Semen retention has become a prevalent concept recently. But what exactly is it? And does it reveal health benefits like some claim? Let’s take a look at the facts.
What Is Semen Retention?
Semen retention is the sexual practice of avoiding ejaculation by not doing any sexual activities. Semen retention can be accomplished through:
- Abstinence – Refraining from all sexual activity
- Edging – Bringing yourself close to orgasm during masturbation or sex but stopping before ejaculation
- Retrograde ejaculation – When semen travels back into the bladder rather than out of the penis during orgasm
The overall goal is to orgasm without releasing semen from the penis. This is sometimes called a “dry orgasm.”
What is Semen Retention?
Semen Retention | The Biochemical Benefits
What are the benefits of Semen Retention
Many communities tout semen retention as having various benefits like:
- Increased energy and focus
- Higher testosterone
- Improved sperm quality
- Enhanced libido and sexual performance
- Better sleep
- Reduced anxiety and depression
However, there is currently no scientific evidence to support these claims. A recent study found most information shared online about testosterone and semen retention comes from non-medical sources.
While semen retention is generally safe, there is no proof it offers health perks.
How to Practice Semen Retention
For those who want to attempt semen retention, here are some tips:
- Edging – Masturbate or have sex until just before the point of ejaculation, then stop stimulation.
- Strengthen pelvic floor muscles – Kegel exercises can help control ejaculation response.
- Be aware of the signs of impending ejaculation – Notice the bodily sensations so you can stop stimulation in time.
- Relaxation techniques – Staying calm and focused on sensations rather than ejaculation can help.
- Control breathing – Slow, deep, or rapid breathing can delay ejaculation response.
Stay patient and keep exploring what works for your body.
When did the concept of semen retention come about?
The idea of semen retention isn’t new, even though it’s recently become popular on social media. This practice acmes from long ago when some people believed that losing semen could harm a person’s health or energy. People in some parts of the world, especially in South Asia, still believe this and can feel repressed if they lose semen. It’s called Dhat syndrome when this kind of stress happens. Some also believe that it will help people who are on the sadhana path.
Physical Effects of Semen Retention
When it comes to semen retention, there are a variety of proposed effects, both physical and psychological iPhysically, some claim that avoiding ejaculation can increase sexual stamina and allow for multiple orgasms during sex. Some believe that it may temporarily improve sperm quality and morphology. However, there is no concrete evidence that semen retention significantly alters important hormonal levels like testosterone or impacts muscle growth, weight, immunity or voice pitch.
On the other hand, the psychological effects of semen retention are more subjective. Some report that avoiding ejaculation reduces anxiety and depression, while also boosting confidence. There are claims it can help concentration, memory and motivation too.
Overall, while some individuals in online communities view semen retention as profoundly improving health, the current body of medical evidence neither confirms nor denies these claims.
