Ejaculation occurs when an individual releases sperm, which happens when they reach climax. In plain words, it is just a sexual function destined to memorialize our species through reproduction.
Ejaculation and sex have been proven to help prevent specific conditions. However, there are many myths and misunderstandings about this topic, and people often make false claims about this. That’s why it is important to find a scientific reason if you have questions about sex.
It is more reliable than people’s ideas and widespread culture.
Then, what does the evidence say? Is it harmful to go against the will of nature to reproduce and not release sperm at all? Will there be consequences? Are there any side effects of not ejaculating for a long time?
Is It Safe To Not Ejaculate?
When a person does not ejaculate, the body naturally reabsorbs the sperm, breaking it down without causing any health problems.
This process is normal and does not negatively affect health. However, if a person consistently tries to ejaculate but can’t, then this might signal an underlying medical issue.
Some of the potential benefits of not ejaculating may include:
1. Intense orgasm
There is a belief that not ejaculating for a while may lead people to feel more intense orgasms. However, one small-scale study from 2001 suggests that refraining from ejaculating for three weeks may not have much of an impact on a person’s nervous system when they ejaculate.
2. Edging
Edging is the practice of engaging in sexual stimulation to the brink of orgasm before stopping and beginning again. Edging may also help increase the intensity of orgasm in some people.
3. Premature ejaculation
People who experience premature ejaculation may use techniques similar to edging to prolong their sexual activities. Methods such as the start-stop or squeeze techniques involve stimulating the penis until just before orgasm, then stopping or squeezing the penis until the urge to ejaculate goes away.
4. Fertility
Some people may believe that semen retention can improve sperm quality and, therefore, increase fertility.
One study suggests that to present the best possible semen samples, a person only needs to abstain from ejaculating for one day. It also suggests that people should not exceed 10 days of sexual abstinence.
A 2018 study suggests that ejaculatory abstinence periods of more than four days have a detrimental effect on sperm.
A 2018 review suggests revisiting the current guidelines of ejaculatory abstinence of between 2–7 days for optimal sperm samples. The review suggests that shortening the abstinence period may be beneficial to sperm quality.
It is advisable for a person to have at least two separate semen analyses when having their fertility assessed.
Side Effects of Not Ejaculating for a Long Time
The side effects of not ejaculating for a long time depend on the cause and can vary from person to person.
It is less likely that those who choose not to ejaculate will experience any side effects. Usually, the body breaks down unused sperm and reabsorbs it.
However, what happens if you stop ejaculating may involve psychological concerns. Over time, not ejaculating can cause psychological issues, especially in people with sexual dysfunctions that delay ejaculation. These individuals may experience depression or anxiety. These psychological problems can also result in relationship issues.
1. Physical Effects
Testes continuously create sperm. Your body reabsorbs it if you do not eject it. Some people are worried that they will get “blue balls,” or pain due to sexual arousal that does not finish in orgasm if they do not release. There are no known medical problems associated with this sensation. Any distress resolves without intervention.
2. Psychological Effects
The mental health side effects of not ejaculating for a long time are not well-researched. Many people convey different feelings when they have not ejaculated for a prolonged period. Some might feel clarity or peace of mind, while others may report irritability or distress.
People who face ejaculation-related health problems, such as delayed ejaculation, may undergo relationship stress. This pressure happens with sexual contact and desire.
In essence, what happens if a man stops ejaculating may include a combination of emotional, psychological, and relationship effects, depending on the individual.
Side Effects of Ejaculating Too Frequently
People also tend to use it to beat loneliness, when they are sexually excited, and of course, to beat boredom. Indulging in it more than 3 to 4 times a week can be normal. However, if there is an urge to masturbate multiple times daily, it is time for concern.
- Anxiety: Masturbation puts people in a very comfortable position, and therefore, when there is a partner involved, anxiety issues may arise related to size, stamina, and ways to please the partner. Performance anxiety is quite common and can be high in those who over-masturbate. Both males and females may face sexual exhaustion and recurrent genital infections.
- Chronic fatigue: Masturbation induces the production of the steroid hormone cortisol, which increases metabolism and leads to exhaustion and fatigue.
- Back pain or discomfort: Over-masturbation reduces the production of oxytocin, DHEA, testosterone, and DHT. This hormonal imbalance triggers the release of prostaglandin E2, causing lower back pain.
- Groin and/or testicular discomfort and pain: A disruption in the pituitary-adrenal-testicular loop, which governs oxytocin and testosterone, can result in chronic groin pain.
- Penis shrinkage: If masturbation begins early and is done excessively, growth hormone levels may reduce, impacting penis development.
- Premature ejaculation: The reduction in neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin from over-masturbation can lead to weaker erections and premature ejaculation.
These effects could also be considered side effects of not masturbating in a balanced or mindful way, highlighting the importance of moderation.
Where Do Sperm and Semen Go if Not Ejaculated?
Unejaculated sperm can stay alive in your testicles for about 2.5 months. Around this time, sperm cells die, and your body reabsorbs them.
Semen contains around 10% sperm, with the rest consisting of:
- enzymes
- vitamin C
- calcium
- protein
- sodium
- zinc
- citric acid
- fructose sugar
If sperm does not travel out by ejaculation, the body breaks down semen and reabsorbs it. It may also release the sperm during nocturnal emission, also known as a wet dream.
Is There a Reason to Ejaculate?
There are several reasons why people ejaculate:
1. To get pregnant
Ejaculation during vaginal sex is the most common way for a male and female partner to conceive a child.
2. For sexual pleasure
Many people choose to ejaculate for sexual pleasure. A 2013 review suggests that orgasm and ejaculation are distinct processes. Whether a person gets pleasure from ejaculation is subjective.
3. It could reduce the risk of prostate cancer
Ejaculation may have health benefits. Frequent ejaculation may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. One study involving over 31,000 men found a link between more frequent ejaculation and lower prostate cancer risk.
4. Does not affect sperm quality
A study concluded that daily ejaculation over two weeks had no negative impact on sperm quality or function.
FAQ on Side Effects Of Not Ejaculating Or Releasing Sperm For a Long Time?
1] How long can a man go without ejaculating
It is suggested that people should not exceed 10 days of sexual abstinence.
2] Can not ejaculating for a long time be harmful?
There’s nothing inherently harmful about not ejaculating for a long time. There are no known dangerous physical or psychological side effects.
3] How many times should a man release sperm in a week?
There is no medical guidance on how frequently a male should ejaculate. More frequent ejaculation and sex can offer numerous health benefits, such as managing stress, relieving pain, improving heart health, and reducing high blood pressure.