Brain and libido | Veedma's evidence-based men's health articles

Semen retention meaning and the science behind the hype

Dr. Alexander Grant, MD, PhD: Urologist & Men's Health Advocate

Dec 05, 2025 · 12 min read

Semen retention is deliberate abstinence from ejaculation, and research suggests it doesn’t produce a sustained testosterone boost—one study found a modest rise around day 7 of abstinence that drifted back toward baseline despite continued retention. Here’s what the evidence says about how “holding semen” affects hormones, mood, sex, and long‑term health. “Your body is not ...

How long does it take for testosterone to work? A clinical timeline for results

Dr. Alexander Grant, MD, PhD: Urologist & Men's Health Advocate

Nov 29, 2025 · 13 min read

In clinical trials of TRT for hypogonadism, libido, energy, and mood often improve within about 3–6 weeks, while erection quality and muscle/fat changes typically take 12–16 weeks and bone benefits start around 6 months. Because different tissues respond on different timelines, this guide shows what to expect month by month — and how regular 3‑month ...

Top 3 erectile dysfunction causes

Dr. Alexander Grant, MD, PhD: Urologist & Men's Health Advocate

Nov 01, 2025 · 14 min read

The three most common drivers of erectile dysfunction that persists for weeks to months are reduced penile blood flow from vascular disease, pelvic floor dysfunction that can’t “lock in” pressure by trapping blood, and a stress/anxiety loop that activates the sympathetic “fight-or-flight” response and shuts erections down. Because ED can be an early “check engine” ...

Low libido: When the brain is the issue

Dr. Jonathan Pierce, PhD: Clinical Psychologist & Neuroscience Specialist

Oct 19, 2025 · 15 min read

Low libido in men is often a brain-and-life issue: changes in reward and stress signaling (including dopamine- and norepinephrine-driven “wanting”) can lower sexual desire for weeks or months even when testosterone is normal. About 15–25% of men report reduced desire at some point—here’s how mood, stress, medications, hormones, and daily habits interact, and what actually ...