The concept of avoiding ejaculation has drawn some attention on online forums and social media. However, the idea isn’t anything novel–it’s been around since the time of Lao Tzu. According to the philosophy of Taoism, of which Lao Tzu was one of the main exponents, sexual restraint was a way of keeping and boosting one’s chi or life force and that ejaculating would squander it.
For instance, practices linked to semen retention such as edging or retrograde ejaculation, have been lifted directly from Taoist beliefs.
The Lowdown on Semen Retention: What Is It?
Semen retention is just another way to call the practice of avoiding ejaculation. However, semen retention isn’t the same as abstinence. A majority of men who practice semen retention are capable of achieving orgasms–they just avoid ejaculating.
Semen retention shouldn’t be confused with “NoFap,” which is a movement aimed at helping individuals with addictions to sex and pornography.
While NoFap and abstinence-promoting communities may find synergies with individuals engaged in semen retention, NoFap is entirely different and shouldn’t be confused with the other.
Getting ED medication has never been easier
Connect with a US-licensed healthcare provider for a FREE evaluation!
Free Express
Shipping
Discreet
Shipping
No Waiting
Rooms
What Is the Idea Behind Semen Retention?
Subreddits like r/semenretention are a good place to start learning more about the concept behind semen retention. According to anecdotal reports from individuals on these boards, semen retention aids their memory and helps them gain stamina, strength, and even a bigger penis.
These Redditors claim that the energy that you expend from ejaculation–therefore, the loss of semen–can be otherwise redirected to other activities in life.
The movement draws its inspiration from ancient Taoist philosophies of sexual self-control. In the Taoist tradition, semen represents a man’s life force; losing it is thought to lead to physical and mental lethargy.
Sexual restraint is thought to be empowering; such practices are found in a wide array of religious and philosophical traditions.
For instance, Catholics engage in fasting at times during the year; Hinduism encourages practicing mindfulness over the senses, and other denominations of Christianity prohibit premarital sex.
The idea behind self-control is to direct sexual energy toward spiritual, physical, and mental growth.
What Are the Benefits of Semen Retention?
There is no proof that semen retention has any actual physiological benefits. On the contrary, ejaculation has demonstrated science-based benefits, such as reducing prostate cancer risk.
Nevertheless, despite the lack of evidence, Redditors on r/semenretention swear by its purported health benefits. They credit semen retention for glowing skin, reduced stress, and higher energy levels using dubious sources to support their claims.
However, the semen retention community seems to resemble more of a religious movement rather than one based on sexual science–there’s simply nothing scientific to back up the purported benefits.
However, in a 2001 study, it was found that abstaining from sex entirely has been found to increase semen volume and testosterone levels, consequently leading to better orgasms.
What is the Difference Between Semen Retention and Abstinence?
Semen retention can be practiced in a variety of ways and for different reasons. Some posters who wish to increase their male sexual energy, according to Redditors, may choose a path of complete abstinence and eschewing all sexual activity.
Other posters claim to have sex or masturbate while retaining their semen by preventing ejaculation through edging and retrograde ejaculation.
Edging is the process of engaging in sexual activity up until the point of orgasm and abruptly stopping. It’s a technique used to treat premature ejaculation and to promote sexual self-control.
On the other hand, retrograde ejaculation happens when you have an orgasm but instead of ejaculating semen out through the penis, it’s sent back up the bladder. Retrograde ejaculations are also referred to as dry orgasms which are caused by taking particular medicines. This is a medical condition that’s different from implementing techniques to cause semen retention.
What Are the Risks of Semen Retention?
Semen retention isn’t risk-free. Failure to ejaculate for long periods may cause epididymal hypertension, a sexual health condition colloquially known as “blue balls.”
See, when a man gets an erection, blood engorges in the penis and testicles. Once ejaculation occurs or when arousal subsides, the blood normally flows out. If an erection persists without being relieved, it can cause pain and lead to the enlargement of the balls–which may turn blue sometimes.
Getting ED medication has never been easier
Connect with a US-licensed healthcare provider for a FREE evaluation!
Free Express
Shipping
Discreet
Shipping
No Waiting
Rooms
How Is Semen Retention Done?
Semen retention is done through abstinence, edging, or retrograde ejaculation. Here’s what you need to know about each:
- Abstinence. Abstinence, as the name implies, is the act of refraining from all types of sexual activity.
- Edging. Edging is engaging in sexual activity, but avoiding orgasm and ejaculation. Edging requires a lot of discipline. When engaging in sex or solo play, try to find that sweet spot right before you feel like you’re orgasming. Before you reach the point of no return, calmly stop. Try squeezing the tip of your glans (your penis’ head) to help prevent coming.
- Retrograde ejaculation. Retrograde ejaculation, like edging, requires you to pay close attention to your body to master it. When you feel like you’re about to orgasm, press on the area between your scrotum and anus–the perineum–to prevent semen from coming out and divert it back to the bladder.
It might take you some time to master these techniques. Try these techniques out while solo play before graduating to using them with a partner. And before you start testing them with a partner, make sure to let them know what it is you’re trying to accomplish by trying to retain your semen.
Ultimately, semen retention isn’t the panacea to better overall health as some Redditors claim it is. The best thing you can do to improve your sexual and overall health is to get regular exercise, eat a well-balanced diet, and practice a healthy sex life are tried and tested ways to give you the physical and emotional benefits you desire.
