A few things about masturbation are certain: it's normal, it is common and for some people it is a completely healthy part of everyday life. What is far less certain and the subject of plenty of anxious late night searching is whether it comes with a hidden cost. Does masturbation cause low testosterone and could regular self pleasure be quietly draining the hormone responsible for muscle, libido and energy?
It is a fair question and one that Australian men ask their GPs more than you would think. So we have gone through the actual clinical research not forum threads or wellness influencers to give you a clear & stat based answer. Here is what the science says about masturbation and testosterone levels, what genuinely causes low testosterone in men and when it is worth speaking to a doctor.
What Is Testosterone?
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone & produced mainly in the testes. It plays a role in far more than sex drive, it helps regulate muscle mass, bone density, red blood cell production, body hair, fat distribution and mood.
Testosterone levels are not fixed. They naturally rise and fall across the day and they follow a broader lifetime pattern: production peaks in early adulthood, plateaus through a man's twenties and thirties and then begins a slow and gradual decline.
What Counts as "Low Testosterone"?
Low testosterone or male hypogonadism is a situation when testes are not producing enough testosterone. It is not just about having low testosterone levels as measured by the blood test; rather, the diagnosis of low testosterone is made on the basis of testosterone levels and physical symptoms, as the testosterone reference levels depend on age, laboratory and time of day, according to HealthyMale.
Age group | Typical total testosterone (Australian labs) |
20 to 40 years | Approx. 15 to 30 nmol/L |
40s to 50s | Gradual decline of roughly 1% to 2% per year from age 30 |
Androgen deficiency | Affects between 1 in 20 and 1 in 200 men |
Low testosterone & age related | 1 in 1,000 (40 to 49), 1 in 170 (50 to 59), >1 in 30 (60 to 69), 1 in 20 (70 to 79) |
Does Masturbation Decrease Testosterone? Here's What the Research Shows
Short answer is no, not in any meaningful way. There is no solid evidence to support the claim that masturbation leads to a long-lasting decline in testosterone levels. Research shows evidence of a series of minor transient fluctuations, and the results of studies are indeed mixed.
The key clinical studies
- A study performed in Germany in 2001 followed healthy males during three weeks of sexual abstinence, concluding the contrary; that is, testosterone level increased after orgasm induced by masturbation.
- A controlled randomized crossover trial reported in the journal Basic and Clinical Andrology (2021) examined total testosterone, free testosterone and cortisol before and after masturbation in healthy young men. There was a significant difference in free testosterone level among groups but no significant changes in the ratio of free testosterone and total testosterone to cortisol and the total testosterone level remained unchanged.
- The PubMed/NCBI older studies, dated back to the 1970s brought contradictory results, some of them showing no effect of masturbation at all and others detecting a temporary increase in testosterone, thus illustrating inconsistency in this area of research.
In summary, the findings of research point to one conclusion: changes in testosterone level associated with masturbation are temporary and small and do not constitute a long term deficiency.
Masturbation and Testosterone: Myth vs Fact
Common claim | What the evidence actually shows |
Masturbation permanently lowers testosterone | No long term drop has been demonstrated in clinical studies |
Frequent masturbation causes low libido | Not supported by evidence when done outside of compulsive patterns |
Masturbation causes hair loss or acne | No established hormonal link, genetics and DHT sensitivity drive hair loss |
Abstinence "builds up" testosterone for muscle gain | No clinical evidence that short term abstinence meaningfully boosts strength gains |
Masturbation is inherently harmful to health | Recognised by Australian health authorities as a normal, low risk sexual behaviour |
So What Actually Causes Low Testosterone?
The cause of low testosterone levels in males in Australia is attributed to the aging process and some modifiable lifestyle factors and health problems:
- Natural aging, testosterone level decreases by about 1% to 2% every year after 30 years old
- Obesity and excess fat especially abdominal obesity
- Type II diabetes and insulin resistance
- Chronically elevated stress hormones
- Too much alcohol
- Certain drugs, hormonal disorders, genetic diseases (e.g. Klinefelter syndrome)
- Poor sleep and inactivity
The MAILES study in Adelaide investigated the role of testosterone in more than 2,000 men aged 35 to 80 years and showed that the risk of developing type II diabetes is significantly lower (42%) for men whose testosterone level is above 15.5 nmol/L.
