Endocrine response to masturbation-induced orgasm in healthy men followinga 3-week sexual abstinence

This current study examined the effect of a 3-week period of sexual abstine nce on the neuroendocrine response to masturbation-induced orgasm. Hormonal and cardiovascular parameters were examined in ten healthy adult men durin g sexual arousal and masturbation-induced orgasm. Blood was drawn continuou sly and cardiovascular parameters were constantly monitored. This procedure was conducted for each participant twice, both before and after a 3-week p eriod of sexual abstinence. Plasma was subsequently analysed for concentrat ions of adrenaline, noradrenaline, cortisol, prolactin, luteinizing hormone and testosterone concentrations. Orgasm increased blood pressure, heart ra te, plasma catecholamines and prolactin. These effects were observed both b efore and after sexual abstinence. In contrast, although plasma testosteron e was unaltered by orgasm, higher testosterone concentrations were observed following the period of abstinence. These data demonstrate that acute abst inence does not change the neuroendocrine response to orgasm but does produ ce elevated levels of testosterone in males.