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How do masturbation and low testosterone affect erections?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 23-year-old male. I am facing erectile dysfunction due to excessive masturbation and low testosterone levels.

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Georges Hany Kozah

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Georges Hany Kozah is an experienced Lebanese Gynecologist with an MD from The Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences (2016) and a Fellowship completed in 2022. Specializing in high-risk obstetrics, advanced ultrasound, oncology, colposcopy, and hysteroscopy, he combines expertise with a patient-centered approach. Passionate about women’s health, Dr. Kozah strives for excellence and optimal outcomes in collaborative, innovative care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

You are 23 years old and dealing with erectile dysfunction (ED) and low testosterone, possibly linked to excessive masturbation. While it is understandable to be concerned, the good news is that this can often be reversed with lifestyle changes and proper management. Excessive masturbation and porn use can lead to porn-induced ED (PIED) or desensitization to real sexual experiences. Low testosterone levels can result from poor diet, lack of exercise, stress, or sleep issues rather than just masturbation. Psychological factors such as anxiety about performance, stress, and guilt can also worsen ED.

To improve ED and boost testosterone naturally, reducing masturbation and porn use is essential. Trying to avoid porn for at least 30 to 60 days can help reset sensitivity. If needed, switching to occasional mindful masturbation without porn may be beneficial. Engaging in strength training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts can significantly increase testosterone levels. Getting seven to nine hours of sleep per night is crucial, as poor sleep can lower testosterone by 10 to 15 percent. A healthy diet rich in protein, healthy fats, zinc (found in oysters and nuts), and vitamin D is also important. Sunlight exposure or vitamin D supplements can help improve testosterone levels and mood. Managing stress and anxiety is necessary, as high cortisol levels reduce testosterone and affect erection quality.

Certain natural testosterone boosters like ashwagandha and fenugreek may help by reducing stress and increasing testosterone and libido. Additionally, pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels, can strengthen erections and improve control. If ED persists for more than three months, or if symptoms like extreme fatigue, low muscle mass, mood swings, or loss of morning erections occur, it may be necessary to see a doctor. Blood tests confirming low testosterone levels below 300 ng/dL indicate the need for medical intervention. Consulting a urologist or endocrinologist can help determine whether hormone therapy or medications like testosterone boosters or PDE5 inhibitors are necessary.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At May 20, 2025
Reviewed At February 24, 2026

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Georges Hany Kozah is an experienced Lebanese Gynecologist with an MD from The Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences (2016) and a Fellowship completed in 2022. Specializing in high-risk obstetrics, advanced ultrasound, oncology, colposcopy, and hysteroscopy, he combines expertise with a patient-centered approach. Passionate about women’s health, Dr. Kozah strives for excellence and optimal outcomes in collaborative, innovative care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Georges Hany Kozah is an experienced Lebanese Gynecologist with an MD from The Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences (2016) and a Fellowship completed in 2022. Specializing in high-risk obstetrics, advanced ultrasound, oncology, colposcopy, and hysteroscopy, he combines expertise with a patient-centered approach. Passionate about women’s health, Dr. Kozah strives for excellence and optimal outcomes in collaborative, innovative care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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