NoFap and Testosterone: Debunking the Myth

"Nofap" is a rapidly growing online movement that aims to give up sex and masturbation for an extended period - usually about 90 days. NoFap.com, the epicenter of the nofap-community, is described as a community-based sexual health platform created to assist people in overcoming sexual addiction and compulsive behavior.

However, the reported benefits have widened the scope of nofap far beyond the realms of recovery - from addiction to porn and into more mainstream health and lifestyle initiatives. The advocates of nofap have been promoting numerous physical, mental, and sexual enhancements, including an increase in testosterone levels.

However, is there proof to support this assertion?

Testosterone in males does affect mood profoundly. It has been shown to increase mood, happiness, and motivation. It's connected to growth in muscle in addition to physical endurance—the main reason why the usage of testosterone and synthetic variants is prohibited. In addition, many aspects of male sexual activity are dependent on testosterone. Why wouldn't we join the dots between testosterone and nofap?

The evidence is indisputable.

Two studies continue to surface when research is cited to prove the benefits of abstinence to sexual to boost testosterone levels. In the first study, ten men were asked to test the testosterone levels twice (baseline) before masturbation, in the orgasm (several test results are better than one), followed by 10-minute intervals.

Then, they were given three weeks, during which the men were told to stay clear of "any kind of sexual activity." Following that, it was repeated. Testosterone levels were noted to be more elevated in baseline measurements following abstinence.

Despite the study's findings, however, the sample size of this study was minimal. The rise in testosterone might have resulted from the expectation of sexual arousal during the second test following abstinence. The testosterone levels in the initial baseline test were the same before and after abstinence, and the second measurement is slightly different. Without further information, it's difficult to affirm that abstinence is a boost in testosterone in any way.

Another study revealed an increase of 45% in testosterone levels following the seven-day abstinence. However, this was only a temporary peak that reverted to the same stories before when abstinence was continued and remained that way for a long time. These quick changes in testosterone levels aren't likely to cause lasting changes in men's health and could be primarily used to regulate the development of new Sperm.

Certain studies, however, have found no impact of abstinence on testosterone levels or that testosterone levels increased following sexual activity or masturbation. Testing testosterone before and directly after masturbation in healthy men, they found it was evident that testosterone levels were higher following self-stimulation. However, the effects over time weren't examined. The evidence that links masturbation to increases in testosterone is weak and results in mixed conclusions.

Contrary to the arguments for nofap is the scientifically proven positive effects of sexual activities such as masturbation in terms of health. Endorphins released in the process of orgasm can lead to positive emotions. The act of ejaculation can relieve tension and aid in relaxation and sleep. It can also improve mood, ease stress and cramps in the sexual sphere, and help understand sexual desires and desires better. There may even be a potential defense for prostate cancer by regular ejaculation for men. But the relationship between ejaculation and prostate cancer isn't completely understood yet.

Psychological causes

In reality, masturbation, as it is, does not appear to have any adverse impacts on sexual or general health, but specifically, testosterone levels among men. The problem could lie in excessive masturbation and beliefs about self-pleasure.

Personal experiences of masturbation could create psychological effects that can affect testosterone levels. An increase in depression and anxiety can happen in people who feel guilt after masturbating. This guilt can be based on feeling morally wrong, for example, not being faithful to a partner or experiencing religious conflicts. A study looking into the motives to abstain from masturbation found that the primary motivation to do so was because of the notion that masturbation is unhealthy or inappropriate.

The pressure of depression, anxiety, and guilt could result in a decrease in testosterone levels. In these instances, a person's abstinence can ease.