Millions of men use testosterone replacement therapy to restore low levels and feel more alert, energetic, mentally sharp and sexually functional. A man's general health also affects his testosterone levels. For example, being overweight, having diabetes or thyroid problems, and taking certain medications, such as glucocorticoids and other steroids, can affect levels. Therefore, simply having low levels of testosterone doesn't always mean taking more testosterone.
Starting at age 40, men's testosterone levels begin to decline gradually between 1 and 2% each year. The reduction in testosterone levels is quite common, as more than a third of men over 45 have levels below what is considered normal for their age. Men may notice symptoms of fatigue, depression, or loss of facial and body hair. In addition to decreased muscle mass, lower testosterone levels can also lead to bone fragility, increasing the risk of fractures.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is an injection, patch, or gel of the hormone testosterone to bring the level back to normal. Testosterone is produced in the testes (men's sexual organs) and is responsible for masculine traits. Testosterone levels may be reduced due to physical illness, surgery, or emotional stress, but in these situations, the testosterone level will return to normal once the underlying problem has been treated. Testosterone is related to sexual desire and sexual performance, so if you engage in any sexual activity alone or with your partner, your testosterone levels will temporarily increase before they return to normal levels after reaching orgasm.
One study found that testosterone levels were slightly higher in men after a three-week period of abstinence. However, another small study suggested that frequent masturbation before strength training could provide a prolonged increase in testosterone levels and aid muscle growth, although more research is needed. There have been many studies looking at the benefits or not of treating low testosterone levels with a testosterone replacement method. Clinics with low testosterone levels tend to overtreat and make general recommendations about the patient's total testosterone and not about their individual health needs.
The possibility of a higher risk of heart attack or stroke with the use of testosterone led the FDA to put a warning label on testosterone replacement products. Clinics with low testosterone generally don't detect serious health conditions that can affect testosterone production. While decreased testosterone levels are a normal part of aging, certain conditions can accelerate the decline. Techniques such as yoga, meditation, and regular physical activity can be powerful tools for managing stress and promoting healthy testosterone levels.
However you look at it, there is no proven scientific evidence of long-term negative effects on testosterone levels resulting from masturbation or sexual activity. If you start to notice changes in your weight and energy level despite maintaining the same diet and activities, it's a good idea to call your doctor. The InsideTracker Ultimate+ membership analyzes your health data and identifies ways to optimize testosterone. This means that the body stops producing intratesticular (natural) testosterone and, consequently, sperm production due to the suppression of LH and the FSH.
Doctors diagnose low testosterone levels based on a physical exam, a review of symptoms, and the results of several blood tests, as levels can fluctuate daily. It is possible to have a normal level of total testosterone and experience symptoms of low testosterone levels if this balance is not achieved. If tests confirm a low level of testosterone, referral to a urologist or andrology specialist is usually suggested. In fact, low testosterone levels can have significant consequences and negatively affect quality of life.
