Semen contains sperm-cells to aid fertilization. Males ejaculate this fluid on reaching orgasm. According to reproductive health experts, quality of semen as well as sperm cells are essential overall sexual wellbeing. But what to do for semen retention? It is of help to know more.
Semen is not made in women’s bodies; it is solely a male phenomenon. This seminal liquid helps carry sperm cells and plays a vital role in fertility of men.
When does your body make semen?
Your body starts making semen once you reach puberty. This is reached as males turn 10 to 12 years old. Quantum of semen production varies between males. No two men’ bodies make this liquid at the same quantum.
So, what is semen retention?
You do semen retention when you to intentionally hold-back ejaculation. For some men, this is possible when refrain-from masturbating or having sex. This also includes conscious stopping of semen from getting discharged. This is also called a dry orgasm i.e. your penis fails to release semen on reaching a climax.
Not much scientific evidence exists to substantiate the benefits of semen retention. However, most men report an improved focus and increased energy when they do it. Some men believe this improves both physical and mental well-being. Semen retention is not a modern-age practice. It is rooted in ancient traditions like Taoism, Yoga – to name some. This practice is gaining attention now.
Does semen retention have benefits?
Different cultures attribute unique benefits to semen retention. These include a few physical, mental as well as spiritual benefits.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), semen retention is believed to treat shenkui. This is an illness relating to loss of seminal fluids like semen. It is also associated with orgasm. Retention of semen is believed to bring relief to symptoms like chills, mental fogginess, pains in your lower-back, fatigue and tiredness. In some men, shenkui can cause frequent nightmares, disturbed sleeping cycles / insomnia, and may make you dizzy.
A few practitioners of TCM believe semen retention helps overcome sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction (ED, in short) and premature ejaculation of semen. However, these claims are not based on scientific evidence(s).
Other ancient practices like tantra focus on sexual intimacy through absence of orgasm. Patrons of these practices claim semen retention offers benefits such as relief from tension, anxieties and stressful conditions. This practice also improves your ability to focus well; it can bring about relief from bodily pains. In sum, withholding semen may also improve relationships with partner(s).
There are a few other merits assigned to semen retention. These include boost to males’ fertility levels, increase in muscular mass and tone. This practice is also believed to reduce your blood pressure levels.
Is semen retention same as NoFap?
NoFap refers to abstaining-from consumption of pornographic contents and masturbating. NoFap is turning popular as its supporters claim physical and mental health benefits from such forms of abstinence. On the contrary, there are medical experts who caution you of potential adverse side effects it may cause in you.
What to do for semen retention?
It works based on your preference; some men try abstaining from all forms of sexual activities while some stop their sexual activity prior to ejaculating semen. There are some men who reach climax / orgasm without ejaculating semen.
Basic understanding of the following types of retention techniques is of help:
- Abstinence – this is pursued by refraining from sexual activities – either a few of your copulatory activities or all of them
- Edging – this is done by stopping your sexual activity at the point of orgasm. Men may start making love all over, again. You may either do this by yourself or with your sexual partner(s). This is believed to treat sexual conditions like premature ejaculation (also known as PE).
Edging helps prolong your sexual experiences and also intensifies your orgasms. Men – in general - believe edging helps control the time it takes for them to ejaculate and thus control untimely release of semen i.e., PE.
- Dry orgasm – this is done as you ejaculate several times within a short span of time. This is done as your body fights against a poor supply of semen within. This however helps in increasing the time taken to reach orgasm, without ejaculating semen.
Are there risks involved in semen retention?
There are a few risk-factors semen retention may trigger. These are:
Epididymis hypertension – this is a medical condition wherein you may not bale to ejaculate semen when you are sexually aroused. This can cause an acute pain in your testicles; this is also followed by a pain caused by arousal which does not result in a successful orgasm.
Epididymis hypertension is due to build-up of blood inside your epididymis; this is a coil shaped tube. It is present at the rear-side of your testicles / testes. Semen is stored inside this tube. It serves as a link between vas deferens (a tube reaching semen to your urethra) and testes. Epididymis hypertension needs medical assistance; upon discerning its signs, rush to a healthcare facility.
Ejaculation-related conditions may also arise if you are consciously preventing the natural release of semen. This can cause difficulties like premature ejaculation. In some rare cases, you may experience retrograde ejaculation – this makes your semen travel backwards. Instead of moving out, semen gets into your urinary bladder. This may also prevent the release of your semen.
Retention of semen for long may cause pain in your genital parts or lower part of your abdomen. You may feel a sense of weakness all through your body. You will find mundane tasks like walking a tough thing to do. At times, you may feel dizzy or pass out.
It is hence not recommended to retain your semen for long. It is also important to have your body release semen through ejaculation, in a natural manner. Owing to these, semen retention is never recommended more than twice each month.
Above all, trying to retain semen more often may make semen get into a retention mode. This may eventually impair your overall wellbeing. In order to know more on what to do for semen retention, consult with a sexologist.