Signs and Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Low testosterone does not always have clear symptoms, but common ones are
- Men’s libido decrease
- Erectile dysfunction or changes in sexual behavior
- Constant fatigue and exhaustion
- Loss of muscle mass and power
- More fat
- Depression, irritability, and poor concentration
- Lowered bone density
The Real Benefits of Masturbation
Contrary to being looked upon as a taboo, masturbation is regarded as a natural, healthy sexual practice and comes with many important advantages according to government health experts in Australia such as Better Health Channel (Victorian Department of Health):
- Boosts the levels of endorphins in the body which promotes relaxation as well as mental health
- Enhances quality of sleep
- Minimizes stress levels
- Raises confidence levels and self esteem
- It does not pose any risk of sexually transmitted diseases or unwanted pregnancy
How Is Low Testosterone Diagnosed?
Low testosterone cannot be diagnosed easily since doing a blood test is not enough to confirm it. Since testosterone levels are constantly fluctuating during the day and are different in people of different ages, weights and health, doctors usually:
- Gather full medical history of the patient and check the symptoms
- Order testosterone test in the morning and possibly do another one to verify the results
- Study such health indices as weight, blood pressure and blood sugar
- Gather test results and symptoms for correct diagnosis
Treatment Options for Low Testosterone
When doctors find out that a person suffers from testosterone deficiency and the treatment depends on the level of testosterone and the cause of the deficiency. It might include some change in the way of living or treating the illness. In certain cases, TGA-approved testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has to be administered.
Changes in lifestyle that can help boost levels of testosterone include:
- Consistent resistance and cardio exercise
- Keeping a weight at optimum level
- Cutting down on alcohol
- Managing stress
- Getting enough quality sleep
Does your testosterone level worry you?
Directmed uses Australian doctors who are registered by AHPRA to assist people with their needs through online assessment. Get connected with the doctors and have them identify your condition, conduct tests and provide a solution for your problem.
FAQs About Does Masturbation Cause Low Testosterone
Does masturbation cause erectile dysfunction?
There is no apparent connection between masturbation and erectile dysfunction. ED is thought to be related to factors such as cardio health, stress, medication effects and underlying health issues.
Can stopping masturbation increase testosterone?
Staying off masturbation for a short time does not seem to have any impact on levels of testosterone. Other studies have shown fluctuations in testosterone levels during ejaculation, but this does not lead to sustainable changes in testosterone levels.
How often is it normal to masturbate?
There is no specific answer to this question, though it appears that people who experience problems related to their regular activity of masturbation should seek help from a healthcare professional.
What are the early signs of low testosterone?
Common early signs are decreased libido, continual fatigue, low mood and tough time constructing or keeping muscle bulk. These signs could be a result of other health issues; hence, testing is the only factor that could confirm the low testosterone diagnosis.
Should I see a doctor if I think I have low testosterone?
Yes, in case of experiencing multiple symptoms of low testosterone, the doctor could conduct necessary blood tests and help find out whether there is a need for therapy for some underlying condition.
Does masturbation cause hair loss?
No scientific studies prove that masturbation leads to hair loss. The leading causes of hair loss are inheritance and sensitivity to DHT, which is not affected by the frequency of masturbation.
Does masturbation affect muscle growth or gym performance?
Masturbation is not known to reduce testosterone in a way that means that muscle building is hindered. There are no studies that demonstrate that stopping masturbation before physical training results in increased muscular strength and growth.
Is masturbation good or bad for your health?
Australian health authorities state that masturbation is a normal, harmless sexual practice. It has such positive effects as relief of stress, better sleeping at night and a good mood, with no negative health effects when used with caution.
Can masturbation cause fatigue or tiredness?
There is no evidence proving that masturbation causes prolonged fatigue. The short feeling of tiredness right after orgasm is just a biological reaction.