Ask The Batemaster: Is Cum Denial Really Safe?

“Just as important, or maybe more so, is the other side of the issue: the possible benefits of semen retention…”

QUESTION: You sometimes seem to advocate what you call “semen retention,” which you say may be even beyond regular edging into serious cum denial. I still hear some other people say it’s not safe for the prostate, it might even cause cancer! Can you be absolutely sure it’s safe?

RESPONSE: There is not a clear, scientifically verified answer to that, despite what some people say. This is an important subject for male masturbators to consider. Crossing a busy street, even at a crosswalk is not entirely safe. Statistics show that crossing a street is more dangerous than flying! This does not mean that you should never fly, or that you should never cross streets. What it does mean is that those actions are ones you ought to engage in fully aware and alert.

As for dangers to the prostate from choosing to ejaculate a lot less often (you probably don’t mean just a few days of edging, right?) the evidence is not so clear-cut as some folks seem to believe. When you look at the studies on prostate health and ejaculation you see that the sample in the study groups are not big enough for any broad or general conclusions.

Just as important, or maybe more so, is the other side of the issue: the possible benefits of semen retention have been studied far less—in truth, hardly at all. Or at least in terms of science and medicine, this has not really been studied to my knowledge. However, several thousand years of ancient Chinese Taoist teaching and experience does promote the belief that to ejaculate far less often than many men seem to these days, may actually prove beneficial.

Though the ancient Chinese practice of sexual cultivation, which means erotic stimulation without ejaculating very often, has not been seriously studied, we do know plenty about the benefits of masturbation. Masturbation activates your entire endocrine system, switching on organs such as the thymus, the adrenals, and the testicles, and these communicate with your brain so that your body releases beneficial brain chemicals and hormones.

When you ejaculate, you experience a burst of orgasmic pleasure that includes the release of oxytocin, a hormone associates with bliss, emotional reward, and social ease, and in most cases this internal chemistry quickly begins to break down. You soon return to default.

I don’t use the term “cum denial,” as it seems somewhat negative. I prefer to affirm and encourage men to explore the possible benefits of retaining semen for longer periods. The “endogenous,” or “inner body” benefits I described above may be prolonged, preserved and even maintained along with keeping your semen inside you more of the time, while you ejaculate less often. This does not mean giving up orgasm, but learning to have dry orgasms, something I often coach men to learn. Also, along that famous “edge” you may experience prolonged orgasmic states.

Evidence that frequent ejaculation is beneficial, is sketchy and not convincing. More likely, what causes prostate problems is neglect, “if you don’t use it you lose it,” has a lot of truth to it. In my own experience and that of many men I know, the benefits of semen retention seem clear. Whether you come often or not, to enjoy plenty of erotic pleasure is healthy.

A note from The Batemaster: I’m honored that the guys at Bateworld have asked me to respond to some questions from male masturbators around the world every week.

Always check with your doctor about any issues you might be experiencing with your sexual organs. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important. This article’s purpose is to inform and entertain readers and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.