some potential low T symptoms are:
- Low energy levels
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low sperm count
- Low sex drive/sexual thoughts/libido and poor sexual function
- Loss of bone mass and density
- Loss of muscle mass and poor muscle growth
- Abdominal fat accumulation
- Increase in male breast size
- Mood swings
- Low self-confidence
- Depression
- Poor cognitive function
Some of these symptoms can be managed by making certain lifestyle changes. However, others can negatively influence your life in various ways.
Testosterone plays an essential role in maintaining a healthy sex life and overall sexual health.
If you have testosterone deficiency and are troubled due to it, you should consult with a hormone specialist to get insight into the issue and find a suitable treatment.
Most healthcare providers prescribe testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to men with low T when natural ways of increasing testosterone do not work.
Steps you should take to restore your testosterone levels
If you suspect you have low levels of testosterone, you should contact a healthcare provider to diagnose the issue. They will conduct a thorough evaluation to look for symptoms and understand your medical history.
You will have blood tests, including serum testosterone test, to measure your current hormone levels. You will be declared testosterone deficient if your testosterone level is below 300 ng/dL.
Your healthcare provider will prescribe testosterone if you are the right TRT candidate.
They will explain different types of TRT and their potential effects. Furthermore, they will learn your health goals and preferences to help you choose the right TRT form.
They will design a customised TRT plan for each patient based on how low their testosterone level is and what are their health goals.
Once you start taking testosterone, you will have follow-up appointments every 6 to 12 months, during which your T levels will be evaluated.
Experts will find out how your body is responding to the treatment and make adjustments to your treatment plan if it is not producing optimal results.
Risks and other considerations
Like other medical producers, TRT also has some side effects, including fluid retention, prostate enlargement, acne, reduced fertility, etc. You must get this treatment from a qualified person and monitor your general health once you start it to avoid possible side effects and make the most of TRT.
FAQs about testosterone and masturbation
Does ejaculating make you lose testosterone?
No, ejaculation does not make you lose testosterone. In fact, some studies show that it may increase your testosterone levels temporarily.
Does not ejaculating for 7 days increase testosterone?
A few small studies show that abstaining from ejaculation significantly increases testosterone especially on the 7th day of sexual abstinence. However, these effects are only temporary and more research needs to be done to understand them fully.
Does sex increase testosterone?
Sexual activities can increase testosterone during or after sexual arousal or the activity. But this change in hormone levels is only temporary.
Does edging lower testosterone?
No, edging has no direct impact on testosterone levels. It neither increases nor decreases them.
Summary
Masturbation does not seem to lower testosterone levels. There are self-regulating mechanisms in the human body that maintain hormone balance.
More research needs to be done on this subject to understand the long-term effects of masturbation. Current studies measuring testosterone levels related to masturbation show mixed results, but most suggest that sexual activities like masturbation may temporarily increase testosterone in men.
If you have low T symptoms, you should speak with your doctor to find a timely solution. TRT is often used to restore testosterone levels in men unable to produce the hormone naturally. However, this treatment is not suitable for all. You should discuss it with your doctor to determine whether you should have it or not.
References
Rowland, D.L., Castleman, J.M., Bacys, K.R., Csonka, B. and Hevesi, K., 2023. Do pornography use and masturbation play a role in erectile dysfunction and relationship satisfaction in men?. International Journal of Impotence Research, 35(6), pp.548-557.
Isenmann, E., Schumann, M., Notbohm, H.L., Flenker, U. and Zimmer, P., 2021. Hormonal response after masturbation in young healthy men–a randomized controlled cross-over pilot study. Basic and clinical andrology, 31(1), p.32.
van Anders, S.M., 2012. Testosterone and sexual desire in healthy women and men. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 41, pp.1471-1484.
Evidence Based Research
This article has been researched and written based on scientific evidence and fact sheets that have then been crossed checked by our team of doctors and subject matter experts.
References, sources and studies used alongside our own in-house research have been cited below, most of which contain external clickable links to reviewed scientific paper that contain date stamped evidence.
Our team of healthcare experts and GMC registered doctors are licensed to UK GMC standards. We strive to provide you with the latest evidence based, researched articles that are unbiased, honest and provide you with accurate insights, statistics and helpful information on the discussed topic to ensure you gain a better understanding of the subject. You can read more about our Editorial Process by clicking here.
We value your feedback on our articles, if you have a well-researched paper you would like to share with us please contact us.
Quick Low Testosterone Test
If you know your total testosterone reading from a previous blood test input the results to the left above to see if your testosterone levels are normal.
Low Testosterone Levels
You may have low testosterone depending on the symptoms you have, please contact us to find out how we can help.
Please Retry
The Total Testosterone Level You Entered Is Incorrect. Figure Must be in nmol/L you can use our converter here.
Normal Testosterone Levels
Your testosterone levels appear to be in the normal range.
LOOKING GOOD!
You must be over 38, have had your ovaries removed or have suffered with premature menopause to warrant further hormone tests.
Further investigation needed
Please contact us to discuss your hormones, we need your total testosterone levels to validate your hormone deficiency. You can order a blood test here.
Low Testosterone Levels
You may have low testosterone depending on the symptoms you have, please contact us to find out how we can help.
High Testosterone Levels
You appear to have higher than normal testosterone levels, please contact us for further investigation.
Normal Testosterone Levels
You appear to have normal testosterone levels. Contact us if you have any concerns.
About the Author: Mike Kocsis
Mike Kocsis has an MBA with a focus on healthcare administration and is an entrepreneur and medical case manager for Balance My Hormones which offers medical services in the UK and Europe. Mike has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare sector, much of that working with people who have hormone imbalances. Mike has appeared on podcasts and radio and is an expert speaker on the subject of hormone imbalance. He specialises in Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and has helped thousands of people suffering from hormone imbalances recover and regain control of their lives. You can follow him on LinkedIn and on the Balance My Hormones YouTube Channel.
Last update: October 16th, 2025
