What Happens if a Man Goes a Year Without Ejaculating?
Going a year without ejaculating has no known negative physical or psychological side effects. Sperm that aren't ejaculated are simply reabsorbed into the body.
- Sperm Reabsorption: Unreleased sperm is naturally broken down and reabsorbed by the body. Medical News Today confirms this process.
- No Harmful Effects: There is no evidence of dangerous physical consequences from prolonged abstinence from ejaculation. Health.com explicitly states that there are no known dangerous physical or psychological side effects.
Potential Perceived Effects (Anecdotal)
While there are no established negative consequences, some men report subjective experiences:
- Increased Sperm Production: Some individuals claim increased sperm production after a period of abstinence. However, this needs further scientific validation. Quora mentions this anecdotal observation.
- More Intense Orgasms: Anecdotal evidence suggests that some men experience more intense orgasms following a period of abstinence. This is likely due to increased build-up of seminal fluid. Quora also mentions this potential effect.
Important Note: Retrograde Ejaculation
It's important to distinguish between not ejaculating and retrograde ejaculation. Retrograde ejaculation is a condition where semen enters the bladder instead of exiting the penis. This is a separate medical issue and is not the same as simply abstaining from ejaculation. NHS and Urology Care Foundation provide information on retrograde ejaculation.
