Does Holding Back During Masturbation Affect Sperm Retention?

Withholding ejaculation?

During masturbation, if one holds back from ejaculation at the point of climax, the sperm will typically remain in the urethra rather than flowing back into the reproductive system.
However, some sperm may be reabsorbed by the body over time.

333, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/01/17

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Hello, semen is generally stored in the seminal vesicles and flows into the urethra during ejaculation.
If ejaculation does not occur, it remains in the seminal vesicles, with a small amount potentially flowing into the urethra or the bladder.
Once semen has been expelled, it does not flow back into the seminal vesicles.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again for further discussion and research.
Department of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan.
Director Xu Wei-kai.

Reply Date: 2010/01/17

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether holding back during masturbation affects sperm retention, it's important to understand the physiological processes involved in ejaculation and the potential implications of delaying or inhibiting this process.

During ejaculation, sperm is expelled from the testicles through the vas deferens and into the urethra, where it mixes with seminal fluid to form semen. If a person feels the urge to ejaculate but consciously holds back, the sperm does not flow back into the testicles; instead, it remains in the urethra temporarily. This is because the body has mechanisms in place to prevent retrograde ejaculation (where sperm flows back into the bladder) during normal sexual activity. Retrograde ejaculation is more commonly associated with certain medications or medical conditions rather than the act of holding back during masturbation.

In the case of holding back during masturbation, the sperm will typically remain in the urethra until the pressure is released or until the individual decides to ejaculate. If ejaculation does not occur, the sperm will eventually be reabsorbed by the body or expelled during urination. This is a normal physiological process, and it does not lead to any long-term retention of sperm in the body.

It's also worth noting that the practice of holding back during masturbation, often referred to as "edging," can lead to heightened sexual arousal and potentially more intense orgasms when ejaculation does occur. However, if this practice is done excessively or in a way that causes discomfort, it may lead to temporary issues such as pelvic discomfort or a feeling of fullness in the genital area.

In summary, holding back during masturbation does not cause sperm to flow back into the testicles or lead to retrograde ejaculation. Instead, sperm will remain in the urethra until ejaculation occurs or until it is expelled through urination. This process is entirely normal and does not have any adverse effects on fertility or sexual health. If you have concerns about your sexual health or experiences during masturbation, it may be beneficial to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.

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