does masturbation decrease testosterone?
Views from Some Doctors(does masturbation decrease testosterone):
Generally, masturbation does not lead to a decrease in testosterone levels. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. Excessive masturbation could potentially cause a drop in testosterone, with more specific details as follows: Under normal circumstances, if masturbation is not excessively frequent, it generally does not cause a decrease in testosterone levels.
Testosterone, clinically referred to as the male hormone, is crucial for men. It plays a significant role in maintaining male characteristics. A decrease in this hormone might lead to feminization. However, if masturbation is too frequent, it can indeed lead to a decrease in testosterone levels. Masturbating multiple times within a day and maintaining this habit over a long period can significantly reduce male hormone levels, affecting sexual function and leading to issues such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. Therefore, it’s advised not to masturbate excessively, ideally not exceeding twice a week. Engaging in physical exercise, avoiding harmful stimuli, cultivating good habits and hobbies, diverting attention, and wearing loose underwear can effectively reduce the frequency of masturbation.
Views from Other Doctors(does masturbation decrease testosterone):
Masturbation, generally referring to self-pleasure, and testosterone, referring to testicular hormone. Occasional masturbation does not lead to a decrease in testicular hormone; however, frequent masturbation or improper techniques might.
1.No: Testicular hormone is an important sex hormone that affects bone density and muscle strength. A decrease in this hormone could lead to fatigue and reduced bone density. Generally, occasional masturbation without harming the body does not result in a decrease in testicular hormone.
2.Yes: Frequent masturbation or improper techniques could overstimulate testicles or ovaries, affecting the secretion of testicular hormone, leading to a decrease. Symptoms of reduced testicular hormone include decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. Patients are advised to adjust their diet, establish regular habits, and under medical guidance, use treatments like testosterone undecanoate injection or testosterone propionate injection.
Normal Testosterone Levels by Age:
- For adolescents, the normal range is 260-1590ng/dl; for middle-aged men, it is 210—750ng/dl. Male hormone levels gradually increase from puberty, reaching a peak during sexual maturity, primarily produced by the testicular interstitial cells, with 5% from the adrenal glands.
- For men over 50, the healthy range is 210—750ng/dl. Testosterone levels start to decline around the age of 50, with 25% to 35% of men aged around 70 having levels below the normal range.
Causes of Decreased Testosterone:
- Aging: A decline in testosterone is common among the elderly, partly physiological.
- Intense Exercise: Long periods of intense exercise can lead to exhaustion and a consequent drop in testosterone.
- Chronic Diseases: Almost all chronic diseases,(hyperlipidemia) especially those affecting the liver, kidneys, and cardiovascular system, can lower testosterone.
- Lifestyle: Poor lifestyle choices like staying up late and overeating can lead to a decrease in testosterone.
- Other Factors: Stress, anesthesia, and certain medications can also lower testosterone levels.
How to Increase Testosterone?
Aside from medication for physiologically decreased testosterone, there are ways to naturally boost its secretion, which are healthier and provide other health benefits.
- Ensure Adequate Sleep: The highest levels of testosterone secretion occur during REM sleep, so sufficient sleep promotes its production, and high-quality sleep helps maintain optimal levels.
- Engage in Proper Exercise: Correct and appropriate exercise significantly affects testosterone levels. Weightlifting, squats, combined with aerobic exercise, can increase testosterone levels.
- Consume Quality Fats: Testosterone is a steroid hormone, and consuming quality fats can promote its secretion. Include dairy, eggs, nuts, and fish in your diet.
- Avoid Smoking and Drinking: Long-term smoking and drinking are harmful and can accelerate organ aging and inhibit testosterone secretion. To boost secretion, avoid these habits.
Some health care products can also temporarily increase testosterone levels. If you need to know, you can visit the manufacturer’s website.