Does Edging Increase Testosterone? Yes—But Here’s What Really Happens To Your T-Levels

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Does Edging Increase Testosterone? Yes—But Here’s What Really Happens To Your T-Levels

Marco edging to boost testosterone, illustrating the link between edging and increased T-levels.

Ever heard that keeping the beast caged (yes, edging) turns you into a testosterone-fueled Superman? One study suggests a 145.7% testosterone spike on day 7 of no ejaculation—talk about feeling like King Kong in the gym.

But before you crown edging as your secret sauce for gains, let’s spill the truth on what really happens.

In this article, we'll cover:

  • Discover how edging affects testosterone levels based on scientific evidence.
  • Understand whether it’s good or bad for your sex life and hormonal health.
  • Uncover the truth behind semen retention and testosterone myths.

Does Edging Increase Testosterone? (Yes—Here’s What Science Says)

Marco and Ivy reviewing reproductive anatomy charts, exploring how edging boosts testosterone scientifically.

Edging—bringing yourself near climax without “finishing”—has a rep for juicing up testosterone. So, does holding off really send your T through the roof? Let’s look at what science says in four telling studies.

The 7-Day Testosterone Peak Study

An experiment with 28 men abstaining from ejaculation revealed key findings:

  • Day 1–6: No significant testosterone changes.
  • Day 7: Testosterone levels surged ~145.7% of baseline. (Yeah, I know—I mentioned this already, but c'mon, it's impressive enough to repeat.)
  • After Peak: Levels normalized quickly after climax, highlighting temporary hormone spikes rather than permanent increases.

Brief abstinence or delayed ejaculation can temporarily boost your testosterone—think short-term hormone gains, not long-term solutions. Charging your batteries feels great, but eventually, you've gotta unplug—what happens then?

The Ejaculation Testosterone Surge Study

Controlled studies show ejaculation's real impact on testosterone:

  • Controlled Study 2021: Orgasm (via masturbation) briefly increased free testosterone, preventing typical daily drops (BMC Andrology).
  • 1970s Study: No long-term significant testosterone changes immediately after ejaculation (Healthline).

Ejaculation won’t tank your hormone levels permanently. Instead, it momentarily boosts free testosterone due to hormone balance changes during climax. Finishing isn’t the hormone villain you feared. But how does partnered sexual activity stack up?

The Sex Club Testosterone Study

Research at a sex club provided real-world insights:

  • Participants: 44 men observed or engaged in sexual intercourse.
  • Results: Observers saw an 11% testosterone increase, and active participants experienced a 72% spike (Archives of Sexual Behavior).

Active sexual stimulation significantly boosts testosterone more than passive observation. Practicing edging leverages part of this arousal-induced increase, enhancing your sexual pleasure and overall hormone levels temporarily.

The Sexual Activity & Testosterone Surge Study

Scientific studies demonstrate clear benefits of sexual intercourse for testosterone:

  • Partnered Sex: Significant testosterone increase versus abstinence nights (PubMed).
  • Regular Sexual Activity: Higher baseline testosterone levels in active older men compared to inactive peers.
  • Hormone Signals: Sexual experiences naturally signal hormone production boosts (from pituitary gland stimulation), enhancing sexual health and overall well-being.

Regular sexual activity—including edging—increases testosterone temporarily, promotes hormone balance, improves sexual stamina, and contributes positively to overall health. However, long-term testosterone management requires holistic approaches like medical science, testosterone replacement therapy, stress management, and lifestyle adjustments.

So far, YES, edging (and the arousal that comes with it) can increase testosterone—but mostly in the short term. Now, is this a good or bad thing for you long-term? Let’s weigh the pros and cons.

Is Edging Good Or Bad For Testosterone?

Marco and Ivy thoughtfully considering if edging positively or negatively impacts testosterone levels.

Edging might feel empowering—like you’ve found a cheat code for higher testosterone and mind-blowing orgasms—but is it actually beneficial for your hormonal health and sex life? Let’s break it down.

