Everything you need to know about semen retention
As humans, we’re all guilty of chasing the next big thing to give us that competitive edge in achieving optimal health. Whether it’s through dietary, fitness, sleep, or lifestyle changes, the compass of health can send the average man chasing health gains in all types of directions. And one technique that may have popped up on the radar is that of semen retention, an ancient practice of intentionally abstaining from ejaculation for benefits of health. But is it healthy to abstain from ejaculation? And what are the benefits of semen retention?
Here’s everything you need to know about semen retention.
What is semen retention?
Semen retention refers to the intentional avoidance of ejaculation to boost male physical, mental, and spiritual energy. Semen retention can be achieved by abstaining from sexual activity altogether, stopping sexual activity before the point of ejaculation, or learning to orgasm without ejaculating. Semen retention is nothing new. In fact, it’s a technique hailing from many ancient practices, including maithuna (Hindu Tantra), sahaja (Hindu Yoga), karezza (Italian), cai Yin pu Yang (Taoist), and perhaps the most well-known, tantra (Hinduism and Buddhism).
What happens to the semen?
Normally the process of ejaculation involves the sperm travelling from the testes through to the vas deferens where it mixes with seminal fluid before continuing through the urethra and releasing through the head of the penis. If you’re wondering whether semen that was due for release via ejaculation stores or builds up in the body, rest easy knowing that when a person abstains from ejaculation the semen is broken down and reabsorbed by the body.
Why do people practice semen retention?
For some, semen retention is the ultimate challenge of self-control. For others, reasons to experiment with semen retention fall into categories of mental health, physical health, spiritual health, or a combination of all three. Semen retention allegedly helps to:
Mental Health
- Increase motivation
- Improve energy
- Boost self-confidence
- Reduce anxiety
- Improve focus and concentration
Physical Health
- Increase testosterone
- Improve weight loss
- Increase muscle mass
- Physically rejuvenate
- Clear skin
Spiritual Health
- Develop a greater sense of purpose
- Build stronger or deeper emotional bonds in relationship with oneself
- Build stronger or deeper emotional bonds in relationships with others
- Create an overall sense of internal peace
Are there any science-backed health benefits of semen retention?
Currently, scientific evidence to support the health benefits of semen retention is lacking and sometimes contradictory. That doesn’t mean the benefits of semen retention don’t exist. It means more research is required to provide concrete advice on the topic.
Some studies to note:
- This 2018 systemic review found evidence to suggest an abstinence period of less than a day is linked to an improvement in sperm mobility when compared to the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO). Thus, shortening the abstinence period may prove to be a beneficial method to improve sperm quality.
- Androgen receptors in the brain that assist in testosterone production were lower in those who engaged in frequent masturbation according to this 2007 study on animals.
- In 2001, this study on ten healthy adult men examined the effect of a 3-week period of sexual abstinence on the neuroendocrine response to masturbation-induced orgasm. The results revealed elevated levels of testosterone in participants.
- A 2018 study suggests ejaculatory abstinence periods longer than four days could have a detrimental effect of sperm DNA, whereas one day of ejaculatory abstinence significantly improved implantation rate, increasing the likelihood of pregnancy in comparison to 2, 3, and 4 days of ejaculatory abstinence.
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Are there any risks associated with semen retention?
Currently there is no scientific proof that semen retention poses a risk to physical or mental health. As far as we know, a person can abstain from ejaculation for as long as they wish. Semen retention is a safe technique to practice; however, benefits may vary from person to person, and not everyone who experiments with semen retention is guaranteed to experience health benefits.
This blog is designed to be informative and educational. It is not intended to provide specific medical advice or replace advice from your medical practitioner.