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The benefits of not ejaculating might surprise you.
Men are always looking for an extra edge. It’s in our nature to constantly seek new ways in which we can become better, both at performing labor and tasks, and as human beings. We ‘re constantly striving to improve our well being, most often in one of the following four areas:
- Mental
- Physical
- Spiritual
- Sexual
If in pursuit of any of these, or even all, it may be surprising to learn of the benefits of not ejaculating. While it may seem counterintuitive, abstaining from ejaculation for a set period of time – be it a day, a week, or even months at a time – can have tangible positive effects across many aspects of our lives.
While the conversation around avoiding ejaculation may seem to have gotten much more popular as of late, the truth is the original concept has been around for centuries. Our ancestors began hunting for the physical, mental, spiritual, and other benefits of semen retention far before it became an internet fad. While they may not have known the scientific benefits of not ejaculating like we do today, the notions were evident in the form of Taoism and tantric sex.
Perhaps the best thing about willfully avoiding ejaculation is the fact that there appears to be no downside. Regardless of your own personal reasons for doing so, there are no known health risks associated with prolonged semen retention. On the other hand, there may be several benefits that we are still learning the true extent of today.
What Happens When You Don’t Ejaculate and Commit to Semen Retention?
To put it simply, not that much. Sperm that is not expelled is simply absorbed back into the body. This fact likely has led to the idea that not ejaculating can raise testosterone levels. The additional effects of abstaining from sexual activity or masturbation can go beyond physiology, though.
1. The Mental Benefits of Not Ejaculating
Semen retention proponents cite a myriad of positive mental and emotional outcomes to this practice. You may notice a reduction of stress or anxiety in your daily life, along with a corresponding increase in motivation when it comes to your work, completing projects around the house, or the pursuit of other goals. Perhaps most obvious is the renewed sense of self-control you’ll gain from abstinence.
All of these benefits can be traced back to the aforementioned increase in testosterone levels. Think about how you felt ready to attack every day when you were younger—when your body was secreting T at its maximum capacity. You may be able to recapture some of that same vigor by avoiding ejaculating regularly.
2. The Spiritual Benefits of Not Ejaculating
Many men who have practiced semen retention have reported greater overall happiness and satisfaction in their lives. Others have purportedly experienced deeper, more meaningful relationships with their significant others. They claim that taking the focus away from sexual pursuits allowed them to instead concentrate on the other facets of their love lives, like communication about sex and their lives in general.
While it is nigh impossible to prove these anecdotal assertions, often discussed by the no fap movement and community for example, spending time talking with men who have encountered these benefits themselves can be an eye opening experience for anyone considering following the same path.
3. The Physical Benefits of Not Ejaculating
While there is still a strong need for more research in this area, the bulk of published studies have revolved around the physical benefits of not ejaculating. Unsurprisingly, many of these effects are correlated again with higher levels of testosterone. Things like increases in mood and energy along with decreases in body fat are the same kind of results one might expect from more T.
Perhaps the most exciting news is that the scientific benefits of not ejaculating may manifest more quickly than you’d think. A systematic review of current research conducted in 2018 found that abstaining for less than 24 hours was associated with improved sperm motility.
The longer one doesn’t ejaculate, the more positive the results. The benefits of not ejaculating for a week were explored in 2003. It was found that among the 28 volunteer participants, T levels maxed out on the seventh day. A study conducted two years prior resulted in elevated testosterone levels in those who did not ejaculate for three weeks straight. This all points to the physiological benefits manifesting quite quickly.
Elevated testosterone levels have been linked to the following improvements:
- Thicker hair
- Increased muscle growth
- Greater energy levels
- Improved sperm quality
As mentioned before, these same physical benefits can also aid our mental and emotional states. It is an exciting cycle of positivity that can potentially start after as little as one day of abstinence.
4. The Sexual Benefits of Not Ejaculating
Many men who have abstained from ejaculating for a significant period of time have reported that doing so has actually improved their sex lives. A longer, more intense orgasm is the most often credited result. This belief can be seen in ancient practices like tantric sex, or more modern ones like edging – that is, bringing oneself just to the point of orgasm before stopping and beginning again.
Edging has been reported by the International Society for Sexual Medicine as a method of increasing the pleasurable feeling of orgasm for some men. It may also be beneficial as an exercise to help support in curing premature ejaculation.
Choosing Not to Ejaculate Can Have Many Sexual Health Benefits
There are multiple health benefits for men who decide not to ejaculate—be they mental, spiritual, physical, or even sexual. While more research is necessary to unequivocally determine the time period of these benefits and their exact nature, the bottom line for men who choose to abstain is that they aren’t doing any harm to themselves, making the choice purely personal in nature.
If you have been searching for a way to gain renewed control over your life and possibly experience these health benefits for yourself, deciding not to ejaculate might be the right choice.
The medical professionals at Premier Men’s Medical Center specialize in treating conditions that impact men’s health. Our concierge approach positions your unique case at the centerpoint of our focus. We don’t just give you a pill for ED and send you on your way. We treat the underlying issues that led to conditions such as erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, and more. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
