Does Nofap Increase Testosterone? What Science (and Real People) Say

The Nofap community has passionate followers who report benefits ranging from improvement in mental clarity to better hair and physical performance. One such common claim is about the effect of Nofap on the hormone testosterone. 

Although most benefits of Nofap are anecdotal and self-reported, the question “Does Nofap increase testosterone?” is worth a detailed consideration. 

What Is Nofap? 

Nofap is an online community-driven abstinence movement. The fap in Nofap refers to male slang for masturbation. The origins of Nofap can be traced to a Reddit forum created by Pittsburgh web developer Alexander Rhodes.

The core mission of Nofap is to support individuals who want to overcome addiction to pornography, masturbation, and other compulsive sexual behavior.

Different levels of Nofap 

A major factor behind NoFap’s popularity is that it offers different levels of abstinence. So, no matter what abstinence goals an individual has, he can get started with a challenge or a mode that works best for him. These structured frameworks and community accountability help the individuals stay disciplined on their NoFap journey. 

1. Soft Mode – Complete abstinence from pornography. Masturbation without porn is allowed. 
2. Classic/Normal Mode – Complete abstinence from both pornography and masturbation. 
3. Hard Mode – Complete abstinence from all pornography and sexual activity, including masturbation and partnered sex.

Why do people join Nofap?

People take up NoFap challenge not only to quit porn, although it’s the most popular reason –

1. Quit porn addiction and compulsive masturbation habits 
2. Boost energy, focus, and motivation
3. Improve social confidence and self-confidence
4. A test of willpower to strengthen discipline and mental toughness
5. To align behavior with spiritual or religious values
6. Rewire the brain or reset dopamine reward pathways. 

Does Nofap Increase Testosterone? 

Before we answer the question, does Nofap increase testosterone? Let’s understand the functions of the hormone testosterone and what factors influence it. 

Understanding Testosterone: A Brief Overview

Testosterone plays a crucial role in male sexual development and well-being. It is considered a holistic marker of male vitality and overall well-being. 

When a man attains puberty, testosterone regulates the development of secondary male sexual characteristics such as deepening of voice, increased muscle tone, and facial hair. Beyond puberty, testosterone helps males produce sperm and maintain their libido.

What Affects Testosterone Levels

Genetic factors have the most influence on testosterone production and function. 

Testosterone levels naturally fluctuate based on factors such as sleep, stress, age, heat exposure, and diet. Even sexual activity causes a brief spike in testosterone before it naturally returns to baseline levels. 

There is no proven biological mechanism that shows the influence of Nofap or abstinence on testosterone levels. However, lifestyle factors do have an interconnectedness with testosterone. So, broader behavior changes adopted during Nofap might have a beneficial effect on the hormone. 

So, any changes in testosterone observed in individuals can not be conclusively attributed to only Nofap. 

Nofap Effects on Testosterone Levels 

Does Nofap increase testosterone?

There is no scientific data to support the claim that Nofap causes any meaningful increase in testosterone. Masturbation does not have any lasting effects on testosterone.

However, the Nofap community continues to rely on anecdotal evidence and theory to connect Nofap and testosterone. Here is a closer look at the different perspectives to understand the science and the myths behind abstinence, Nofap, and testosterone 

Initial Peak and Short-Term Testosterone Spikes

The origin of the question Does Nofap increase testosterone can be traced to a 2003 Chinese study. This small study found that, in the men who did not ejaculate for seven days, the testosterone levels rose by 145.7% (compared to baseline) on the 7th day.  

However, the study has since been retracted, and its findings have not been corroborated by subsequent research. 

Masturbation and Testosterone Fluctuations

The Exton et al. (2001) study found that the baseline level of testosterone was modestly higher after three weeks of abstinence. It is important to note that the data of the study was from only ten men, and the study period was too short (3 weeks). 

Any rise in testosterone after a short-term abstinence is considered part of day to day fluctuation in the hormone and not attributed to Nofap. 

No Long Term Increase – Chronic Abstinence: No Sustained Increase

There is no study to back the claim of a sustained rise in testosterone levels or a higher baseline level of testosterone after abstinence. Any initial spike is a transient blip, and the man’s hormones return to baseline level soon after.

Consider the fact that men with low testosterone levels need hormone therapy and lifestyle changes for treating the condition. In such cases, abstinence alone is mostly ineffective. 

Nofap and Prolactin

Orgasm can cause a dramatic spike in prolactin for the next 10 to 20 minutes. This hormone is associated with sexual satiety and a refractory period. The Nofap community suggests that, as there are fewer prolactin spikes during abstinence, it might improve mood and libido.

