Some of us may be concerned about decreasing testosterone levels and question whether our past or present masturbation habits have contributed to this.
Maybe you have heard that if you don't masturbate for a while, your testosterone levels will go down, and if you do, your stores will go up. As a result, some people have drawn these conclusions and made recommendations, such as not engaging in sexual activity in the days leading up to, for example, a sporting event -- but just how valid are these conclusions?
In all honesty, masturbation is as basic as it gets. In addition to the apparent satisfaction of having sex, there are many other benefits to be gained from masturbation, such as reduced stress, improved mood, eased tension, better sleep, insight into your sexual desires, and a more fulfilling sex life.
At this point, testosterone, the hormone at the root of everything, comes into play. Whether you're engaging in sexual activity with a partner or with yourself, you need testosterone (or T) to get things going and keep them going the whole time. In addition, your T-levels impact practically every facet of your physical and mental health as a man.
Why Low Testosterone Matters
By learning more about testosterone's role in our body, it will be easier to dispel common misconceptions about the hormone and better understand its purpose.
Our capacity to maintain a healthy sex drive in the future depends on making sure our private masturbating habit isn't negatively affecting it. As you can see, testosterone plays a crucial role as a hormone in our body. Forget about the many other benefits of adequate testosterone levels; we need it to get an erection.
One of the drawbacks of low testosterone is a lack of desire to engage in sexual activity or have an intimate relationship. In other words, testosterone can improve libido, stamina, bone strength, insulin resistance, obesity, and cardiovascular health.
As we age, we may experience a natural decline in testosterone production, a condition known as hypogonadism. Erectile dysfunction, low libido, bone loss, muscle wasting, fatigue, depression, and memory loss are some symptoms linked to low testosterone levels. In addition to observing symptoms, monitoring testosterone fluctuations is essential for diagnosing low testosterone.
Sexual Activity and Testosterone Levels
There is not much to know about the long-term effects of masturbation on testosterone. Masturbation on its own probably won't change your baseline. It shouldn't affect testosterone levels enough to disrupt your sex life drastically, but many circumstances can affect your T-levels.
However, there may be temporary consequences, such as a lack of sex drive, from masturbation. As mentioned, there is little evidence that masturbation lowers testosterone levels or negatively affects our general health. Low testosterone is treatable – in fact, maintaining healthy testosterone levels is possible through a variety of lifestyle choices.
Even if you're not worried about your testosterone levels, you might want to talk to a doctor if you're masturbating so often that the side effects make you uncomfortable.
Testosterone levels fluctuate even throughout the course of a single day. If you've ever had your T levels checked by a blood test, you probably remember having to submit a sample first thing in the morning, sometime between 8 and 10 a.m. This is because natural levels of testosterone tend to peak during these times.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone
It's possible to detect low levels of testosterone in several ways, and these include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low sex drive
- Decreased strength or endurance
- Low muscle mass
- Depression
- Increased body fat
- Memory loss or difficulty concentrating
- Sleeping problems
- Fewer spontaneous erections
While all of the above are not the only symptoms of low testosterone, they are the most typical ones that prompt some men to seek medical attention or even try testosterone boosters. The good news is that any masturbation habit does not always cause low testosterone.
Some of these signs and symptoms could be caused by something else entirely. These symptoms of low T should prompt you to consult a doctor. The testosterone levels in your body may not be significantly affected by masturbation, but they could be by several other things. Aging, alcohol use, steroid use, obesity, and smoking are just a few lifestyle factors that might impact your testosterone levels.
Methods to Increase Testosterone Levels Naturally
Masturbation may not influence T-levels much, but making healthy lifestyle adjustments will. Besides these, men can increase their testosterone levels naturally by:
- Try to maintain a regular workout routine. Moderate to high-intensity cardiovascular or endurance training (such as jogging or static cycling) may benefit testosterone levels. Hydration levels during exercise could also be necessary. Resistance training, like weightlifting, is also a great way to increase testosterone levels.
- Release stress. Cortisol and testosterone are released in response to mental and physical stress. Reducing stress can have positive effects on hormone balance. Plus, try to have a healthy sleeping cycle. Overproduction of the stress hormone cortisol is caused by sleep deprivation, and this, in turn, suppresses testosterone production.
- Follow a healthy eating pattern. The best way to improve your overall health, alongside exercise, is through food. To achieve optimal health, one should consume a varied diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods that leave you lethargic and instead stock up on nutrients for a lasting boost. The amino acids in milk and the resveratrol in grapes help increase testosterone levels and promote sperm production. Leafy greens like kale and spinach, salmon, sardines, tuna, crab, lobster, lentils, black beans, chickpeas, egg yolks, and fatty fish are also good sources for boosting testosterone levels.
Final Words
So, does masturbation decrease testosterone? Is there any link between masturbation and low testosterone levels? For both questions, the answer is no; there is no substantial evidence to support the claim that masturbation reduces testosterone levels.
It bears repeating that low testosterone is a severe problem many men face. It is important to note that low testosterone isn't just a problem for older men but men of all ages. If you're experiencing common T symptoms, you must talk to your doctor to develop a personalised treatment.
