Is Abstinence Good for Men? The Science-Backed Pros and Cons (10 photos)

You can cite scientific studies all day, but common sense tells us that regular sex isn't just enjoyable—it's good for you. However, satisfying sexual desires isn't always an option, which is why every adult man should understand the different sides of sexual abstinence.





What Happens to the Body During Abstinence?

Male sexual abstinence is closely linked to a phenomenon known as the Tarkhanov-Belov process. According to Tarkhanov's theory, when a healthy man abstains from sex, semen begins to build up in his body. This increases arousal and triggers nocturnal emissions—involuntary ejaculations that occur during sleep, commonly known as wet dreams.



If abstinence continues, Belov's phenomenon kicks in. Deprived of sexual release, the male body decides it is no longer necessary to produce sperm at its usual rate. As a result, heightened excitability and involuntary nighttime ejaculations gradually taper off.

Fortunately, this process is completely reversible. As soon as sexual activity resumes, everything returns to normal. The body exits this "energy-saving mode" quickly and without any negative health consequences.

Are There Any Benefits to Abstinence?

Many medical experts agree that temporary abstinence can be beneficial. The most obvious case is when a partner is undergoing treatment for a sexually transmitted infection.





Abstinence is also recommended following surgery or after recovering from serious conditions like heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, some physicians believe that refraining from sex for a week improves sperm quality—a potential advantage for couples trying to conceive or men preparing to donate sperm. However, medical opinions remain divided on this point, and some researchers question the theory.

There is also a category of people who advocate for abstinence on supposed medical grounds. They claim that frequent ejaculations strip the body of essential trace elements, amino acids, proteins, and flavins. They view sex as a major stressor that strains the nervous system, raises blood pressure, and drains physical energy.

Followers of ancient Taoist philosophy take a similar approach, teaching that ejaculation expels a man's vital life energy. According to Taoism, limiting sexual activity can extend lifespan, build physical strength, and foster mental clarity and compassion. Naturally, these spiritual practices lie outside mainstream science, and it is up to the individual how to view them.



Abstaining before big events is a tradition among athletes that dates back to antiquity. Creative individuals have also been known to forgo sexual pleasures based on the belief that sexual energy can be sublimated into creative drive, giving birth to great paintings, literature, and music.

Historical figures associated with this mindset include Leonardo da Vinci, Aristotle, Spinoza, Nietzsche, and Isaac Newton. While such intellectual giants are rare, their legacy gives reason to consider whether there was method to their restraint.

Can Abstinence Be Harmful?

Stepping away from sex isn't all positive—it carries significant drawbacks as well. Israeli researchers found that long-term abstinence can harm male reproductive function. In a study involving 7,000 volunteers, scientists discovered that prolonged periods without sexual release led to a decline in sperm quality.



The study also highlighted that seminal fluid stagnation in the prostate gland increases the risk of conditions like prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and hemorrhoids. Medical science also recognizes a state known as penile oxygen deprivation. Extended periods without an erection can lead to arterial plaque buildup in penile blood vessels, raising overall cardiovascular risk.

The psychological impact should not be ignored either. It's no secret that sexual frustration can make men irritable, aggressive, less productive, and prone to insomnia—hardly desirable side effects.

What Actually Counts as Abstinence?

With all of this in mind, what actually qualifies as abstinence? Is a week, a month, or a year without physical intimacy considered long-term refraining? Science offers no single answer. Everyone's physiology is unique: what seems normal for one person might feel like a monumental endurance test for another.



Some men start feeling physical and mental discomfort after just a few days without sex. Others can go months without a sex life and feel completely fine. Most urologists agree that an adult male should ideally ejaculate at least once a week.

After about ten days of abstinence, unreleased seminal fluid begins to break down and get reabsorbed by the body. While it prevents waste, this isn't ideal, as it reduces sperm motility and can lead to fertility issues down the line.

Can Masturbation Solve the Issue?

Most experts agree that taking matters into your own hands isn't just acceptable—it's recommended. That said, there are no hard rules on how often one should masturbate; it comes down to personal need. However, masturbation can cause problems if it becomes an obsession or consumes a man's daily life.



According to some medical experts, frequent daily self-gratification can lead to the following consequences:

1. Prostate cancer. Researchers at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine noted a link between excessively frequent masturbation and prostate cancer risks. However, research is ongoing, and it is too early to draw definitive statistical conclusions.

Conversely, some experts hold the exact opposite view. Dr. Sandra LaMorgese, PhD, author of *Switch: Time for a Change*, writes that masturbation helps flush toxins from the prostate, thereby reducing the risk of disease.



2. Erectile dysfunction. Not all masturbation habits are equally healthy. Researchers have found that habituated "edging"—deliberately delaying climax over long periods—can negatively affect erectile performance.

Sexologist Dr. Michael Perelman, clinical professor of psychology at Cornell University, noted in an interview with *Vice* that up to 40 percent of his male patients engaged in unconventional masturbation habits, including intentional delayed ejaculation.



On the other hand, Italian urologist Dr. Richard Santucci is hesitant to blame masturbation for erectile issues. Based on years of practice, he maintains that ED and low testosterone are far more commonly driven by conditions like diabetes or prescription medication side effects rather than poor masturbation habits.

3. Premature ejaculation. Some medical professionals believe frequent, rushed masturbation conditions the body to reach climax quickly. This can become an obstacle to longer, more passionate intimacy with a partner. Overdoing it can also cause general fatigue and a diminished sex drive overall. On the flip side, moderate masturbation relieves stress and improves sleep quality.

Excessive masturbation can also cause minor physical injuries. According to *Medical News Today*, overexertion can lead to swelling and soreness of the glans and foreskin. Fortunately, these mild irritations usually resolve on their own within a couple of days without medical treatment.



In summary, masturbation is completely safe for the vast majority of people and has little to no negative impact on the frequency of partnered sex across both genders. This was the takeaway of a 2017 study by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin, which surveyed 7,648 men and 8,090 women aged 18 to 60.

In fact, many people deliberately try month-long periods of abstinence, claiming that taking a temporary break makes their sex life even more vibrant and exciting when they return to it.