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Highlights
- While there’s no evidence that masturbating decreases testosterone, the myth is still widely believed online.
- Testosterone is important to men, but it’s just one of many hormones, and it’s quickly replenished.
- Factors such as aging and medical conditions have far more impact on testosterone levels.
- Getting a medical evaluation is a better guide to your testosterone needs if you’re concerned about low testosterone.
Michael DiLeo, MD, has over 30 years of experience in clinical and academic medicine. Through medical school, residency, and private practice, he has functioned as both a specialist and a primary care practitioner. He has twice served as chief of staff of a large regional hospital. He is a published author on women's health for McGraw-Hill. Learn More
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Some online communities claim that masturbation lowers your testosterone levels and should be avoided. But how true is this belief, and why, if it’s false, does it have so much traction? Learn how this myth got started, how masturbation affects hormones, the actual facts on masturbation and testosterone, and what you should do if you’re worried about your testosterone levels.
What Is Testosterone and Why Is It Important?
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. Hormones are chemical messengers sent from one part of the body to another to tell it to do something. After puberty, your testosterone levels help you build and keep lean muscle and bone mass. Clinically low testosterone is potentially tied to a wide range of problems, from erectile dysfunction to dementia.
This is one of the kernels of truth in the myth: Low testosterone is, in fact, a medical condition, with potentially serious problems. However, the American Urological Association defines low testosterone as less than 300 ng/mL of blood. Anything above that is normal and not worth worrying about.
Does Masturbation Decrease Testosterone? The Myth Explained
At the root of this myth is the idea that semen contains testosterone, so when you ejaculate, that testosterone leaves your body. It’s most commonplace in the “NoFap” community and among bodybuilders, but you’ll find it everywhere, from supplement peddlers to online communities about “men’s health.”
“There are a lot of myths out there about masturbation, but there’s no evidence it reduces a man’s testosterone levels,” says Dr. Richard Jadick, urologist at Piedmont Physicians Urology Specialists.
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Semen does contain testosterone. However, the testosterone found in semen isn’t available for the body to use elsewhere. What matters is the amount of testosterone found in your bloodstream, as that’s what does the work of maintaining bones and muscle.
Secondly, your body is constantly making new testosterone from cholesterol. “It’s a common misconception that ejaculation affects testosterone levels. This is based on the idea that you’re losing testosterone-containing semen, but your body quickly makes more,” explains Dr. James Kashanian, urologist at Weill Cornell Medicine.
Remember, hormones are chemical messengers that interact with cells, and like anything else the body produces, hormones are used up and recycled.
Does Masturbation Lower Testosterone? What The Science Says
When this myth has been tested in the lab, it has rarely held up. Among the relevant points scientists have found:
- Masturbation doesn’t change baseline testosterone levels. Perhaps unsurprisingly, because testosterone is measured in the blood, testosterone loss from semen is negligible and quickly replaced. A 2001 study on masturbating after abstaining for three weeks showed no change in plasma testosterone, and a 2021 study even found it may have small positive effects on free testosterone.
- Other forms of orgasm have no effect. While you will find some men claiming that any form of sex reduces testosterone, studies such as this one from 2006 have found no impact on testosterone levels from other forms of sexual activity, such as penis-in-vagina (PIV) sex. Another small study from 1986 even found that men with higher testosterone had sex more often.
The research tends to point instead to the following factors that can lower testosterone:
- Sleep. A study of nearly 10,000 men found that poor sleep was a major factor in lower testosterone levels, regardless of age.
- Carb-heavy meals. While the interaction between what you eat and your hormones is complex, there are strong indications that meals heavy on carbs or protein may temporarily push down testosterone levels.
- Drinking. Excessive alcohol intake seems to affect testosterone and other hormones, especially as men age.
While just how masturbation affects hormones overall is still under study, it’s clear that taking care of yourself is a better strategy for men who want to maintain optimum testosterone levels.
Is Masturbation Healthy For Men?
Masturbation has some possible benefits that should be considered as well, including:
- Stress and tension relief. Orgasm, in any form, can release chemicals like oxytocin that help alleviate stress and lift mood.
- Sleep quality. One study found both men and women reported better sleep quality and latency after sexual activity, including masturbation.
- Potentially lower prostate cancer risk. One ongoing lifetime study has found intriguing results where men who reported more frequent orgasms had a lower overall incidence of prostate cancer.
- Self-understanding. Masturbation allows people to learn what arouses them and then translate that into more fulfilling partnered sexual activity.
While there are issues to be aware of, and while the effects of masturbation vary from person to person, masturbation does not appear to be harmful to testosterone levels and appears to be healthy for most men.
When Should I Be Concerned About My Testosterone Levels?
If you’re experiencing any of the following with no other explanation, you may be dealing with low testosterone:
- Less interest in sex
- Fatigue
- A decrease in lean muscle mass
- Mood changes, such as irritability
- Erectile dysfunction
- Depression
Note, however, that these are fairly common symptoms for a wide range of problems. Get a full check-up, including a testosterone test, from your doctor. Review any medications you might be taking as well, including:
- Antiandrogens such as spironolactone, which can be used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions.
- Cimetidine, a prescription heartburn treatment
- Steroid hormones, including chronic anabolic steroid use
- Chemotherapy drugs and radiation treatments
- Opioids
- Statins
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Some antiparasitic or antifungal medications such as ketoconazole
Also remember that testosterone naturally declines with age. Don’t be concerned about a decrease in your testosterone levels unless a testosterone test returns a low value.
Trust the Facts, Not the Myths, About Testosterone and Masturbation
There simply isn’t any evidence that masturbation affects testosterone. So, if masturbation is part of your sex life, don’t worry about these claims. If you’re worried about your testosterone levels or your general sexual health, contact your doctor for an appointment.
A medical professional can give you a full workup, help you determine the nature of the problem, and give you a plan to start addressing it.
If you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction, carefully tested prescription medication, such as Viagra, Cialis, or vardenafil, can help.
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eDrugstore can help you find the right FDA-approved medication for your needs and budget. We can even put you in touch with a licensed professional via telehealth to talk about your concerns in a safe space. To learn more about how medication can help, visit our erectile dysfunction page.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about health and related topics but is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Editorial Standards
At eDrugstore, we hold our health content to the highest standards of accuracy and reliability. This article was created and reviewed with information from trusted medical sources, including peer-reviewed journals, reputable research institutions, and established health organizations.
Dan is a long-time freelance writer focusing on technology, science, health, and medicine, with a lifelong interest in physics, biology, and medicine. His work has taken a particular focus on scientific studies “beyond the headlines,” reading the study to more closely examine the results.