What happens if a man doesn’t ejaculate?

Long-term failure of men to ejaculate may lead to prostate congestion, decreased sperm quality, sexual dysfunction and other problems. Major effects include increased risk of reproductive system inflammation, accumulation of psychological stress, endocrine disruption, decreased libido, and impaired testicular function.

1. Prostate congestion:

Semen contains components of prostatic fluid. Long-term failure to discharge semen will cause continued congestion of the prostate, which may induce non-bacterial prostatitis. The clinical manifestations include perineal swelling and pain, frequent urination and urgency, which are recommended to be relieved through regular sex or moderate masturbation. Patients with chronic prostatitis may experience symptoms such as yellowing of semen and burning sensation during urination.

2. Decreased sperm quality:

Storage of sperm in the epididymis for too long will lead to reduced motility and increased malformation rate. The normal sperm survival cycle is about 70 days. Aged sperm that have not been discharged beyond this period will be engulfed by macrophages. Men preparing for pregnancy are advised to ejaculate 2-3 times a week to maintain sperm activity. Microscopic examination shows that sperm aggregation increases in those who have not ejaculated for a long time.

3. Sexual dysfunction:

Long-term suppression of sexual impulses may result in decreased penile sensitivity and, in severe cases, erectile dysfunction. Long-term lack of stimulation of the sexual center of the brain will cause the threshold to rise. Clinically, it is common for people who have not ejaculated for a long time to have premature ejaculation or erection difficulties when they have sex for the first time. Sex therapists recommend maintaining moderate sexual activity to maintain reflexes.

4. Endocrine disorders:

The act of ejaculation stimulates testosterone secretion, and long-term abstinence may affect the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Serum tests show that testosterone levels in some abstinent men fluctuate greatly, accompanied by symptoms such as irritability and increased acne. Regular ejaculation helps maintain hormone balance, but excessive ejaculation can also cause a temporary decrease in testosterone.

5. Accumulation of psychological pressure:

If sexual desire is not relieved for a long time, it can easily lead to anxiety, depression and other emotional problems. Psychological scale assessment shows that the SCL-90 scale scores of forced abstinence patients are significantly increased, and some suffer from symptoms such as insomnia and distraction. Psychological counseling combined with moderate sexual release can effectively improve the psychological state.

It is recommended to maintain a moderate frequency of ejaculation, preferably 2-3 times a week. You can perform daily Kegel exercises to enhance pelvic floor muscle control, and eat more zinc-containing foods such as oysters and pumpkin seeds. Avoid wearing tight pants that compress the testicles, and people who sit for long periods of time should get up and move around every hour. If you have persistent perineal pain or blood in your semen, you need to see a urology department promptly. Ultrasound examination can evaluate the status of the prostate. Older men do not need to deliberately pursue the frequency of ejaculation, but should consider physical comfort.