Semen retention

Exploring the practice of semen retention and its purported effects on testosterone levels, energy, focus, and overall male vitality. Learn what the science and anecdotal evidence say about this controversial men's health topic.

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The essentials for semen retention — then explore the latest posts below.

Does masturbating lower testosterone? The science behind the myths

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

Dec 12, 2025 · 10 min read

Masturbation does not permanently lower baseline testosterone because the hypothalamus‑pituitary‑gonadal (HPG) axis maintains homeostatic hormone production, and clinical studies show no statistically significant change in systemic testosterone after orgasm. The real story is short‑term fluctuations, such as the often‑misread ~145% spike on day 7 of abstinence, and what that means (and doesn’t) for muscle, mood, ...

Semen retention meaning and the science behind the hype

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

Dec 05, 2025 · 13 min read

Semen retention is deliberately avoiding ejaculation for a period of time. Research suggests it does not produce a sustained testosterone boost. A 2001 study in World Journal of Urology 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” ...