Testosterone is the hormone that fuels your libido, contributes to erections and helps build muscles. It also helps create sperm and keeps your bones strong.
Testosterone levels naturally rise before sex and during sexual activity and then drop back to normal after orgasm. A small study from 1972 found that masturbation doesn’t decrease testosterone levels, either.
Testosterone levels
Testosterone is the male hormone and a steroid that helps build muscle, increases fat burning and promotes hair growth. It’s a naturally occurring hormone that the gonads (sex organs) of people assigned male at birth produce in high concentrations, but it’s also available through prescription drugs. Testosterone levels peak in adolescence and decline somewhat in men over 45. Low testosterone can cause a host of problems, including reduced libido, difficulty sleeping, fatigue and weight gain.
The best way to test for low levels is through a blood test. Most doctors consider a reading between 300 and 1,000 nanograms per deciliter to be within normal range. Testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day, so a doctor will usually take the sample in the morning when levels are highest.
Several studies have examined the relationship between masturbation and orgasm and testosterone levels. Most have found that the level of the hormone rises during masturbation and sexual arousal, but they return to baseline in less than a day. These results challenge a long-held assumption that reduced sexual activity causes testosterone levels to drop. However, other factors could affect the outcome of the studies, such as participants’ age, diet, health conditions and medication use. Testosterone levels may also be affected by stress, and the ovaries of women with polycystic ovary syndrome. The condition is common in 6% to 10% of premenopausal women, and it can lead to irregular periods, low fertility and excess or coarse hair on the body and face.
Masturbation
Masturbation is a very personal act that can affect men differently. Some believe it reduces testosterone levels, while others argue it’s healthy and a natural way to relieve stress. The truth is, there are many benefits to masturbation, including a better ability to sleep and relax, a boost in mood, and an increase in sperm health.
Testosterone and sperm have a complicated relationship, but it’s important to remember that any changes in these hormones are temporary. Most of the testosterone in the body is attached to two proteins, albumin and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). These proteins control how much of the hormone is actually available for the body to use. The rest, which is called free testosterone, can bind to other cells in the body. If you masturbate, you will release some of this free testosterone into the semen.
However, the amount of testosterone that is released during masturbation depends on your posture and how hard you massage. If you massage too hard, you may end up injuring yourself or causing bleeding. You should also avoid squeezing the penis, as this can damage the blood vessels and nerves.
Although masturbation can cause a temporary decrease in sperm count, it does not appear to have any other significant effects on the hormones. However, if you’re concerned about low testosterone, it’s best to speak with a doctor. They can help you create a treatment plan that works for your needs.
Ejaculation
Ejaculation occurs when a sticky liquid called semen (or cum) is released from the penis. It usually happens during or after sexual climax or an orgasm, but it can happen without one. It is triggered by the nervous system, via nerves that go from the reproductive system to parts of the spinal cord. In the first phase of ejaculation, sperm moves to the prostate from the testicles and mixes with whitish fluids that form in the urethra to create semen. Then the vas deferens (the tubes that store and transport semen from the testicles) contract to push the mixture toward the base of the penis, resulting in ejaculation.
The second part of ejaculation is expulsion, when muscles in the pelvis and penis contract several times to push semen through the urethra and out of the penis. The clear fluid you may see on the tip of your penis during this phase is a precum, or pre-ejaculatory fluid, that is meant to change the pH balance of the urethra and increase the chances of sperm survival after ejaculation.
The amount of sperm that is expelled during this phase depends on many factors, including how much a man has already ejaculated and the duration of orgasm. It also can vary by sex, age and the number of partners involved in the sex. Once the expulsion phase is over, the erection fades, and the man experiences a brief period where he can’t have another orgasm, which is known as the refractory period.
Testosterone replacement
Testosterone replacement is an option for men with low libido and other symptoms of low testosterone, such as decreased energy levels and mood changes. It is also useful for lowering blood cholesterol and preventing osteoporosis, but it must be taken under doctor supervision. Injections are the most common way to receive testosterone, and there are topical gels and patches that can be applied to the skin. Testosterone therapy also helps improve muscle strength and bone density.
Men who decide to take testosterone must have regular blood tests done by their healthcare provider to monitor their hormone levels, says Dr. Patel. Typically, two blood tests are performed at different times of the day to ensure that the results are consistent.
Testosterone replacement comes with some warnings, including the possibility of a heart attack or stroke. But there are ways to mitigate these risks, including exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy diet. It is also important to limit alcohol consumption.
Some natural ways to increase testosterone include consuming cruciferous vegetables and eating foods that are rich in Vitamin D and zinc nutrients. Taking a probiotic can also help maintain balanced hormones. Finally, it is important to avoid ejaculating. It can lead to a temporary decline in testosterone, and it isn’t recommended for people with an enlarged prostate or other health concerns.
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