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 ...