How long can a man stay without ejaculating?

Ejaculation allows sexual reproduction in men. It consists of a phase of production (or emission) of spermatozoa by the seminal glands, which will be stored in the testicles while waiting for an expulsion, which occurs after an excitation and an adequate stimulation.

Sperm production is therefore permanent, and is boosted by arousal and stimulation. Under these circumstances, how long can a man go without ejaculating?

Who are the men who don’t cum?

Even if they represent only a tiny minority of people, in the end many men do not ejaculate, and this for different reasons. Some voluntary, others pathological.

First of all, there are single men and men in couples, for whom masturbation is either shameful or forbidden. Indeed, some singles consider that masturbation will be their last resort and prefer to wait until they find a partner. As far as men in couples are concerned, some of them, despite having a partner, do not have sex for long periods of time. For reasons of their own, they do not masturbate, as this would be considered a kind of adultery.

Other men do not ejaculate for religious reasons. Indeed, the vow of abstinence in some religions concerns both sex with a partner and solo sex.

© Can Stock Photo / deandrobot

Then come the followers of the Nofap, or Nonut challenge, which consists in not masturbating, or not ejaculating at all during a given period. The reasons are multiple, challenge between friends, or even research of sports performances… Some professionals boast about the increased vigour they experience in their sport during periods of sexual frustration, even going so far as to forbid themselves from having any sexual relations before a competition.

Finally, some men do not ejaculate for medical reasons. Asexual people do not feel the need to have sex or to masturbate. They are rare, but science and medicine have proven that they are real cases. Finally, others are subject to anejaculation, which is a disorder of ejaculation, which simply prevents the man from ejaculating, even though he feels like it and is properly stimulated…

How often should a man ejaculate?

There is no strict rule about the normal number and rhythm of ejaculations for a man. It depends on the desire and need felt by each man, as well as on the level of hormones, excitability, the socio-familial context…

That being said, scientists have established an average, which is around 21 ejaculations per month. A month being generally made up of 30 days, the calculation is easy to make. According to science, the natural rhythm is approximately once a day, with sometimes a day or two without.

Are there any advantages to ejaculating regularly?

If there is no strict and invariable rhythm of ejaculation, there are nevertheless many advantages to ejaculating, especially on a regular basis.

Ejaculating helps to fight against stress

First of all, ejaculating drastically reduces the stress felt by the person. Indeed, ejaculation releases in the brain a strong dose of endorphins, which can remain active up to 6 hours after its release. This hormone causes relaxation, drowsiness and even euphoria in some people. Ejaculating regularly can therefore help in a concrete way to reduce stress.

Ejaculating before sleeping makes it easier to fall asleep

For the same reason as above, ejaculation helps you sleep. The endorphin released during the orgasm is responsible for the drowsiness and the state of relaxation sought during the sleep phase. So you know what to do when you can’t sleep.

Regular ejaculation reduces the risk of prostate cancer

Medically speaking, regular ejaculation also helps fight prostate cancer. Indeed, the dead or aging cells present in the seminal fluid will be expelled at the same time as the young sperm, thus avoiding that they remain too long in the testicles.

However, this effect is difficult to prove scientifically. On the other hand, it is from the point of view of statistics that the relationship between ejaculation and cancer becomes more visible. Among the people studied, those who have an active sexual life (with or without a partner) are also those who are less likely to develop prostate cancer.

What are the risks of not ejaculating over a long period of time?

Despite the many benefits of ejaculating regularly, very few risks have been identified with short and medium term abstinence. Only a long abstinence, of more than one year, could according to the French association of urology cause erectile dysfunction.

Indeed, after such a long period, if the semen is not expelled, even autonomously during the night (I will come back to this), the body will tend to adapt and to reduce its production of hormones which can cause a regulation of the ejaculation, and provoke for example one day premature ejaculation. Premature ejaculation causes problems for many men within their couple because the pleasure usually lasts only a few seconds…

In the short term, however, it can be noted that not ejaculating for several days or even weeks creates an increased risk of nervousness. Hormones are once again responsible. As they accumulate, they increase the perceived need for sexual intercourse and the associated sexual tension. This is why each day of abstinence will be more difficult than the previous one, with sexual desires that will go up to a crescendo. If they are not satisfied, it is only natural that the man will feel some nervous tension in his daily life.

What happens to semen that is not expelled from the body?

As we have seen, sperm is constantly being produced by the human body. This production is even accentuated during phases of excitement and stimulation. Sperm will therefore accumulate in the testicles and be stored there while waiting for a liberating orgasm. At this stage, if nothing happens (no sexual intercourse, no masturbation…), the semen will be evacuated in two ways.

In the case of a healthy man, the overflow will be discharged in the same way as all the dead cells produced by the human body. It will be filtered and expelled in the urine, invisibly and painlessly, as it is renewed.

More rarely, and especially in teenagers, the semen will be expelled at night, during erotic dreams, which will provoke an orgasm. Whether we call this phenomenon night pollution, wet dream, night orgasm… it remains the same and is completely natural. Some people will wake up after this orgasm, others will only notice the nocturnal expulsion of sperm in the morning when they wake up. In any case, it is not dangerous, nor is it shameful. It is a completely natural way for a man’s body to expel excess sperm.

The right rhythm for ejaculation is the one that suits you!

Whether with one (or more) partners, or alone, ejaculation is a natural process that raises many questions from men. They rarely dare to ask about the normal rhythm of ejaculation or the risks associated with a deliberate or pathological abstinence. But don’t worry, the human body is (sometimes) well designed. Regular ejaculation, if it has been proven to be beneficial for health, is in no way an obligation. Apart from rare pathologies, abstinence and lack of sexual relations do not constitute a tangible danger to health.

The best advice I can give you is to respect your desires and your needs. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, ejaculation or any other aspect of your sex life, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or a specialist such as a urologist or sexologist. They will give you a personalized answer, without judgment, which will put your mind at rest.

The Connection Between Diet and Ejaculation

The connection between diet and ejaculation is an intriguing aspect of men’s sexual health. While more research is needed to establish concrete cause-and-effect relationships, some dietary factors have been suggested to influence ejaculation frequency and overall sexual function. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Nutrient Intake: A balanced diet that includes essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can support overall sexual health. These nutrients play a role in hormone production, circulation, and nervous system function, all of which are essential for a healthy sex life.
2. Zinc: Zinc is a mineral that plays a crucial role in sperm production and overall sexual function. A diet low in zinc can potentially affect ejaculation frequency and semen quality. Foods rich in zinc include lean meats, poultry, seafood, nuts, and seeds.
3. Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, are thought to support blood flow and circulation, which can have a positive impact on sexual function.
4. L-arginine: This amino acid is believed to improve blood flow and may benefit erectile function. It can be found in nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
5. Avoiding Excessive Processed Foods: Diets high in processed foods, excessive sugar, and unhealthy fats may contribute to obesity and conditions such as diabetes, which can negatively impact sexual health and ejaculation frequency.
6. Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is essential for overall health, including sexual function. Dehydration can affect semen volume and consistency.
7. Alcohol and Caffeine: Excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption can have negative effects on sexual function. It’s advisable to consume these substances in moderation.

It’s important to note that individual responses to diet can vary, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. What works for one person may not work for another. A healthy, balanced diet that promotes overall well-being is generally recommended for maintaining optimal sexual health and ejaculation patterns.