Testosterone is an important hormone produced by both male and female bodies, and it has many key functions [1].
Men produce significantly more, and in their bodies, it helps regulate sex drive, muscle and bone strength, red blood cell production, and supports the testes to make sperm.
Levels typically peak around the age of 20 and then gradually decrease with age — but for some, it can begin earlier.
Men with low testosterone levels (also called t levels) can experience symptoms including reduced libido, poor sleep, thinning hair, low energy, weight gain, low mood and erectile dysfunction [1].
With all of that in mind, it is not surprising that many men want to make sure their testosterone levels are healthy.
One tactic that has been gaining popularity, particularly on social media platforms and forums, is a technique known as edging.
In this article we will explain what edging is, why people do it and the different methods, and aim to answer the question — does edging increase testosterone?
What is edging?
Edging refers to delaying orgasm, either during sexual intercourse or masturbation. It involves engaging in sexual stimulation until the cusp — or 'the edge' — of orgasm, and then stopping just before ejaculation, while still maintaining arousal.
There are several reasons men practice edging and delayed ejaculation.
For some, it is about increasing sexual stamina (particularly if they have struggled with premature ejaculation problems previously) or the length of sexual activity and connection with a partner.
For others, delaying climax can intensify enjoyment when they do reach orgasm.
Many people also believe edging can help with hormonal imbalances and increase testosterone in men.
But is there any science behind this, or is it just another case of social media misinformation?
Does edging increase testosterone?
Semen retention, which can include edging and delaying orgasm, is one of the most popular men's health topics discussed on social media, along with erectile dysfunction, male fertility, and testosterone more broadly [2]. Many of these posts also contain claims about health benefits.
One analysis of social media found the majority of the 'evidence' and 'educational content' shared online about edging is anecdotal, with only a small percentage of educational posts being made by medical professionals [3].
The analysis also found that the information shared about semen retention was the least accurate when compared with other men's health topics.
The lack of accurate information on social media is not surprising. There is very limited scientific research exploring edging, orgasm and hormone levels, and there is currently not sufficient evidence to support the theory that edging increases t levels.
A small number of studies have investigated the links between semen retention, ejaculation, and levels of hormones.
One study, which was based on masturbation, found men recorded higher basal testosterone levels during and after sexual arousal after a 3-week period of abstinence — but this was not specifically based on edging [4].
Other studies have found testosterone levels actually rise after ejaculation, but again, the studies have not been strong enough to definitively say either way [5].
How to boost testosterone levels
Testosterone levels can drop for a variety of reasons. It happens naturally through the ageing process, but can also be due to medical conditions and types of medication, damage to your pituitary gland, obesity, genetic disorders, infections, or damage to the testicles [1].
If you are concerned about your sperm count or hormones, there are several steps you can take to both check and maintain your health.
Firstly, if you have noticed significant changes in your body or have any reason to be concerned, you should speak to a medical professional about your symptoms and consider a blood analysis.
If your levels are below a healthy range, you could consider a treatment such as testosterone replacement therapy, which your doctor can guide you through.
If you are looking to maintain healthy hormone levels and support your immune system, a supplement such as Pilot's T-Support could help.
The daily supplement is packed full of vitamins and minerals, with hero ingredients including zinc, vitamin B6, magnesium, ashwagandha, manganese, and selenium.
It is designed to support sperm health, reduce free radicals formed in the body, and promote emotional balance.
Does edging increase sperm count?
As we have mentioned, one of the roles of testosterone in the male body is supporting sperm production and fertility [6].
So in theory, anything that increases the testosterone will likely increase your sperm count. However, as we have mentioned, there is not sufficient scientific research into edging and whether it increases hormone levels.
And when it comes to reputable research, there is no real scientific evidence to say whether edging can help you produce more sperm, or increase the quality.
Other benefits of edging
As we have mentioned above, people practice edging for a variety of reasons.
For men who have struggled with orgasm control and reaching a climax earlier than they want, practising edging can help prevent premature ejaculation and improve sexual stamina.
Some people also report that edging — or delaying orgasm — can increase the pleasure they feel when they do eventually climax.
It can also lead to an improved connection with your body if practising solo, or your connection with your partner if you are delaying reaching orgasm as a sexual practice together.
Potential risks of edging
So we all understand that while some social media claims about edging might not necessarily be true, it does have a number of benefits.
But what about risks — is edging bad or harmful in any way?
Some claims suggest that preventing or delaying orgasm can cause the condition 'blue balls' (also known as epididymal hypertension), which some believe may be harmful [7].
While this can cause mild pain, discomfort or feelings of heaviness, it is not thought to be seriously damaging (although if you are experiencing severe pain or regular testicular discomfort, you should speak to a doctor).
The other potential risks of edging are not physically dangerous, but there is a chance you might push it a little too far, and lose arousal entirely — so it could be a bit of a mood killer!
Practising edging with a partner also requires very clear communication and cooperation, and could potentially put a little bit of unwanted pressure or tension on your relationship in the moment — so that's something else to keep in mind.
Ways to practice edging
There are several different methods of edging and ways to delay orgasm [8]:
Stop-start method
The stop-start method is arguably the most simple and straightforward and can be done solo while you masturbate, or with a partner.
It involves stimulation of the penis until the point that you are almost reaching orgasm, and then stopping until the pre-orgasm sensation goes away. Then, begin stimulation or sexual activity again, and repeat.
Squeeze method
The squeeze method could also be done with a partner but might be a little easier solo.
In this method, the penis is stimulated, and when you feel ejaculation approaching, gently squeeze around the head until the arousal begins to go away. You can then wait for about 30 seconds and begin the process again.
Ballooning method
The ballooning method might sound a little funny, but it is nothing too crazy!
Rather than stimulating the whole penis in a typical 'up and down' motion, this involves rubbing or stroking a particularly sensitive area or 'sweet spot' until you get an erection and begin feeling like you might ejaculate soon. Then pause, allow the erection and arousal to subside, and repeat.
These are just some of the most common methods, but there are plenty of other ways you can explore edging with yourself or a partner. Like many things, it is all about what feels good for you.
While it should not be used as a medical treatment and is not considered a reliable way to boost testosterone, it can be a healthy way to add a bit of fun to your sex life — and who doesn't want that?
Image credit: Pexels/Mizuno K
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