Does Sex Increase Testosterone? What You Need to Know

Sex is a natural part of life, tied to emotions, connection, and sometimes, just pure human instinct. But most of the time, people find it much more complicated than it should be. 

Between the myths, the assumptions, and the curiosity about how it affects the body, a certain question often comes up lately: does sex increase testosterone?

A certain study did show that men's testosterone levels tend to rise on the days when they engage in sexual activity. There's also one that measured the plasma testosterone every 15 minutes in eight male subjects before, during, and after viewing a sexually explicit film. The results showed an average increase of 35% in testosterone levels, with the peak concentration observed even 60 to 90 minutes after the film ended.

With these findings in mind, it's worth exploring what happens in the body during and after sex, and whether this hormone surge has lasting effects.

Let's break it all down.

How Sex and Testosterone Levels Are Related

Testosterone is often referred to as the "hormone of desire" for a reason: it fuels libido, sperm production, and even physical responses tied to arousal. 

Interestingly enough, the relationship between testosterone and sex is a two-way street or cyclical in nature. While higher testosterone can enhance sexual drive, engaging in sex can also trigger short-term increases in testosterone levels. 

This is why testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is often prescribed for men with low testosterone who experience diminished sexual interest or performance. 

How Sex Affects Hormone Levels

Sex also influences several other hormones that also play important roles in the body:

Oxytocin

This one is known as the "love hormone," which surges during intimacy. It helps deepen emotional bonds, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation.

Prolactin

Prolactin rises after orgasm, contributing to that relaxed, sleepy "afterglow" you get after intercourse.

Cortisol

The stress hormone may drop during sex, especially in a comfortable setting.

Endorphins

Released during intimacy, these natural painkillers boost happiness and ease physical discomfort.

Dopamine

Spikes during arousal, enhancing pleasure, motivation, and reinforcing the emotional reward of intimacy.

So, Does Sex Increase Testosterone?

The short answer is yes. However, it's only temporary, and only does so during moments of arousal and orgasm. 

Regular sexual activity may support a healthy hormonal balance by maintaining the body's natural rhythms, but it's not a standalone solution to have consistently high testosterone. You must incorporate other factors such as diet, sleep, exercise, and stress management in order to hit that goal. In addition, differences in age and overall health may affect testosterone production and individual regulation.

While the link between sex and testosterone is clear, it's essentially just one piece of the puzzle. Healthy lifestyle choices still remain the cornerstone for maintaining balanced hormone levels over time.

Does Lack of Sex Reduce Testosterone?

With all that being said, you may wonder about the opposite. Does the lack of sexual activity reduce testosterone?

The answer isn't straightforward. Not having sex doesn't really cause testosterone levels to drop, but it can influence the natural rhythm of your hormones. Sexual activity and arousal may help in stimulating testosterone production, so going without it for a long time may slightly lower your usual levels. However, this isn't going to be a major or permanent change. 

Is Sex Better on Testosterone?

For those with lower testosterone, boosting the hormone, either naturally through lifestyle changes or medically through therapy, can improve sexual performance and satisfaction. Testosterone helps maintain your libido levels, which aids in achieving erections and enhancing physical responses during intimacy.

However, do take note that too much testosterone does not necessarily mean improved sexual performance. Excessive levels of it can lead to irritability or overconfidence, which may affect you or your relationship negatively.

Does Masturbation Also Increase Testosterone?

The effects of masturbation on testosterone levels are nuanced. It can have subtle, short-term effects on testosterone levels, but it does not appear to have any significant long-term changes like it does with sexual intercourse. 

However, masturbation does have several health benefits that indirectly support well-being and hormone balance, such as:

‍

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved sleep quality
• Alleviated sexual tension
• Enhanced self-awareness of sexual preferences and desires

Does Not Ejaculating for 7 Days Increase Testosterone?

The notion that abstaining from ejaculation for seven days can boost testosterone levels originates from an old study that observed a peak in serum testosterone on the seventh day of abstinence. However, like with other sexual activities, this increase was temporary and the levels returned to normal shortly thereafter. Short-term abstinence may cause a brief surge in testosterone, but it does not lead to sustained elevations.

The Bottomline

Yes, sex, masturbation, and any other kind of sexual activity can increase testosterone levels, but the effect is temporary.

The rise in testosterone occurs during moments of arousal and orgasm, and will return to baseline levels shortly afterward. While engaging in regular sexual activity may support a healthy hormonal balance, it is not a guaranteed way to maintain consistently high testosterone.

To truly optimize the levels of your testosterone, seek a more well-rounded approach, such as making sure you have balanced nutrition, regular exercise, quality sleep, and stress management. These things have a far greater impact on sustaining long-term hormonal health.

Remember, while the answer to the question, does sex increase testosterone, is a resounding yes, it's just one small piece of a puzzle.

Take Charge of Your Health with Craft Men's Clinic

If you're looking for ways to keep your energy, libido, and overall health in balance, trust Craft Men's Clinic to have you covered. While sexual activity can give you a short-term boost, we know that maintaining healthy hormone levels requires a little extra support.

Here at Craft Men’s Clinic, we specialize in testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to help men achieve consistent, long-term results. Our personalized care plans are designed to target your individual needs and goals so you can feel confident, energized, and in control of your health.

Take the next step today. Schedule your consultation with us now and find out how we can help you thrive.

‍