Common Side Effects of Not Ejaculating for a Long Time
Semen retention, or not releasing sperm, does not seriously threaten a man’s health, but it can lead to some problems. While abstaining from ejaculation for extended periods is generally not harmful, it is important to recognize that ejaculation provides various health benefits. A prolonged period without ejaculation may lead to certain complications and side effects.
Understanding these potential effects can help manage expectations and address any concerns related to sexual health. This article explores the common side effects of not ejaculating for a long time.
6 side effects of not ejaculating regularly
A person may sometimes practice ejaculatory abstinence (the practice of refraining from ejaculation) as it is believed to help those who want to perform extended sexual intercourse. However, these benefits are not scientifically proven for long-term ejaculatory abstinence and may cause some side effects or consequences in men, such as:
Increased risk of Prostate Cancer
Frequent ejaculation naturally flushes out the harmful chemicals built into the semen and maintains the health of the prostate gland. However, abstaining from ejaculation can increase Prostate Cancer risks.
Sleep disturbances
Sexual activity, including ejaculation, promotes relaxation and can help improve sleep quality. The release of oxytocin and other hormones during orgasm can facilitate a sense of calm and promote better sleep. In the absence of this activity, some men may experience difficulties falling asleep or maintaining restful sleep, leading to fatigue and irritability.
Increased sexual frustration
One of the most common side effects of prolonged abstinence from ejaculation is increased sexual frustration. The buildup of sexual tension and arousal without release can lead to feelings of frustration and discomfort. This can affect mood and may impact relationships, as the individual may experience heightened irritability or stress.
Changes in semen consistency
The impact of semen retention or ejaculatory abstinence on semen quality is complex. Certain semen parameters improved with shorter abstinence, while others showed improvement with longer semen retention.
According to NCBI, which included an aggregate of 28 publications, longer ejaculatory abstinence increases semen volume and sperm count. It causes changes in semen consistency, making it thick, and may also affect the chances of conception.
However, according to WHO, abstinence for 2-7 days is recommended for increasing chances of fertilization. You can consult a healthcare professional to guide you further in having a successful fertilization.
Discomfort or pain
Abstaining from ejaculation for a longer time can increase discomfort and pain in men. Sometimes, you are sexually aroused and ready for an orgasm or ejaculation, but you restrict yourself. It causes slowed blood drainage from the testicles and causes pain due to sexual arousal without orgasm/ejaculation.
During an erection, complex pathways increase blood flow to the penis and restrict the venous outflow to aid erection. However, slow blood drainage without ejaculation may cause longer congestion, pain, and discomfort.
Degradation of sperm quality
Abstaining from ejaculation for a longer time can negatively impact sperm quality and cause degradation of sperm. The sperm accumulates for up to 60 days in the testicular ducts, and sperm storage gradually influences sperm quality. Longer storage of sperm can reduce the motility of sperm compared to freshly produced sperm and lead to low mating rates.
Conclusion
A person may not be ejaculating due to ejaculatory dysfunctions or for extended sexual intercourse. Though abstaining from ejaculation may not cause serious problems in men, but not ejaculating for a long time may cause some side effects. Prolonged semen retention increases the risk of Prostate Cancer in men as the harmful chemicals accumulate in the semen without ejaculation. It can also change the semen consistency by increasing semen volume and sperm count. Prolonged abstinence may also cause pain and discomfort in men as it causes slow blood drainage from the testicles without ejaculation.
Moreover, it can also influence sperm quality due to longer sperm storage and may lead to decreased sperm motility. Furthermore, ejaculatory abstinence can impact your relationship with your partner by creating sexual frustration and affecting mental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a man goes too long without ejaculating?
Abstaining from ejaculation for a long time can increase the risk of Prostate cancer in men. Also, it can change the semen consistency, degrading sperm quality, while causing discomfort and sexual frustration in men.
Is it healthy to go months without ejaculation?
It depends. Abstaining from ejaculation for a shorter time may give health benefits, but no evidence exists for longer abstinence. Moreover, it causes side effects such as increased Prostate Cancer risks, degradation of sperm, discomfort and pain, and changes in semen consistency.
Why do I feel pain after not ejaculating for a while?
When you don’t ejaculate for a long time, blood can build up in the testicles because it’s not draining away properly. This happens because erections increase blood flow, but without ejaculation, the blood doesn’t leave as quickly, causing pain and discomfort.
What happens if you abstain from ejaculating for a year?
There is no evidence of the effect of abstaining from ejaculation for longer. However, prolonged abstinence may cause side effects such as increased risk of Prostate cancer. It can also change semen consistency, degradation of sperm, and pain. You can consult a healthcare practitioner to seek prompt medical treament.
