Does masturbation cause testosterone to drop?
How many times have you heard professional athletes say they can't have sex before a big competition? Me, at least, thousands of times. But why? I don't know how much truth there is in this fact, so if you have never understood why sex and sports can't go hand in hand, I'll explain it to you here.
It's all because of the relationship between testosterone and male orgasm ! Sex and masturbation have always been attacked by myths that can cause guilt and shame in people (especially in men ). But, in this case, is it true that ejaculation reduces physical and muscular performance ?
Well, as much as you have heard it, there is no scientific study that supports this belief! Lets start by the beginning:
Testosterone and sexual arousal
During sexual arousal , it is normal for testosterone levels to rise markedly. This fact is important because testosterone is the male hormone and is vital for physical performance and muscle growth , as it stimulates protein synthesis . In addition, it also provides energy to the body and accelerates metabolism . However, although the levels of this hormone increase considerably thanks to male ejaculation , once sexual arousal is over , they stabilize.
However, although testosterone levels do not vary , masturbation or sexual arousal do produce a certain feeling of tiredness in the person because the release of the male hormone causes relaxation and well-being . That is why professional athletes are often prohibited from having sex the night before a competition.
However, it all depends on the person and how sexual abstinence can affect it , since it is more related to the psychological aspect than to the sexual one .
testosterone and masturbation
In any case, there are studies that say that going several weeks without ejaculating can cause a slight increase in testosterone in the blood during sexual arousal , although, apart from this situation, abstinence does not have major consequences on the segregation of testosterone.
Furthermore, masturbation is beneficial for erectile dysfunction , premature ejaculation or penile fibrosis , which is why it is recommended by specialists in these cases.
Therefore, now you know. Rather than a variation in testosterone levels , professional athletes are actually prohibited from any sexual act before a competition due to what male ejaculation can cause psychologically (tiredness and relaxation).
If you want to know more about the relationship between testosterone and sports , keep reading.
