What Happens If A Man Stop Ejaculating?

Ejaculation is a natural process in males by which they release sperm cells. Sperms are the male reproductive cells important for achieving conception. A male body produces millions of these sperm cells daily, which is why males can ejaculate multiple times a day [1].

But have you ever wondered what happens if a man stop ejaculating? Is it harmful not to ejaculate?

The body makes millions of sperm cells daily, and if it doesn't release those sperm cells or ejaculate, the body reabsorbs them. Apparently, there is no health risk or fertility problem associated with not ejaculating. However, if you are not able to ejaculate or achieve orgasm, this could be a hint to some underlying issue.  

What Causes Ejaculation?

The testes are the male reproductive organs that produce sperm and store them for maturation [2]. Men release stored sperm in the testes during intercourse, masturbation, or nocturnal emission.

The process of releasing sperm starts with sexual stimulation. When a male feels sexual stimulus, the blood flow to the penis increases, developing an erection [3]. Repeated sexual stimulus after erection leads to orgasm, which is followed by ejaculation. The sperm comes out from the penis during ejaculation.

However, if you don't ejaculate, there are no side effects of not releasing sperm. The body kills these old sperm cells and absorbs their nutrients to make fresh sperm cells.

Short-Term Effects Of Not Ejaculating

When you are sexually active and suddenly stop ejaculating or having intercourse, you will experience some noticeable effects from it. The most common short-term effect of not ejaculating is increased sexual tension.

In the absence of ejaculation, the sexual arousal builds up, and you may start to feel more intense sexual desire. At this point, some males have nocturnal emissions, also called wet dreams [4]. It is a natural way for the release of build-up semen in the testes.

In some cases, men might feel temporary discomfort in the testicles, often referred to as "blue balls" [5] This happens when arousal is not followed by ejaculation, causing a feeling of fullness or mild pain.

Long-Term Effects of Not Ejaculating

Over time, not ejaculating can have some physical effects. One of the main concerns is the impact on prostate health. Some studies suggest that regular ejaculation may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer [6].

Not releasing sperm for a long time can also impact sperm quality. Men who stop ejaculating for long periods may notice that their low sperm volume becomes less motile (less able to move) when they do ejaculate again. This could potentially impact fertility.

Lack of regular sexual stimulation or ejaculation can also impact testosterone levels. Some men report a decline in sexual arousal when they aren't involved in sexual activity for a long time [7].

Psychological Effects of Not Ejaculating

If you do not cum for a certain period, you can experience psychological effects. Some men feel more frustrated or emotionally tense if they aren't involved in sexual activity, either intercourse or masturbation.

The frustration then can increase stress or anxiety. For men who connect ejaculation with masculinity, avoiding ejaculation may also lower self-confidence.

On the flip side, others may feel more focused on different areas of life, with better energy in non-sexual activities. Everyone's reaction is different, and these effects depend on the person.

The Role of Ejaculation in Sexual Relationships

Ejaculation and sexual activity can strengthen the emotional bond between couples, and it is a way to maintain physical intimacy. Physical intimacy often deepens feelings of closeness, trust, and affection.

Regular sexual activity can help couples feel more in tune with each other, enhancing communication and emotional support. This mutual closeness can play a key role in maintaining a strong and loving relationship over time.

Health Reasons For Stopped Ejaculation

Some people choose to stop ejaculating for personal reasons, and this is generally not a health concern. However, if someone is unable to ejaculate despite wanting to, it may signal an underlying health issue.

Here are three common health problems that can cause stopped ejaculation:

1. Diabetes: High blood sugar can damage nerves over time, including those responsible for ejaculation [8]. Nerve damage can disrupt the signals needed for semen to exit the body.
2. Prostate Surgery: The prostate is the male reproductive organ that plays a part in semen production. Treatment for prostate enlargement, which is prostate removal, can sometimes make a person unable to ejaculate.
3. Retrograde Ejaculation: In retrograde ejaculation, semen follows the wrong path, which results in semen entering the bladder [9]. It's often caused by medications or nerve damage and results in a "dry orgasm."

Conclusion

Many males often ask out of curiosity what happens if you stop ejaculating or what happens to the sperm that are not ejaculated. If you choose not to be involved in any sexual activity and not to ejaculate, there is no health risk associated with it.

The body kills and reabsorbs the old sperm cells and continues to make new ones. Some short and long-term effects from stopping ejaculation are common, including increased sexual tension or frustration.

However, if you want to ejaculate but are unable to do so, there may be a serious medical condition responsible for this. In such cases, we advise you to visit a fertility specialist and get tailored advice on your condition.

FAQs

1. What happens if you dont ejaculate?

You don’t experience any harm from not ejaculating. What kills sperm? Your body kills and reabsorbs the old sperm cells and replaces them with fresh sperm ready for fertilization.

2. Is erection without ejaculation possible?

Yes, you can get an erection without ejaculation and even orgasm without ejaculation. Erection develops in response to initial sexual stimulus, and if the stimulus continues, it causes ejaculation.

Resources Used

1. Gilbert, S. F. (2000b). Spermatogenesis. Developmental Biology - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK10095/ 
2. Suede, S. H., Malik, A., & Sapra, A. (2023b, March 6). Histology, Spermatogenesis. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553142/ 
3. Panchatsharam, P. K., Durland, J., & Zito, P. M. (2023, May 1). Physiology, Erection. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513278/ 
4. Watson, S. (2022, August 31). Wet Dreams. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/teens/wet-dream-faq 
5. Levang, S., Henkelman, M., Neish, R., Zukerman, W., Terrell, B., Jackman, V., Coyle, S., Brahmbhatt, J., & Pukall, C. (2023). “Blue balls” and sexual coercion. Sexual Medicine, 11(2). https://doi.org/10.1093/sexmed/qfad016 
6. Rider, J. R., Wilson, K. M., Sinnott, J. A., Kelly, R. S., Mucci, L. A., & Giovannucci, E. L. (2016). Ejaculation Frequency and Risk of Prostate Cancer: Updated Results with an Additional Decade of Follow-up. European urology, 70(6), 974–982. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2016.03.027 
7. Low Libido (Low Sex Drive). (2024, May 17). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15216-low-libido-low-sex-drive 
8. Desai, A., Chen, R., Cayetano, A., Jayasena, C. N., & Minhas, S. (2023). Understanding and treating ejaculatory dysfunction in men with diabetes mellitus. Andrology, 11(2), 379-398. https://doi.org/10.1111/andr.13262 
9. Koren, G., & Koren, D. (2020). Retrograde Ejaculation—A Commonly Unspoken Aspect of Prostatectomy for Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy. American Journal of Men's Health, 14(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988320910870