Some people present abstinence as a discipline capable of increasing energy, testosterone or performance. Others say, on the contrary, that a man must ejaculate regularly to avoid problems with prostate, fertility or erection.
These two visions are too simplistic. A man can remain long without intercourse or masturbation without «accumulating» a particular danger.
What matters above all is the way in which abstinence is experienced: voluntary and serene, or on the contrary a source of frustration, stress and relational difficulties.
Does abstinence increase energy or testosterone?
We often see the idea that a week without ejaculation would cause a dramatic increase in testosterone and that prolonged abstinence would then cause the hormones to fall. The available data does not justify the use of this scenario as a general rule.
Testosterone varies naturally during the day and by age, sleep, health status, certain medications and many other factors.
If you feel more focused during a period of abstinence, it may be a valid personal experience, but it does not prove that the conserved sperm is transformed into energy or that the body becomes physiologically «more powerful».
What happens to sperm when you don't ejaculate?
The body continues to produce sperm, but those that are not ejaculated do not remain stored indefinitely. They are gradually degraded and reabsorbed by the body. Nighttime emissions can also occur spontaneously in some men.
It is therefore not necessary to ejaculate at a precise frequency to «empty» the old sperm.
When a couple seeks to conceive, the frequency of intercourse can influence the chances of encountering the fertile period and the parameters of the sperm may vary depending on the duration of abstinence. In this particular context, the recommendations of a professional or a fertility laboratory are more useful than a general rule found on the Internet.
Does abstinence cause erectile dysfunction?
There is no reason to think that a penis loses its erectile ability simply because it has not been used for several weeks or months. Nocturnal erections continue to occur in particular independently of voluntary sexual activity.
After a long unrelated period, some people may however be more anxious when resuming. This pressure can temporarily disrupt the erection, orgasm or rhythm of the relationship. The problem then comes more from the context and the apprehension than from a «breakdown» caused by abstinence.
If erection difficulties become repeated and lasting, they deserve an assessment for their own causes rather than being automatically attributed to lack of sex.
What about the prostate?
There is also the claim that not ejaculating would cause the prostate fluid to «stagnate» and cause inflammation.
Some observational research has studied associations between ejaculation frequency and different aspects of prostate health, but that does not mean that a person must follow a weekly ejaculation quota to prevent prostatitis or other disease.
Pelvic pain, urinary burns, fever, difficulty urinating or other prostate symptoms should be evaluated medically; Increasing masturbation is not a treatment to improvise.
A regular sex life can nevertheless have advantages
For a person who wants it, sex or masturbation can be a source of pleasure, relaxation and discovery of their body. In a couple, reports can also contribute to intimacy when both partners want them.
These benefits do not mean that the absence of reports is unhealthy.
Similarly, having more reports does not automatically improve the relationship. A satisfying sexuality depends on the desire and consent of both people, not a number of reports to be reached each week.
Is there a «good» masturbation frequency?
No. Recommendations of the «one to three times a week» type are not suitable for everyone.
Frequency becomes most of concern when it causes:
- repeated irritation or pain; ;
- lack of sleep; ;
- difficulties at work, in studies or in the relationship; ;
- feeling of loss of control; ;
- Use of masturbation as the only way to deal with significant distress.
Conversely, not masturbating is not a problem if you feel good that way.
voluntary abstinence or abstinence suffered
The most important difference is often psychological. A person who chooses a period without sex can live it perfectly well. A person who wants a sex life but feels isolated, rejected or frustrated may feel more stress or sadness.
In a couple, a big difference in desire deserves a respectful conversation rather than an obligation for one of the partners. If the situation creates a lasting conflict, couples or sexology support can help.
to remember
Sexual abstinence is neither a miracle cure nor an automatic danger to male health.
If you want to masturbate or have sex, do it in a healthy, consensual and comfortable setting. If you prefer to abstain, you don't need to ejaculate «for your health». And in case of a lasting drop in libido, pain or erectile dysfunction, look for the real cause rather than impose a sexual timetable on yourself.
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