As we grow, our bodies undergo changes mainly caused by hormones. According to physiology, at around 7 weeks of the fetus's growth, the testosterone hormone is produced, which induces the growth of the male genitals and the prostate.
A newborn child is characterized as male majorly due to the sexual development that entails an increase in libido. Enlargement of the penis and testes.
All this is attributed to the testosterone hormone, which also regulates secondary male features at puberty, such as vocal deepening, skeletal muscle growth, bone density, and hair growth.
Beyond physical maturation, the testosterone hormone regulates libido, fertility, and erections. With advances in the male age, the production of testosterone reduces, leading to changes in physical health and emotional well-being.
This decrease has led most men to seek medical and natural ways to increase their testosterone levels, majorly because of bedroom performance issues, which are key in relationships and marriage.
This article will investigate the debate around the real impact of sexual activity on testosterone levels. It will provide deeper insights into the link between sexual activity and testosterone levels.
What is Testosterone?
Testosterone is a steroid hormone produced in the testicles in males and ovaries in females; however low levels.
It is characterized as androgen as it signals the body to initiate the growth of male reproductive organs such as the penis, prostate gland, and testes.
Testosterone plays an essential role throughout the growth of the male body:
- During fetal development, it is responsible for the growth of male external and internal reproductive organs such as the testicles and the penis.
- At puberty, it is associated with the deepening of the voice, increase in height, and growth of the hair around the pubic area, underarms, and face. It also triggers sexual drive due to an increase in sex drive.
- In adults, testosterone contributes to the production of sperm, new red blood cells, increase in body mass and strength.
Although it is more prominent in males, it aids in the secretion of hormones essential for the menstrual cycle in women.
Normal Testosterone Levels
While the testosterone hormone plays a key role in the male body, its levels vary depending on the testing method, age, sex, medications, or hormonal imbalance.
According to research, normal testosterone levels in men aged 20-44 years old fall within 265 to 923 ng/dl( nanograms per deciliter). Testosterone levels rise during the ages of 20 to early 30 and gradually decrease after the age of 30.
A decline in testosterone levels may be a result of inadequate function of the endocrine system, lifestyle changes, or health problems.
According to the Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, stress can lead to the production of high cortisol, lowering the production of testosterone.
High testosterone levels beyond the normal range may be attributed to steroid use, certain medications, and adrenal or testicular tumors.
The Effects of Sexual Activity on Testosterone
Research Insights on Sex and Testosterone;
Testosterone is responsible for male sexual health in aspects of erectile function, libido levels, and orgasm.
There exists a bidirectional relationship between testosterone and sexual function; higher testosterone levels are linked to high sexual desire, while also sexual activities and experiences affect testosterone levels.
Masturbation as a sexual activity may potentially increase one's testosterone levels short-term and then fall back after orgasm. A study in the Journal of Endocrinology indicates masturbation has no direct long-term effects on testosterone levels.
Another study highlights that although sexual thoughts enhanced sexual arousal, they did not have any change in testosterone or cortisol levels.
Sexual activity may be viewed as potentially boosting testosterone levels as it is a form of exercise. The real sense is that sex positions may not increase testosterone levels as they are not attributed to strength training, which boosts testosterone levels.
Although sexual activity may increase testosterone levels, the magnitude may vary depending on the intensity of sexual activity and individual attributes, among other factors.
Factors Influencing Testosterone Levels
Frequency of Sexual Activity
Unlike men, women encounter an increase in testosterone levels with an increase in the frequency of intercourse.
Testosterone in men drives them to desire sexual activity; however, it decreases with an increase in sexual encounters due to the desire for fulfillment. The frequency of sexual intercourse does not have a sustained effect on baseline testosterone levels for men.
Emotional and Psychological Factors
When the body is stressed, it releases cortisol hormone in large amounts, which reduces the production of testosterone.
Even though Stress is part of life, it contributes to behavior such as drinking, smoking, and unhealthy eating, which lead to obesity, mental health problems, and diabetes linked with low testosterone levels.
