Urologist and andrologist Jamshed Fozilov has debunked three widespread myths surrounding male masturbation, addressing common concerns over fertility, hormone levels, and sexual health.
Writing on his personal Instagram account, the medical specialist explained that several enduring assumptions about solitary sexual activity lack verified scientific backing.

Fozilov identified the first misconception as the belief that masturbating while watching pornography causes erectile dysfunction. Although researchers have documented an association between the two habits in scientific studies, Fozilov said that a causal link has not been proven.
Erectile dysfunction is defined as the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection adequate for satisfactory sexual performance. In modern healthcare, andrology is the medical discipline that focuses specifically on male reproductive health, hormonal balance, and anatomical disorders.
Hormone levels and male fertility
Addressing other widespread worries, Fozilov stated that masturbation does not lead to a lasting reduction in testosterone levels. He also offered explicit reassurance on reproductive capacity, confirming that the habit does not cause male infertility.
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, vital for regulating libido, maintaining muscle mass, supporting bone strength, and stimulating the production of sperm cells. While hormone levels rise and fall naturally in response to sleep, exercise, and daily biological cycles, medical research shows that ejaculation does not cause permanent hormonal decline.
According to Fozilov, genuine harm arises only when an individual develops compulsive sexual behavior. He concluded that real risks emerge when someone loses control over their urges and can no longer regulate their actions.
Compulsive sexual behavior is recognized in medicine as an impulse control disorder characterized by a repetitive failure to manage intense sexual drives. Clinical specialists note that the condition typically interferes with personal relationships, emotional wellbeing, and daily responsibilities, separating behavioral disorders from standard sexual function.
Theories on brain neuroplasticity
The discussion follows earlier comments by psychologist and sexologist Michael Stock, who evaluated the merits of a theory claiming health benefits from masturbating with the non dominant hand.
The concept proposes that if a right handed individual uses their left hand, or a left handed person switches to their right, the unfamiliar physical movement helps develop neuroplasticity in the human brain.
Neuroplasticity describes the biological ability of the central nervous system to reorganize its structural connections and generate new neural pathways throughout life. Scientists widely recognize that engaging in challenging motor exercises and adopting unfamiliar physical routines encourages cognitive adaptability.