The Verdict

Edging isn’t a magic testosterone booster, but it’s not harmful either. In moderation, teasing yourself to the brink can offer temporary hormonal perks (as we saw) and sexual benefits (like stamina and intense finish). However, it’s not a substitute for the fundamentals of hormonal health. In short: it’s a mixed bag. Enjoy it if you like, but don’t expect edging alone to turn you into the Hulk.

Now that we’ve summed it up, let’s flex the details—why some say edging rocks, and why others pump the brakes.

Supporting Points

  • Temporary Testosterone Spikes: Edging provides short-term testosterone increases during sexual arousal, enhancing sexual pleasure temporarily (PubMed).
  • Avoiding Post-Orgasm Dip: By delaying climax, you maintain higher free testosterone levels and avoid the immediate hormonal dip that follows ejaculation (BMC Andrology).
  • Psychological Benefits: Edging can boost sexual confidence, reduce anxiety, and improve sexual stamina, indirectly supporting overall hormone balance and well‑being (Healthline).
  • No Permanent Hormonal Changes: Reputable research confirms that edging doesn't cause permanent changes to testosterone levels or lead to hormonal imbalances (Healthline).

Counterpoints

  • No Conclusive Studies: There is currently no conclusive scientific evidence proving long-term testosterone benefits from edging (PubMed).
  • Frequent Ejaculation Myth: Some experts argue that frequent ejaculation does not significantly lower testosterone levels (Healthline).
  • Potential Discomfort: Excessive edging without release can cause discomfort, frustration, and symptoms like epididymal hypertension ("blue balls") (Healthline).

Edging can be a fun tool in your sexual toolkit and give you a short-lived testosterone bump. It’s generally good for confidence and sexual control, and essentially neutral for your hormone health when not taken to extremes. Just remember: edging is dessert, not the main course, when it comes to boosting testosterone.

Speaking of dessert—let's chew on some juicy myths you've probably swallowed about testosterone and sex.

Andrew’s Expert Take On The Common Myths About Testosterone & Sexual Practices

Marco and Ivy intimately discussing common myths about testosterone and sexual practices in bed.

Look mate, myths about testosterone are like bad pickup lines—everyone’s heard 'em, nobody questions 'em, and most are total nonsense. Let's ditch the fluff and set things straight.

Myth #1 - Masturbation Or Frequent Ejaculation Lowers Your Testosterone.

You've heard this one multiple times—masturbate too much and your testosterone and sperm count hit rock-bottom. Supposedly, it wrecks your sex drive, causes low libido, and triggers testosterone deficiency.

Fact

Reality check: Frequent ejaculation doesn’t lower your testosterone or harm your sperm count. Multiple studies involving detailed blood analysis show zero significant hormonal changes from regularly choosing to ejaculate. Trust me—if this myth held water, most guys would be walking zombies, and hmm, most of them are definitely not. Keep calm and carry on.

Myth #2 - The Longer You Abstain From Sex, The More Testosterone You Accumulate Continuously

A lot of dudes think testosterone stacks like interest in a savings account—the longer you wait, the more you get. They figure delaying orgasm indefinitely means infinite T gains, supercharged energy, and more sperm.

Fact

Sorry to burst your bubble, but testosterone peaks around day 7, then drops back to normal. Abstaining forever won't turn you into Superman—it might even lead to lower libido, stress-induced weight gain, or experiencing symptoms like irritability and mood swings. Balance beats extremes every time.

Myth #3 - Edging Or Semen Retention Gives Huge Hormonal Benefits

This myth claims edging and semen retention have magical benefits, like skyrocketing T-levels, preventing premature ejaculation permanently, boosting sperm count, and even ramping up red blood cell production and masculinity in general. Sounds impressive, right?

