Semen retention is similar to the ice bucket challenge, except instead of pouring ice water on your head, you hold it all in. While it may appear to be a silly thing to do, it has been a growing practice among men. 

And, with netizens raving about its benefits, it’s no surprise that more and more are becoming interested. 

In this article, we’ll look at the truth about semen retention, from the potential benefits to the potential drawbacks. Is it all worth a try, or are you just setting yourself up for a disaster? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just a curious bystander, we’ve got you covered. 

Now, buckle up, and let’s get started.

Men admitted the pros and cons.

Semen retention has recently gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok, with many content creators discussing their experiences with the practice. Jamie Zhu, a creator with over 2 million followers on the platform, claimed to be experimenting with 100 days of sperm retention. On day 70 of the experiment, he described experiencing a boost in masculine energy and being more focused and productive

While Zhu’s experience with semen retention was positive, other men admitted that there are potential risks associated with prolonged sperm retention. Holding in sperm for too long can result in an accumulation of dead sperm cells in the testicles, which can cause discomfort or pain. They claimed that prolonged ejaculation may result in a buildup of pressure in the prostate gland, which can lead to inflammation or infection.

a man practicing semen retention
Photo by: MedicineNet

There are potential health benefits, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

In terms of medicine, semen retention has been linked to a number of potential health benefits. Improved sperm quality is one of the perks, which may be beneficial to those attempting to conceive. Retaining sperm has also been associated with higher energy and testosterone levels, resulting in increased libido and better sleep quality. 

While there isn’t much research on the health benefits of semen retention, a few studies suggest that it may increase testosterone levels, which can be beneficial if you have low levels. Low testosterone levels can have an adverse effect on mood, energy, sex drive, and physical health. More research, however, is required to fully understand the potential health benefits of this practice.

It may just be another social media hype.

It is also important to note that in late 2022, the International Journal of Impotence Research looked at the volume and accuracy of men’s health-related content on TikTok and Instagram because social media platforms have the potential to provide health information while also spreading misinformation. 

The study found that men’s health content is popular on TikTok and Instagram, but its reliability is generally poor, with non-physician-created posts being less accurate. 

You can try, but always manage your expectations.

On the other hand, a healthy relationship with sexual activity, including masturbation and ejaculation, is generally known to be beneficial to one’s overall health and well-being. While sperm retention may be a personal or spiritual practice, it should not be regarded as a medical solution to any issues.

To conclude, if semen retention is part of your mental health practices and works for you, there is no harm in continuing with it. However, it is essential to bear in mind that no medical miracles should be expected from this practice.