• Porn testosterone

  • Sources:

    The effects of pornography on testosterone and related behaviors are complex. Dr. Andrew Huberman from the discusses several aspects:

    1. Testosterone Increase: Observing sex, such as through pornography, results in slight increases in testosterone, about 10% during the observation. However, actual participation in sex results in a more significant increase, around 70% 1.

    2. Prolactin and Libido: Pornography and masturbation to ejaculation can raise prolactin levels, which in turn blunt libido. Frequent engagement, such as daily or multiple times per day, can be detrimental to hormone profiles, particularly reducing libido and testosterone through the inhibition of hormone release 2.

    3. Brain Wiring: Frequent consumption of pornography can lead to brain wiring changes where individuals become more aroused by watching others have sex, rather than engaging in sexual activities themselves. This can impact sexual motivation and real-world interactions due to the strong dopaminergic drive of pornographic content 2.

    Overall, while there is a modest increase in testosterone when watching pornography, the overall hormonal and behavioral impacts, especially with frequent use, tend to be negative.