Effects of Not Ejaculating on Male Sexual Health
Not ejaculating has no direct negative effects on morbidity, mortality, or quality of life in most men, though regular ejaculation may be beneficial for some conditions like chronic prostatitis.
Physiological Effects of Not Ejaculating
Regular ejaculation is a normal part of male sexual function, but abstaining from ejaculation does not typically cause significant health problems. The effects include:
Sperm Production and Quality
- Abstinence periods of up to 10 days can lead to increased total sperm numbers in ejaculate 1
- Extended abstinence (beyond 10-14 days) does not continue to improve sperm parameters
- For men with oligozoospermia (low sperm count), multiple ejaculations after 10 days of abstinence can significantly increase total sperm numbers, normal sperm, and motile sperm 1
Physical Sensations
- Men who abstain may experience:
- Increased sexual tension
- Testicular fullness or discomfort (commonly referred to as "blue balls")
- These sensations are not medically harmful
Potential Benefits of Regular Ejaculation
Prostate Health
- Regular ejaculation may help manage symptoms in some men with chronic non-bacterial prostatitis 2
- In a study of men with chronic non-bacterial prostatitis who previously avoided masturbation, those who ejaculated at least twice weekly showed:
- Complete symptom relief in 11%
- Marked improvement in 33%
- Moderate improvement in 33%
- No benefit in 22% 2
Potential Concerns with Very Frequent Ejaculation
Theoretical Risks
- Some research suggests that extremely frequent ejaculation might potentially contribute to:
- Local accumulation of lactic acid and free radicals in the pelvic region
- Possible muscle dysfunction and inflammation in susceptible individuals 3
- These effects might theoretically contribute to symptoms similar to chronic pelvic pain syndrome in some men
Ejaculatory Disorders
The AUA/SMSNA guidelines recognize two main disorders of ejaculation 4:
Premature Ejaculation (PE)
- Defined as ejaculation occurring without control, shortly after penetration and before the man wishes it
- Causes marked distress or interpersonal difficulties
- Most common male sexual complaint 5
- Treatment options include:
- Behavioral techniques
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- Topical anesthetics 5
Delayed Ejaculation (DE)
- Defined as consistent, bothersome inability to achieve ejaculation or excessive latency despite adequate stimulation
- Can be lifelong or acquired
- Treatment approaches include:
- Psychological counseling
- Modification of sexual practices to increase arousal
- Addressing underlying medical conditions or medications 4
Key Points for Patient Education
- Not ejaculating is not inherently harmful to physical health
- For men with chronic prostatitis symptoms, regular ejaculation (at least twice weekly) may be beneficial 2
- The normal refractory period (recovery time after ejaculation) increases with age 6
- Men concerned about ejaculatory control can learn techniques like the stop-start method or squeeze technique 6
Common Misconceptions
- There is no scientific evidence that abstaining from ejaculation "builds up energy" or provides significant health benefits
- Premature ejaculation is a common concern but should not be overmedicated - it represents a variation in normal function rather than a disease 6
- The physiology of ejaculation itself is not impaired in men with premature ejaculation 6
Remember that sexual health concerns should be discussed with a healthcare provider, particularly if they cause distress or relationship difficulties.