Long-term stress may boost feelings of irritability, depression, and lack of morale, affecting sexual arousal libido and promoting erectile dysfunction.
It may also contribute to hypogonadism, a health condition where the body fails to produce adequate testosterone.
Physiological Benefits of Sex
Other Benefits of Sexual Activity
According to psychologist Kia-Rai Prewitt, PHD majority of people engage in sex majorly for pleasure and intimacy.
Sex boosts self-confidence and self-esteem thus acting as a stress reliever. Regular sexual activity boosts blood flow, enhancing memory and mental sharpness.
Oxytocin and endorphins released during sex are helpful in mitigating signs of depression. Endorphin hormone helps to lower blood pressure as it promotes the dilation of blood vessels, enhancing blood flow.
The activity of lovemaking activates the release of dopamine, which lowers blood pressure, reduces anxiety, and enhances cardiovascular health.
Frequent sexual encounters are associated with improved sleep quality due to the release of oxytocin and prolactin hormones. Prolactin promotes feelings of satiety and relaxation, contributing to better sleep.
Oxytocin influences the sleep cycle as it creates a soothing effect and improves intimacy bonding, promoting a decrease in cortisol, a stress hormone.
Quality sleep is important for stress management and overall mental health.
Sexual activity promotes a feeling of security and safety, reducing nighttime anxiety. Sex creates a peaceful atmosphere for rest, ultimately improving mental health and sleep quality.
Sexual activity boosts the production of antibodies, which protect the body from infections. Frequent sexual experiences may boost one's immunity due to the increase in immunoglobulin levels.
Consensual sex enhances emotional closeness, helping relationships and connections have a lasting bond.
Trust, pleasure, and satisfaction during sexual activity pave the way for fostering communication between partners.
The Role of Arousal
The arousal process causes the release of estrogen, which lubricates the vaginal lining, and testosterone, which increases libido levels.
During arousal, the neurotransmitters in the brain release dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin hormones, which enhance intimacy, pleasure, and emotional connection.
Aside from the adrenal glands producing sex hormones during intimacy, it also releases cortisol, a stress hormone. Cortisol may further affect mood, arousal, and sexual behavior.
High cortisol levels during sexual activity may potentially reduce libido and testosterone.
The intensity of sexual arousal may elevate heart rate and blood pressure due to the release of adrenaline.
Conclusion
The relationship between sex and testosterone levels is complex as it influences desire, sexual function, and overall health.
In men, testosterone is an essential hormone that helps maintain erections, enhancing arousal and interest.
While sexual activity may increase testosterone levels, its frequency may have long-term effects despite reducing with age.
Testosterone is critical in achieving quality orgasm and sexual satisfaction. It also has lasting effects on physiological and psychological well-being.
Although a decline in testosterone levels is common in men, women experience a decline in testosterone, particularly during menopause.
Factors such as anxiety, depression, exercise, and health conditions such as diabetes or obesity can negatively influence testosterone levels and overall sexual function.
Understanding the interplay between testosterone and sexual health is important as it may enhance the quality of life.
FAQs
Does testosterone affect libido?
Yes. The testosterone hormone is responsible for regulating sexual desire and thus is linked to libido levels in men and women.
Can sexual activity influence testosterone levels?
Sexual activity temporarily leads to spikes in testosterone levels, especially in men. Although body responses vary, increased sexual activity may maintain normal testosterone levels over a while despite advances in age.
Does age affect testosterone levels?
Yes. Testosterone levels tend to decline with age in men and women, a phenomenon referred to as andropause.
What factors can lower testosterone levels?
Factors such as stress lead to elevated cortisol levels and reduced testosterone production. Obesity, lifestyle changes like smoking, and excessive drinking can contribute to low testosterone levels.
How can I maintain healthy testosterone levels?
Testosterone levels can be maintained naturally by regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a healthy weight and diet. One can also consult with a healthcare practitioner on testosterone replacement therapy.