Among serious bodybuilders, there has long been a debate over whether there is any connection between self-pleasuring and muscle gain. Even among those who rarely lift a dumbbell, there are plenty of jokes about a disproportionate muscle size on the arm with which one self-gratifies. But is there really a correlation between pumping the member and developing muscles? And if so, how might this connection affect one's male organ health routine?

The male hormone connection
Why should self-pleasuring have any effect on muscle growth in men? It's all related to male hormone.

Many bodybuilders use artificial means in order to boost their male hormone levels because male hormone is usually associated with greater gain in muscle. However, it should be noted that there is a great deal of disagreement over whether there is truly a cause-and-effect relationship between more male hormone and muscle gain.

Some studies have indicated that boosting the T-levels does indeed promote more massive muscle; however, other studies have shown that the difference is fairly insignificant, while others have indicated that there really is no benefit.

In other words, there is no definitive answer. And until there is, many men will work under the assumption that the studies showing a connection are correct.

The self-pleasuring effect.
But assuming male hormone affects muscle growth doesn't answer the question of whether manhood play impacts a guy's quest for a great body. Why? Because there are two trains of thought here:

• Self-pleasuring decreases male hormone levels and has a negative impact on muscle growth.
• Self-pleasuring increases male hormone levels and has a positive impact on muscle growth.

The abstinence argument
Those who believe that self-pleasuring decreases male hormone think that refraining from self-pleasuring is necessary. This theory argues that releasing seed produces an immediate decrease in male hormone levels and that men do not regain their pre-release levels for almost a week.

Again, there are some studies the results of which back up this theory. At the least, it does seem true that there is a dip in male hormone following release, although there is some debate as to how long that dip lasts.

The go-for-it argument
On the other hand, there are also some who believe that self-pleasuring aids in building muscle. The basis for this argument is essentially a "use it or lose it" one: The more of a workout that the member gets, the greater a man's overall sensual health. Allowing the manhood to release several times a week may produce some slight dips, but it makes for a healthier rod and an overall higher level of male hormone. Again, there are studies that support this view as well.

Another argument in favor of savoring one's sensual organs is that the release of tension accompanying self-pleasuring helps to relax the muscles and aid in the "downtime" between workouts during which muscles grow.

Different strokes
With no definitive answer, each man will decide what he believes where muscle and self-pleasuring are concerned. But whether or not a man discerns a connection, it is imperative that he not sacrifice manhood health in pursuit of total body health.

One way to keep the rod healthy is simply to add regular use of a quality male organ health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) to one's routine. Working out creates sweat all over the body, and that can cause issues with the member, including persistent odor and skin irritation. A crème that includes vitamin A is well-positioned to fight the bacteria that causes rank manhood odor. At the same time, if the crème contains a high-end emollient (think Shea butter) plus a natural hydrator (vitamin E is excellent), it can help maintain proper male organ skin moisturization and ward off nasty dermatological issues. Let's face it: A ripped torso is an amazing asset, but it won't compensate for an unappealing package when the jock comes off.