Fact

Truth is, edging can offer solid orgasm control and help delay climax, enhancing sexual pleasure and confidence—but it won't permanently boost your testosterone or cure a medical condition like testosterone deficiency. Sure, explore edging for its sexual practice benefits, but don't expect superhero-level masculinity or hormonal miracles from just holding back.

Myth #4 - Having Sex Drains Your Energy & Athletes Shouldn’t Have Sex Before Competitions To Keep Testosterone High

Common belief: sex before competing equals energy drained, performance ruined, and lower testosterone. Many athletes still swear by this outdated idea, avoiding sex to supposedly protect their performance.

Fact

Sex before a game won't tank your testosterone or sabotage performance. In fact, sexual medicine research shows athletes having sex pre-competition experience reduced anxiety, better well-being, and—surprise—sometimes even improved performance. Hmm, pretty nice bonus, right? Just don't stay up all night chasing orgasms—sleep matters too.

Myth #5 - Edging Causes Health Problems Like Erectile Dysfunction Or ‘Brain Damage’ To Your Pleasure Response

Some guys believe edging is dangerous, causing erectile dysfunction, brain damage, or permanently messing up your sex drive. Fear of these supposed risks can stop dudes from ever trying it.

Fact

Edging isn't harmful. It's actually used by healthcare professionals to help guys dealing with premature ejaculation and even low libido. You won't damage your brain or lose sensitivity by practicing edging—in fact, you're building stronger orgasm control. Worst-case scenario? You feel a bit frustrated or experience temporary discomfort (hello, blue balls).

Look, myths stick around because they're easy answers—but easy doesn’t equal accurate. Your testosterone isn't as fragile as these myths imply. Keep your sexual practices balanced, don't stress over edging or ejaculation myths, and remember: moderation is king.

Oh, and if you're experiencing significant changes or symptoms you can't explain, get it checked by a healthcare professional—not Reddit. Got it, bro?

Speaking of awkward questions you'd rather not search online—let's hit some FAQs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alright bro, let’s dive into some rapid-fire edging questions—stuff you'd probably whisper awkwardly after your second coffee. Zero judgment here.

How long should I edge to maximize testosterone benefits?

Aim for around 5–7 days max. Longer than that, and edging can feel more like torture than pleasure (trust me). After a week, you’re pushing into discomfort territory and losing the fun. Keep it short, purposeful, and effective.

Is there an optimal balance between edging and ejaculation for testosterone health?

Absolutely. Edge a few times weekly, then reach climax once or twice. This method gives you a nice testosterone spike, better orgasm control, and helps prevent premature ejaculation. Plus, you stay sane—which, hmm, is pretty important.

How does edging compare to weight training for testosterone?

They're totally different beasts. Weight training offers sustained testosterone boosts and shapes your physique. Edging, on the other hand, briefly spikes your hormones and mainly enhances sexual stamina. Use both together—weights for muscle, edging for bedroom confidence.

Can edging affect testosterone differently based on age?

Definitely. Younger guys typically see stronger hormone spikes, extra benefits like a noticeable boost in sex drive, and might even notice edging increase sperm count slightly. Older guys usually experience subtler changes, but edging still boosts sexual pleasure and helps with low libido or mild testosterone deficiency. Either way, edging bad? Nope—just adjust your expectations by age.

Ready to transform from a One-Minute-Man to an all-night stand? Join our exclusive online course “The Lasting System” and overcome performance issues like premature ejaculation (lasting longer) or erectile dysfunction (getting & staying rock hard). Don’t just read about it - master it! Enroll today and start transforming your life. Get started Now!

Andrew Mioch

Andrew Mioch is a certified sexologist and one of the world’s leading sex coaches and best-selling author after spending 10 years learning from experts all over the world.

Andrew has personally coached over 5,000 men. His expertise is regularly sought in publications such as Men's Health, Medium, and Cosmopolitan Magazine.

These days, Andrew spends most of his time coaching clients privately and also through SQL’s online Mastery Academy.


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