Does Edging Increase Testosterone? The Final, Expert-Backed Answer

If you’re an athlete who’s into optimizing your hormones or someone who has struggled with debilitating symptoms of low T (like fatigue, low libido, or weight gain), you’ve probably spent hours scrolling through Reddit for advice on how to increase your testosterone levels. You may have even spotted the latest trend swirling around social media that some guys claim is turbocharging their levels: Edging, or delaying orgasm.

But does it work?

What is Edging?

Like semen retention, edging involves delaying or abstaining from orgasm, but that’s where the similarities end.

Men who practice semen retention avoid orgasming, masturbating, or engaging in other sexual activity for weeks, months, or even years. This is a core practice of the anti-porn and anti-masturbation NoFap movement. Why deny yourself a good time? Some proponents say they reap metaphysical benefits from the practice like boosted masculinity and inner strength, while others abstain in a misguided attempt to boost testosterone (1). 

Edging is subjectively less woo-woo. “Edging is sometimes called orgasm control,” men’s sexual health expert and family medicine physician Laura Purdy, M.D., explains.

You repeatedly bring yourself to the brink of orgasm, then abruptly cut off stimulation. 

The sensation of reaching orgasm escalates and de-escalates several times throughout the encounter, until you finally allow yourself to climax.

“When orgasm is finally achieved, it is generally described as much more powerful and pleasurable than orgasms that are completed without edging,” Purdy says.

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About the Expert

Dr. Laura Purdy is a board-certified Family Medicine Physician, and has been licensed in all 50 states plus D.C. She is a medical executive, a business consultant and member of Hone Health’s advisory board.

Does Edging Increase Testosterone?

Short answer: no. 

While Purdy acknowledges the theories swirling around Reddit about edging and semen retention to boost testosterone levels, she notes that there’s no evidence that backs them up. In fact, studies pretty much disprove this. 

A 2016 study found that masturbating to completion actually boosted testosterone levels in male participants (2)—although more research is required to decipher exactly why guys might get a boost from busting. 

Does edging increase sperm count?

No, edging won’t directly raise your sperm count—especially if you’re just delaying (not straight up cancelling) your orgasm. However, a period of abstinence might. That’s because your testicles build up a reserve of sperm if you aren’t ejaculating regularly (3).

Edging Side Effects

Despite what some Redditors might lead you to believe, edging does not cause erectile dysfunction or problems with ejaculation (4).

There’s also a myth that not ejaculating can cause epididymal hypertension, or “blue balls.” It’s true that you may feel mild pressure in your testicles if you partake in edging, but this sensation isn’t dangerous and will go away on its own if you stop your edge sesh.

A Better Way to Increase Testosterone

If you’re experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, there’s a better way to treat your hormone problem than following fringe advice on Reddit. 

You can conveniently check your hormone levels with Hone’s at-home test, which tests for eight biomarkers—including total and free testosterone. After we receive your test, you’ll meet virtually with one of Hone’s partner physicians to determine if you qualify for treatment like testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or enclomiphene.

Fast, Easy, Affordable

Hone’s at-home testosterone assessment is the simplest way to uncover whether your levels are low. If you qualify for treatment, TRT can be sent right to your door.  

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