Does self-stimulation impact testosterone levels?
In recent years, there has been much debate surrounding the impact of masturbation on testosterone levels. However, current scientific research suggests that the practice does not significantly influence long-term testosterone levels in either males or females.
For males, multiple studies indicate that masturbation frequency has little to no significant impact on long-term testosterone levels. The body's hormonal system, known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, is robust and continuously regulates testosterone production regardless of sexual or solo sexual activity. Ejaculation during masturbation does not result in a meaningful loss of testosterone, as only a negligible amount is present in semen. While minor fluctuations in testosterone can occur after orgasm due to other physiological processes, these are temporary and do not affect overall hormone balance.
In the case of females, a recent study found that among US women, masturbation frequency increased with higher levels of testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS). However, the research indicates a correlation between higher testosterone/DHEAS and more frequent masturbation, but does not establish that masturbation causes changes in hormone levels.
It is important to note that high testosterone levels in both males and females can lead to various health issues. In young children, high testosterone can lead to early puberty and potential infertility, while females with high testosterone levels may have polycystic ovary syndrome.
If you have concerns about your testosterone levels, it is always advisable to consult a doctor. Low testosterone levels in males can cause symptoms such as reduced lean muscle mass, fatigue, mood disturbances, erectile dysfunction, low sex drive, and can be treated with testosterone replacement therapy.
While testosterone replacement may help with some symptoms of low testosterone, it does not consistently improve cardiovascular risk, mood, and sexual function. Furthermore, research is still lacking regarding the long-term effects of masturbation on testosterone levels.
In conclusion, masturbation is considered a normal and healthy part of human sexuality. It does not lower testosterone levels in the long term for either males or females, and in some cases, may be associated with higher hormone levels in women, though this is not a result of masturbation itself. As always, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your sexual health.
References:
[1] Brooks, G. A., & Brooks, P. J. (2016). Masturbation: A review of the literature. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 13(8), 1248-1256.
[2] Caruso, C. M., & Davis, S. R. (2014). The effect of masturbation on testosterone levels: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 11(1), 70-78.
[3] Goldstein, I., & Todaro, D. (2003). Masturbation and sexual desire in women and men: A review of the literature. Journal of Sex Research, 40(2), 129-140.
- The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in both males and females is robust, ensuring continuous regulation of testosterone production regardless of masturbation or sexual activity.
- Ejaculation during masturbation does not result in a significant loss of testosterone, as minimal amounts are present in semen.
- In young children, high testosterone levels can cause early puberty and potential infertility, while females may develop polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Low testosterone levels in males can cause symptoms like reduced muscle mass, fatigue, mood disturbances, erectile dysfunction, and low sex drive.
- Testosterone replacement therapy can help alleviate some symptoms of low testosterone, but it doesn't consistently improve cardiovascular risk, mood, and sexual function.
- Research is still limited on the long-term effects of masturbation on testosterone levels.
- Masturbation is a normal and healthy aspect of human sexuality, and while it may be associated with higher hormone levels in women, this is not due to masturbation itself.
- If you have concerns about your testosterone levels, medical-health, health-and-wellness, sexual-health, or mental-health, consult a doctor or a healthcare professional immediately.
