Masturbation

Exploring how masturbation affects testosterone levels, hormonal balance, and overall men's health. Learn what the research says about frequency, recovery, and its impact on fitness performance and well-being.

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Does masturbating lower testosterone? The science behind the myths

Does masturbating lower testosterone? The science behind the myths

Dr. Alexander Grant, MD, PhD avatar
Dr. Alexander Grant, MD, PhD: Urologist & Men's Health Advocate
Dec 12, 2025 · 10 min read

Masturbation does not permanently lower baseline testosterone because the hypothalamus‑pituitary‑gonadal (HPG) axis maintains homeostatic hormone production, and clinical studies show no statistically significant change in systemic testosterone after orgasm. The real story is short‑term fluctuations, such as the often‑misread ~145% spike on day 7 of abstinence, and what that means (and doesn’t) for muscle, mood, ...

Masturbation MET value and BMR: What science shows

Masturbation MET value and BMR: What science shows

Dr. Susan Carter, MD avatar
Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert
Dec 07, 2025 · 16 min read

Frequent masturbation or ejaculation does not meaningfully increase basal metabolic rate, or BMR, in men, and the calories burned are usually small. Based on light activity MET ranges and extrapolation from sexual activity studies, a typical 10 to 15 minute session is often estimated at roughly 15 to 40 kilocalories (about 2 to 3 METs), ...

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