Does Masturbation Decrease Testosterone?

Do you ever feel like your testosterone isn't a high it should be? We know that there are many foods out there that can diminish your T levels. Certain conditions, such as sleep deprivation, can have a similar effect.

Does masturbation decrease testosterone?

Is getting intimate with yourself really that bad for you, or are people just trying to tell you how to live? We've done the research in search of the truth. Keep reading to see what we found out.

The Hands-On Approach

It seems like everyone has an opinion about masturbation.

Some consider it to be a guilty pleasure while others actively condemn it as a sin. Still, some people insist it can lead to real, physiological changes that can be harmful.

Why are we so fascinated by this topic? It is actually bad for you? Let's see what some of the more influential people have to say about this topic

The History of Playing With Oneself

Although masturbation has been condemned by religious types, there is clear evidence that we have been doing it for a very long time.

In fact, prehistoric cave paintings have been found the depict men and women partaking in the act.

We don't know exactly when or where it started it. However, the legend says the person who discovered masturbation didn't leave the cave for five days.

Self Pleasure in the Ancient World

There is plenty of evidence to show that the ancient Sumerians knew how to have a good time. In fact, they believed the God Enki ejaculated through masturbation to create the ever-vital Euphrates and Tigris rivers. 

Furthermore, they believed it was good for you. Both men and women were encouraged to masturbate to boost their sexual desire and potency. The real freaky part is that they used oil with pulverized iron to increase their pleasure.

The Greeks were also avid masturbators and often like to joke about it as depicted in the pottery. In contrast, it was frowned upon in traditional Chinese medicine and philosophy. The Taoist monks claimed it sapped your energy level.

Growing Opposition

However, as the centuries went by, public opinion of sex and masturbation became more conservative in Europe. In particular, the 18th century and the Victorian Era were associated with strong views towards chastity and sexual liberation.

Onanism refers to indecent acts of sexual impurity. It got its name from Onan, a character in the Old Testament that was killed by God because he pulled out and ejaculated outside of his dead brother's ex-wife. 

British Physician and author of A Medicinal Dictionary, Robert James, believed masturbation to be a "deplorable" and "incurable disorder" that leads to "hideous consequences." He also invented "fever powder," a fake medicine that led to the death of at least one person.

Does Masturbation Decrease Testosterone?

Nowadays, most people aren't worried about accidentally slipping into a state of utter sexual deviancy after masturbating too much.

However, we do know about the many crucial physiologic functions that testosterone plays in both men and women. Google searches for testosterone-boosting foods and exercises show you just how much we worry about this.

So, it's understandable that you wouldn't want to be waste your hard work just because you've been accessing the spank bank a little too much. 

Applying the Scientific Method

In order to study the effects of masturbation on the body, scientists have undertaken several investigations to see if masturbating can decrease testosterone.

Generally, they consisted of measuring the T-levels in volunteers that masturbated and compared them volunteers that did not.

Conflicting Evidence

It turns out that, even using clinical studies, the answer isn't always clear cut.

Most failed to showed that masturbation decreased ejaculation. In fact, some showed that people who don't masturbate over actually have lower testosterone after a few months.

However, there are a few studies that show that abstaining from masturbation (and sex) can lead to a spike in testosterone. Studies in rats have suggested that masturbation leads to reduced androgen receptors and increased estrogen action. Yes, we're also wondering how they got rats to masturbate.

Masturbation and Sexual Performance

Many people believe that cutting back on masturbation will lead to an improved libido and stronger erections for men. This could be due to a number of reasons.

For one, after achieving an orgasm, you are less likely to be 'in the mood' for obvious reasons. Also, after ejaculation, men go through a refractory period in which it is much more difficult to become fully erect and achieve another orgasm.

If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction, it is recommended that you attempt to take a break from masturbation and see if there is any benefit.

Masturbation and Muscle Growth

Does your testosterone decrease when your ejaculate leaves your body? Could this affect your muscle growth?

The research suggests that the effect of masturbation is moderate and short-termed. Theoretically, refraining from masturbation for a week could lead to a T-level boost, which, in turn, might help you build muscle.

However, a serious workout regimen and a good diet should help you build muscle, whether or not iron isn't the only thing your pumping.

What Decreases Testosterone Levels?

Although there is still research to determine of masturbation. Testosterone can be reduced through a number of other mechanisms. 

Certain foods are known to sap your testosterone. Depression and anxiety can be detrimental to your T-level and libido.

Getting to the Bottom of It

It was once said that 98% of people masturbate and the other 2% percent are lying. So, does masturbation decrease testosterone? 

It would appear that the real effect of masturbating is rather mild and not permanent. Whether or not you choose to partake is largely a personal decision. But it's better if it's an informed one.

Check out this page to learn how we can help you boost testosterone the natural way.