What is semen retention?

Semen retention is this practice of intentionally not ejaculating.  Abstaining from masturbating or sex to retain their life source.  The new age concept for practicing it linked to becoming an alpha male.  I’m still trying to dissect what an alpha male is, so I’ll leave that concept for now.  Where did this concept of semen being a ‘life source’ even come from? It was first mentioned in the 17^th century in Chinese erotic fiction with a character apparently dying from ejaculating.  I’m proposing that some men might think that’s quite an excellent way to go to the pearly gates and not necessarily a reason to abstain.

What does the research say?

Well, there isn’t much scientific evidence that supports benefits to the practice of semen retention.  Most research related to this is linked to improving fertility odds.   We know sperm regenerates roughly every 74 days, meaning it takes approximately 74 days from creation to maturity.  The sperm not utilised during that time are reabsorbed back into the body.  Fertility research has shown that by not ejaculating as frequently, the percentage of matured sperm per ejaculation increases, ultimately increasing the odds of a sperm reaching the egg and, ultimately fertilisation. 

But what about all those other benefits they talk about?

Lots of other benefits usually get mentioned in regards to semen retention, such as:

• Reduced stress
• Improved motivation
• Improved confidence and self-esteem
• A higher level of self-control
• Better concentration
• More energy
• More happiness
• Better relationships
• Increased stamina

To date, no research confirms that these benefits relate to semen retention.  I actually did a video explaining in a roundabout way, the 300 ingredients in semen. Not one of those ingredients is going to chemically adjust your mental state to get the above effects if you leave it inside your body. In fact, I would propose it is not the fact you don’t ejaculate that causes these so called benefits, but rather the commitment to the practice, or an ideology, or a process, or a challenge, or a goal.  Basically, we are talking about the placebo effect experienced by challenging yourself, committing to an intention, or basically doing what you said you were going to do.

Some studies report that testosterone increases with abstinence, peaking roughly around the seven-day mark.  Increased testosterone levels can improve energy levels and moods, which may account for some of the mental health benefits purported.  However, if we look at fatigue or, shall I say, improved energy levels, when ejaculation occurs, prolactin is released.  Prolactin is a hormone that is released during orgasm and post-ejaculation.  It is linked to the post-refractory period of ejaculation for men.  Prolactin levels are naturally higher during sleep, which is often why men feel sleepy after ejaculation.  Could this improved sense of energy result from reduced prolactin rather than the retention of ‘life force?’

The causal relationship between ABC and mental health benefits

Some of the most effective ways to support your mental health can be found within Act Belong Commit (ABC) principles.  Being in action, having a sense of belonging, and a commitment to a purpose all contribute to good mental health.  Just like our bodies benefit when we are physically fit, our minds do, too, when we are mentally fit.  When we are active, such as learning something new, challenging ourselves, or achieving something, this process contributes to self-confidence and a belief in one’s abilities.  For example, when you set yourself a challenge or a goal, let’s say to semen retention, your choice to set that goal and your commitment to it are what provide the mental health benefits, and not necessarily the retention of the semen.  Instead, the act, the challenge, the goal, and the purpose create this.  Not the fact you aren’t ejaculating your life force into your bedroom sock anymore.

Are there benefits of ejaculation, or dare we say, giving yourself a hand?

There are many benefits to masturbation (probably enough to write a separate blog post about).  Still, there are specific health benefits for orgasm and ejaculation.  For one, when we orgasm and ejaculate, endorphins are released, and these endorphins influence our mental well-being.  These hormones create feelings of pleasure and well-being and are linked to controlling our stress responses, mood and anxiety.  Masturbation has also been shown through studies to correlate to an improvement in body image, leading to an improved sense of self.  In addition, masturbation has been shown to promote better sleep (probably due to that pesky prolactin) and increase relaxation.

Wow, all these benefits with your life force exploding out of you. 

So, do I retain, or do I explode?

Well, the reality is no one can prove that semen retention is good for you, well, no more so than having a wank.  They both purport to have the same benefits, really.  But ultimately, the risks to retaining are minimal if you want to give it a crack.  Just be mindful that, for the most part, it’s not the actual retention of the sperm that is providing the benefit.  It is more likely the commitment to an act, goal, or challenge that ultimately provides the most benefit.  There are many goals or challenges you could set yourself that achieve the same results and won’t require you to abstain from an orgasm. 

The decision is yours.