Can Masturbating Reduce Testosterone?

Some men are concerned that masturbation will cause low testosterone levels, even abstaining from a little self-pleasure based on this perception. But there’s simply no definitive research that conclusively connects masturbation to low testosterone (also known as male hypogonadism or “low T”).

The jury is most definitely still out on the scientific merit of semen retention, nofap, or any other health benefits for refraining from ejaculation.

About the Experts

Nick Dahl, D.O., is a family medicine physician who regularly treats men with hypogonadism.

Natalie Kunsman, M.D., is a board-certified family physician who specializes in functional health, hormone optimization, anti-aging, and regenerative medicine.

Does Masturbation Cause Low Testosterone?

Research indicates that masturbation does not cause low testosterone or decrease testosterone levels in the long term.

While several small studies have examined possible short-term relationships between sexual activity and hormone levels, the findings have been inconsistent.

• A 2021 study of eight healthy men in their 20s indicated a temporary drop in free testosterone after ejaculation, but no significant change in free testosterone ratios relative to total testosterone and cortisol overall. ¹
• A 2020 study of seven healthy men in their 30s observed temporary increases in prolactin, testosterone, and cortisol in moments leading to ejaculation.²
• A 2001 study of 10 healthy men in their 20s found a temporary increase in testosterone with a three-week abstinence period. ³ 
• A 1998 study of 10 healthy men found changes in prolactin levels, but no significant changes in FSH or luteinizing hormone (LH). ⁴
• A 1976 study with limited participants showed fluctuations in testosterone immediately following sexual activity. ⁵

These studies on masturbation and testosterone have important limitations: extremely small sample sizes (often fewer than 10 participants), inconsistent methodologies, and contradictory results. 

Also, these studies measured hormone changes during or immediately after masturbation, which differs significantly from a standard blood test measuring free testosterone levels.

“If you’re worried about your testosterone, that’s not a reason to stop masturbating,” says family medicine physician Nick Dahl, M.D.

In fact, effective lifestyle changes like diet can more positively influence healthy testosterone levels than any kind of sexual abstinence. 

“The biggest hormone disruptors I see are sugar and alcohols,” says integrative physician Natalie Kunsman, M.D. “They impair the release at the hypothalamus, blunt the output from the pituitary, damage the cells in the testicles, can raise insulin, body fat, impair the liver, and create more conversion of testosterone into estrogen.”

Rather than focusing on whether masturbation affects testosterone levels, men would benefit more from established approaches to boosting this hormone: exercising regularly, eating well, getting adequate sleep, and controlling stress.

Masturbation, cortisol, and other mood hormones

Some men might be concerned about the connection between masturbation and cortisol–your body’s primary stress hormone. Some small studies have observed brief increases in cortisol during sexual arousal and climax. While consistently elevated cortisol from chronic stress can potentially suppress testosterone production, the temporary spike during ejaculation doesn’t meaningfully affect overall testosterone levels.⁶

Masturbation does positively impact several mood-regulating hormones:

• Oxytocin: Often called the “love hormone” or “bonding hormone,” oxytocin is released during orgasm. This hormone promotes feelings of relaxation, contentment, and emotional connection. Even during solo sexual activity, oxytocin release can contribute to improved mood and reduced stress. ⁷
• Dopamine: Sexual activity triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, and motivation. This dopamine surge contributes to feelings of satisfaction and can temporarily boost your mood.⁸
• Endorphins: These natural pain relievers have effects similar to opiates and can produce feelings of well-being and even mild euphoria following orgasm. ⁹
• Serotonin: Levels of this mood-stabilizing neurotransmitter often increase after sexual activity, potentially contributing to feelings of calmness and satisfaction. ¹⁰

The combined effect of these neurochemical changes from masturbation can result in improved mood, reduced anxiety, better sleep quality, and an overall sense of relaxation. For many people, these positive emotional and psychological benefits can be valuable for overall well-being, regardless of any minor or temporary hormonal fluctuations.

Can Masturbating Impact Fertility?

No, there is no scientific evidence showing that masturbation negatively impacts fertility in men. Regular masturbation doesn’t reduce sperm quality or count to a degree that would affect your ability to conceive. ¹¹

The World Health Organization (WHO) does recommend abstaining from ejaculation for two to seven days before collecting a semen sample for fertility testing or procedures. ¹² This recommendation exists primarily because abstinence typically leads to a higher volume of semen and sperm count in the next ejaculation, which can be beneficial for testing or collection purposes. However, this temporary increase doesn’t mean that regular masturbation diminishes fertility.

In fact, some research suggests that regular ejaculation may help maintain sperm quality by ensuring regular turnover of sperm cells, potentially reducing the percentage of abnormal or aged sperm in subsequent ejaculations.¹³

If you’re experiencing fertility issues, your masturbation habits are unlikely to be the cause. Several medical conditions are much more commonly associated with male infertility:

• Blockages in the reproductive system that prevent sperm transport¹⁴
• Varicocele (enlargement of veins within the scrotum)¹⁵
• Genetic factors predisposing to infertility¹⁶
• Testicular infections or physical damage¹⁷
• Developmental abnormalities during puberty¹⁸
• Hormonal imbalances, including low testosterone¹⁹
• Environmental factors (excessive heat, certain medications, radiation exposure)²⁰
• Lifestyle factors (smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use)²¹

If you’re concerned about fertility, visit a reproductive health specialist. They can evaluate specific factors affecting your reproductive health and provide appropriate guidance based on your individual situation rather than making unnecessary changes to masturbation habits that are unlikely to impact your fertility.

