Testicular Compression Boosts Testosterone (1993)

Trying to take this seriously...

Is there some psychological explanation for elevated T, especially when the subject is aware their testes are about to be crushed by an air bladder? That is, could fear and courage cause a rise in testosterone?

> Serum testosterone levels are increased in athletes after short-term exercise. To investigate whether mechanical compression could contribute to this increase, we subjected 14 male volunteers to mechanical testicular compression via a pneumatic cuff. The serum testosterone levels were sampled at time intervals before, during and after compression. There was a rise in mean serum testosterone levels of 16.7-18.2%, with a maximal increase at 1.5 min after compression was released. Mechanical compression alone did not explain the rise in serum testosterone, although it may have a contributory role.

This should come with a disclaimer that one shouldn't try this when alone. I wish I hadn't tried this, not sure what to do with all this pent up testosterone now.

...I’m good, thanks.

Did this win an Ig Nobel?

Exercise definitely increases testosterone, especially weights, squats are particularly good. I doubt squeezing your balls does anything. Interestingly sunbathing them, does give a significant boost.

The title has been editorialized, the study comes to a different conclusion:

> Mechanical compression alone did not explain the rise in serum testosterone, although it may have a contributory role.

Should've waited till April 1st to publish this.

I suspect the balls are literally being squeezed of residual testosterone, rather than increasing synthesis. It takes about 1.5 minutes for a full cycle of blood circulation.

"Fondling balls increases testosterone"

Ouch...

Thank you, no.

14 heroes