Masturbation may have
subtle effects on testosterone levels. However, testosterone levels
result from other factors that relate to elements of overall physical
health. The Masturbation Page website indicates that psychological
factors may have significant influence over testosterone levels. For
example, testosterone levels may rise in men who expect sexual activity
or men who expect to be tested for testosterone levels.
Hormonal Cycle
Ejaculation
results from masturbating to the point of orgasm. According to a study
published in the "Journal of Zhejiang University," ejaculation may set
off a subtle hormonal cycle. Ejaculation that is followed by 6 days of
abstinence may contribute to peak testosterone levels on the seventh day
of after ejaculation. The Zhejiang University researchers discovered
that abstaining from ejaculation for 6 days after orgasm has little
effect on testosterone levels, but testosterone levels reached
approximately 146 percent on the seventh day.
Rises During Masturbation
A
July 2010 "Psychology Today" article concedes that testosterone levels
may rise during masturbation. However, the article suggests that
ejaculation does not significantly affect testosterone levels:
testosterone levels may rise slightly during sexual activity, which
includes masturbation, and levels drop back down to normal levels
afterward.
Rises After Masturbation
According
to an article on the T Nation website, a 1978 study evaluated
testosterone levels in young men after sexual activity. The results of
the study indicated that testosterone levels were slightly higher in
young men after masturbation.
Lower Testosterone Levels
The
Ask Men website published an article that advises against frequent
masturbation. According to the article, men who masturbate frequently or
look forward to masturbating alone on a daily basis may be less likely
to engage in sexual activity with a partner. The article suggests that
solo masturbation or masturbating with pornography regularly may reduce
testosterone levels and reduce sexual partner-seeking behavior due to
lower levels of testosterone.
Higher Precursory Steroid
Masturbation
may increase levels of a testosterone precursory steroid. The Gengo
website indicates that testosterone originates from a steroid called
androsteneione, and androstenedione originates from a steroid called 17
alphahydroxypergnenolone. A study published in the "Academia
Scientiarum Bohemoslavaca" evaluated steroid hormone levels in young men
before and after masturbation-provoked ejaculation. The study found
that most circulating steroid levels did not change after ejaculation,
but circulating 17 alphahydroxpregenolone increased significantly. The
publication does not indicate whether higher levels of 17
alphahydroxypregnolone can result in higher testosterone levels.
No Effect
Masturbation
and sexual activity in general may have no significant effect on
testosterone levels. The TeenHealth website notes that semen is not the
primary source of testosterone, which indicates that ejaculation that
occurs with masturbation does not reduce testosterone levels.
Generally, masturbation does not have any negative effects on hormone
levels. TeenHealth suggests that testosterone levels involve several
factors, such as age, time of day and physical activity.