What Are Signs of Low Testosterone

Low testosterone (hypogonadism) can affect many aspects of a man’s health and quality of life. If you’re concerned about your testosterone levels, watch for these common symptoms:

• Low sex drive: Diminished interest in sexual activity or decreased libido
• Chronic fatigue: Persistent tiredness despite adequate rest
• Decreased bone density: Increased risk of fractures and osteoporosis
• Reduced muscle mass: Difficulty maintaining or building muscle despite exercise
• Lower sperm count: Potential fertility challenges
• Erectile dysfunction: Difficulty achieving or maintaining erections
• Hair loss: Thinning hair on the scalp, face, or body
• Increased body fat: Weight gain, especially around the midsection and chest area
• Mood disturbances: Unexplained irritability, depression, or lack of focus
• Hot flashes: Similar to those experienced during female menopause
• Sleep disturbances: Insomnia or poor sleep quality
• Reduced energy levels: Decreased motivation and stamina for daily activities

It’s important to note that many of these symptoms can also be caused by other health conditions, so proper testing and diagnosis by a healthcare provider are essential. If you’re experiencing multiple symptoms of low testosterone, consider speaking with a doctor who can measure your testosterone levels through blood tests.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is an effective treatment option to increase testosterone levels and alleviate these symptoms in men with clinically low testosterone. 

It involves augmenting your natural testosterone with a therapeutic dose of synthetic hormones to help your testosterone return to normal levels. 

What Causes Low Testosterone?

Low testosterone can result from various factors, ranging from natural aging to specific medical conditions. Common causes of low testosterone include:

• Aging: Natural testosterone decline begins around age 30 (approximately 1% decrease per year)²²
• Obesity: Excess body fat can convert testosterone to estrogen and reduce free testosterone levels²³
• Poor lifestyle habits: Inadequate sleep, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and lack of exercise²⁴
• Thyroid disorders: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can disrupt testosterone production²⁵
• Cancer treatments: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and certain medications can damage testosterone-producing cells²⁶
• Physical trauma: Injury to the testicles or groin area can impair hormone production²⁷
• Chronic medical conditions: Diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, and HIV/AIDS²⁸
• Testicular disorders: Infections, tumors, or undescended testicles²⁹
• Pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction: Problems with the glands that regulate testosterone production³⁰
• Sleep apnea: Disrupted breathing during sleep correlates with lower testosterone³¹
• Certain medications: Particularly opioids, glucocorticoids, and some psychiatric medications³²
• Genetic conditions: Klinefelter syndrome and other inherited disorders³³

If you’re concerned about low testosterone, testing options include at-home test kits or in-person lab work that measures total testosterone, free testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and related biomarkers like thyroid hormones. These comprehensive assessments can help identify not just testosterone deficiency but also potential underlying causes, allowing for more targeted and effective treatment approaches.

What Are the Benefits of Masturbating?

According to the research, masturbating most likely will not affect your testosterone levels, so don’t let concerns about hormones influence your decision to start or stop. That said, there are several evidence-based benefits to engaging in self-pleasure:

Physical health benefits of masturbation

• Safer sexual outlet: Unlike partnered sex, masturbation carries virtually no risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 
• Improved sleep quality: Research published in March 2019 in Frontiers in Public Health found that more than half of participants who masturbated before bedtime reported better sleep quality.³⁴
• Pain relief: Orgasms trigger the release of endorphins, which act as natural painkillers that can help alleviate headaches and muscle tension.³⁵
• Prostate health: Some studies suggest regular ejaculation may contribute to prostate health in men.³⁶

Mental and emotional benefits of masturbation

• Stress reduction: The endorphins released during orgasm can help reduce stress and anxiety levels.³⁷
• Mood enhancement: Sexual pleasure increases dopamine and oxytocin levels, promoting feelings of happiness and relaxation.³⁸
• Increased well-being: Endorphins released during orgasm are the same feel-good hormones your body produces when you laugh, exercise, or enjoy a satisfying meal.³⁹
• Sexual self-awareness: Regular masturbation helps you understand your own body’s responses and preferences, which can improve overall sexual satisfaction.⁴⁰
• Relationship benefits: Knowing your own body can lead to better communication with your partner about sexual preferences and needs.⁴¹

Better Sex Through Better Knowledge

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About the author

Lauren Bedosky is award-winning health and fitness journalist with bylines in top magazines and websites like Redbook, LIVESTRONG.com, Runner’s World, and Men’s Health.

About the reviewer

Dr. Fuller is passionately involved in clinical and academic medicine and strongly believes that mental health should be at the forefront of physical health.