To a culture that is addicted to immediate pleasure, abstaining from something as basic as ejaculation can seem counterintuitive or even superfluous. Yet it is being embraced more widely by the public these days, for reasons ranging from improved health and focus to spiritual discovery. If you’re interested in its effects, or have personal abstinence goals, or just want to learn more about your body, this article takes a deep dive into what happens when you stop ejaculating.
Let’s explore how abstaining from ejaculation affects your body and brain, both in the short and long-term, distancing myth from science.
The Physiology of Ejaculation: A Quick Overview
Ejaculation is an inorganic process connected to the male reproductive system, which draws semen from the body. It is usually followed by orgasm, a sensuous experience. Obviously, ejaculation is an act of reproduction, but there are other mechanisms for ejaculation to dissipate accumulated sexual tension.
Ejaculation rates vary wildly from one individual to another, depending on age, sexual drive and health. Yet withholding ejaculation consciously for days, weeks, even months, does spark changes in body, mind and even identity.
What Science Says: The Physical Effects of Abstinence
The scientific literature on ejaculation abstinence is far from complete, but it offers some insight into its effects:
1. Testosterone Levels May Change
Some research shows that intermittent defecation can produce a temporary increase in testosterone. In one study, testosterone reached a peak around day 7 of abstinence, after which it was generally stable. In most cases, the higher the testosterone level, the more energy, mood, and physical toughness you have. But how testosterone is long-term from abstinence is a contentious issue.
2. Semen Retention and Sperm Quality
One frequently raised issue is whether abstinence makes your sperm better. Clinical trials suggest that abstinence for a brief period (2-3 days) may help in things such as sperm motility and focus, which are crucial for conception. In contrast, abstinence lasting longer than 10 days can degrade the sperm. Therefore, for those wanting to conceive, moderation could be preferable to abstinence.
3. Possible Effects on Prostate Health
Ejaculation has been researched for its effects on prostate health. Frequent ejaculation is supposed to flush out toxins and reduce the risk of prostate inflammation or infection. Excessive abstinence does not usually impact prostate health in the short term, but prolonged periods of ejaculation can lead to problems such as congestion or pain in the prostate gland.
4. Nocturnal Emissions (“Wet Dreams”)
If you’re staying abstemious for a long time, the body will occasionally naturally expel excess semen by means of nocturnal gasps, commonly referred to as “wet dreams”. It is the body’s way of keeping itself in check when the accumulation is too extreme, or if sexual arousal or thoughts are stifled during waking life.
Psychological and Emotional Implications of Abstinence
Not only does stopping ejaculation damage the body, it has profound psychological and emotional effects. Depending on the goal and mentality of the individual, these effects can be benign, neutral or, sometimes, negative.
1. Increased Mental Focus and Clarity
Perhaps the most commonly cited benefit of abstinence is the improved ability to concentrate and think clearly. By focusing sexual energy elsewhere, one can experience greater creativity, productivity and everyday discipline. Practices such as “semen retention” and “nofap” (abstaining from pornography and masturbation) assert similar cognitive advantages.
2. Heightened Emotional Awareness
Without the frequent release of sexual tension, some feel more apprehensive about their feelings. It can be an emotionally energising experience, but it also often brings unspoken emotions or stressors to the surface.
3. Improved Self-Control and Confidence
This intentionality of abstention is often entwined with self-mastery. For others, resisting the urge to ejaculate cultivates a sense of control and empowerment that increases confidence in general. Eventually, this self-control might spill over into other realms.
4. Potential Challenges: Frustration and Restlessness
Not everyone views abstinence as a happy experience. Losing access to something so deeply programmed into the human genome causes frustration, anxiety and restlessness. Such emotions can trump any perceived good for someone who doesn’t have an abstinence goal.
The Spiritual Perspective: Harnessing Energy
Beyond physical and mental impacts, the religious approach to stopping ejaculation is frequently spiritual. The ancient traditions of Taoism, Yoga and Tantra see sexual energy as a vital force. By not ejaculating, we seek to preserve and channel this energy toward spiritual development, awareness and even enlightenment.
Tantric philosophy, for instance, centres around the cultivation and flow of sexual energy through the body through breathing and meditation. This enables individuals to be in close contact and have fun without having to expend their lives. Likewise, Taoist concepts such as “semen retention” assume that ejaculation drains vital force, which can, if retained, be redirected to prolongation and vitality.
These may not reflect the views of all, but they illustrate the varied reasons people pursue abstinence.
Context: Moderation VS Excessive Abstinence
You need to take the context of your abstinence practice into account. Others find a year of deliberate abstinence both healing and refreshing, providing an opportunity to revisit their interactions with sexuality. Some will find long-term abstinence untenable, leading to physical or emotional suffering.
At the end of the day, the impact of avoiding ejaculation is ultimately personal, depending on one’s physical, psychological, life style and desired outcomes.
Here Are Some Tips for Getting Started With Abstinence.
If you’re considering quitting ejaculation as a test or practice, here are some suggestions for how to make your experience go smoothly:
Describe Your Goal: Make sure you are aware of your goal — physical, psychological, or spiritual. Setting a goal is one of the ways to stay on track.
Take it Step by Step: You can start slowly, especially if you’re unfamiliar with abstinence and want to try it for a shorter period of time before you take it up permanently.
Consider Adding Complementary Exercises: Meditating, yoga, or mindfulness practices can direct sexual energy and help balance and educate one’s self.
Be On The Lookout For Body Signs: Listen to your body’s reactions. If you experience fatigue, nighttime puffs, or unusual stress, take another look at whether abstinence is working for you in the best possible way.
Keep it in Perspective: Don’t be preoccupied with overestimating or comparing your experience to others. Abstinence is an entirely subjective experience, and what will work for you (and what will not) will vary.
Conclusion: What Happens If You Abstain From Ejaculating?
The possible side effects of ejaculation are numerous, ranging from physiological effects such as changing testosterone to psychological effects such as increased concentration and discipline. For some, it’s about building self-control, while for others it’s an embodied spiritual practice. But you also need to be aware of the obstacles it brings, such as frustration and agitation.
But ultimately, the choice to abstain — or not — is personal. Find out what your motivations are, stay connected to your body and mind, and approach the practice purposefully so that you may benefit the most from this individual journey of self-knowledge and wellbeing.
