Does Masturbation Decrease Testosterone? Here’s What Sexual Health Experts Say

Testosterone is the key hormone responsible for developing male sex characteristics, such as facial hair and a deeper voice, and it plays a pivotal role in muscle mass and sexual function in both men and women.

Over the past few decades, research has shown a subtle yet steady decline in testosterone levels among men, a trend documented since the 1980s and highlighted by a 2021 study in the peer-reviewed journal European Urology Focus. This study, which analyzed testosterone levels in adolescent and young adult men from a U.S. national database, revealed a consistent drop in average total testosterone over the past 20 years—a decline that correlates with rising body mass index. Despite this trend, testosterone levels have not yet dipped to clinically low ranges across the population, but they are inching closer to that point each year.

So, what’s driving this downward trend? While some factors are beyond individual control, lifestyle choices significantly contribute. Conditions like diabetes and obesity are closely linked to lower testosterone levels. Data show that another increasingly common concern seems to be whether sexual activities like masturbation and ejaculation decrease testosterone levels and lead to hormonal imbalances in males. In short, research in this area does not support the idea that these activities impact testosterone levels over the longterm.

Keep reading for more, as researchers and experts Lawrence Hawkim, MD, a board-certified urologist at the Cleveland Clinic, Kevin Pantalone, DO, a board-certified endocrinologist at the Cleveland Clinic, and Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA, FACOG, board-certified OB/GYN and thought leader on menopause, speak to the science between masturbation and testosterone levels.

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Does masturbation affect testosterone levels?

While masturbation does influence testosterone, it does not decrease these levels, according to Cleveland Clinic urologist Dr. Hawkim. He says masturbation neither triggers hypogonadism (low testosterone or “low T”) nor impacts long-term testosterone levels. However, Dr. Hawkim says, its short-term effects are still under investigation.

Researchers in Germany, focusing on molecular and cellular sports medicine and cardiovascular research, also investigated this subject. Their 2021 study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Basic and Clinical Andrology, suggests that masturbating before strength training could actually lead to a temporary boost in testosterone levels, aiding in muscle growth. Further studies are necessary to solidify these findings.

Testosterone is also essential for females, particularly postmenopausal women. Dr. Shepherd explains that reductions in testosterone, along with decreases in estrogen and progesterone during menopause, “impact the physical response as well as the psychological response” surrounding sexual activity. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and considering hormone supplementation can be important for women during this transition.

An article published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2021 found that higher testosterone levels in women are associated with increased libido and more frequent masturbation or sexual activity, and, like in men, the long-term effects of masturbation on testosterone levels appear negligible.

Although further research is necessary to fully understand the specific effects of various sexual activities like masturbation on testosterone levels, current scientific evidence and expert consensus indicate that masturbation does not cause a long-term decrease in testosterone levels.

What decreases testosterone?

According to the American Urology Association (AUA), low blood testosterone is defined as levels below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). Dr. Hakim notes that “anything that negatively affects overall health can diminish testosterone levels.”

Here are several factors that commonly lead to decreased testosterone:

What are the signs of low testosterone?

Low T can present through various symptoms. Here are some typical signs to be aware of:

• Reduced sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Fatigue
• Mood changes
• Reduced muscle mass
• Increased body fat
• Decreased bone density
• Difficulty concentrating
• Hair loss
• Reduced semen volume

How can I increase my testosterone?

Boosting your testosterone is largely about embracing a healthier lifestyle.

Dr. Pantalone explains, “It’s normal for a person to experience a drop in testosterone as they age, but we’re seeing that process accelerated in more recent times because of poor overall health.”

Here are some effective strategies to enhance your hormonal health:

• Exercise more: Regular physical activity, especially strength training and high-intensity interval training, can boost testosterone levels.

• Eat healthy: Focus on a balanced diet rich in proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains. Foods like eggs, leafy greens, and fatty fish are particularly beneficial. Avoid excess alcohol, smoking, and substance use.

• Get quality sleep and manage stress: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and explore stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.

If you’re concerned about your testosterone levels or are experiencing symptoms such as fatigue or low libido, consult your healthcare provider. They can perform tests to determine the cause, which may be linked to low testosterone or another health issue. They can also discuss if you need testosterone replacement therapy if levels are significantly low due to medical conditions.

For more wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:

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