However, there is no established link between prolactin levels and testosterone levels. Research has not seen a measurable difference in wellbeing or hormone levels due to prolactin spikes. 

Nofap and Androgen Receptors

Another popular speculation in the Nofap community is the effect of abstinence on the sensitivity of androgen receptors. In rodent research, it was found that androgen sensitivity in certain areas of the brain briefly dipped after sexual activity and returned to normal after two days of abstinence.

The key drawback of the study is that it was conducted on rats and not on humans. Even within the study results, the levels of testosterone itself did not undergo any significant change.  

Anecdotal Reports

Nofap community members often share anecdotal accounts of improvements to energy, confidence, and drive after abstinence. As there is no controlled data to back up this claim, the gains of abstinence are often attributed to a placebo effect.

So, the improvement to mood or physical wellbeing is more likely a result of psychological changes and lifestyle alterations rather than Nofap itself. 

Individual Experience

The anecdotal benefits of Nofap vary from individual to individual. People commonly claim benefits such as an increase in focus, motivation, and confidence. Some individuals also report a spike in aggression and assertiveness.

Some individuals suggest that the subjective experience of increased morning erections during Nofap is linked to higher testosterone. However, there is no research to back these claims. 

Nofap Community Experience

Members of Nofap community forums often report noticeable changes in mood, posture, and energy after one week. It’s a common belief (although without any scientific backing) that testosterone peaks around day 7 of abstinence. 

Members also report ‘alpha energy’, i.e., increased capacity for masculine pursuits such as heavy physical activity. It’s important to remember that experiences shared on Nofap communities are personal stories. They may not hold for everyone. 

Potential Side Effects

While Nofap is not medically harmful, quitting porn and masturbation is not an easy process. In rare cases, members also experience “blue balls” or epididymal hypertension. 

Initially, there is a withdrawal period known as Nofap flatline or Nofap depression. This low can last from two to six weeks, and individuals have symptoms such as insomnia, sexual frustration, and mood swings. The Nofap flatline symptoms can be effectively managed with lifestyle changes such as quality sleep, a nutritious diet, and physical activity. 

What Experts Say About Nofap

Medical and sexual experts agree that normal masturbation habits have no link with testosterone. There is no scientific backing for Nofap’s claims regarding hormonal benefits or other effects on well-being. 

The scientific consensus is that if someone has low testosterone levels, then quitting masturbation alone will not resolve it. For individuals with self-perceived issues regarding sexual function, Nofap can provide an opportunity for structured behavioral change. 

Psychological Factors: Perception vs. Hormonal Reality 

The benefits of Nofap are more likely to arise from perception rather than any real hormonal change. 

1. Improved Self-Discipline and Goal Setting – The behavior changes of Nofap go beyond mere abstinence. They aim at promoting a lifestyle that empowers individuals to take control of their lives. 
2. Reduced dopamine dysregulation – Porn and masturbation can hijack the brain’s reward pathways and keep you in a constant pursuit of pleasure. Nofap breaks these addictive cycles and supports better dopamine regulation. 
3. Placebo Effect and Cognitive Framing – Nofap thrives on a passionate community. Social support and accountability are often responsible for the experiences of well-being during Nofap. 

Nofap and Mental Health: Broader Benefits 

Nofap can provide broader mental health and wellbeing benefits beyond hormones – 

1. By quitting porn and masturbation, individuals report decreased anxiety and depression. The freedom from guilt and shame of porn along with dopamine regulation improves mental health. 
2. Improved attention and productivity are often reported as the result of extra time and mental energy saved by Nofap. The commitment to Nofap often spills into other areas of life and improves overall quality of life. 
3. Nofap enthusiasts often report a stronger sense of control and emotional regulation. Individuals often report greater discipline and control over their sexual urges with regular Nofap practice. 
4.  If you are struggling to find freedom from porn, Nofap can help you break the addictive porn and masturbation cycle. The behavioral changes in Nofap can liberate your brain from dependency on porn. 

How can BlockP help you?

BlockP is the best free porn blocker trusted by millions of users to keep their digital devices porn-free. It supports your Nofap journey by keeping you safe from the temptation of explicit online content. 

It uses AI tools and network-level filtering to block all explicit content (images, text, and video). BlockP not only blocks specific adult websites but also filters explicit content from other websites and social media. You can even set custom keyword blocks to filter content that is personally triggering for you. 

You can add an accountability partner and entrust the password to the App. It prevents you from unblocking the websites or uninstalling the BlockP App. Your accountability partner will also get a notification when you try to access porn.

BlockP supports Nofap recovery by providing meditation prompts and motivational quotes. The focus mode restricts distracting Apps and helps you stay disciplined. BlockP online community is a valuable source of support and inspiration during Nofap.