AboutArthur Goldstein, M.D. Expertise Any problems or questions related to the field of urology; ie urinary stone disease, urinary cancers (kidney, bladder, prostate, testis, etc.), urinary infections, impotency, etc.
Experience I am retired from the active practice of urology. My 34 years was totally in the clinical field and involved the entire gamut of genitourinary problems, with special interest in male impotence and endourology.
Organizations American Medical Association, American Urological Association, American College of Surgeons
Question Could you tell me, is the information below correct?
It is said that males can be kept in denial for extended periods of up to several weeks (periods around 2 - 4 weeks each time are often quoted as being safe subject to proper skincare and regular checking), although there will be an emotional and psychological impact from the artificial suppression of such a powerful drive. However most websites also indicate that this is a long period subjectively for most people, and often informally suggest a shorter period such as 3 days or a week between release instead, especially when starting.
The long term consequences for period beyond that are unclear, most sources seem to agree that the body will spontaneously reabsorb sperm, but that the prostate fluids should be removed fully and regularly, if not through orgasm then via internal prostatic massage (known as "prostatic milking") to reduce the risk of prostate cancer and inflammation, atrophy (orgasm involves the prostate muscles) or tissue damage to the prostate. It is also said that if erection is inhibited for long periods the skin of the penis becomes less elastic which may cause pain or other difficulty in the future.
The release felt by a man as a result of prostatic milking against a background of denial, is described as long, drawn out, but not reaching a resolution phase as with normal orgasm. It is therefore said to always leave an edge of not having had full satisfaction, or a yearning for more, as opposed to the "drop" in responsiveness due to satiation after a full orgasm. For people who engage in lifestyle chastity and erotic denial, this may be desirable, since after orgasm a male is sated and released for some days of the tension which builds up with orgasm denial.
Answer Bill, during sexual arousal the prostate gland manufactures fluid that accounts for about 2/3 of the volume of ejaculate. The seminal vesicles are paired structures located behind the prostate gland that also manufacture fluid. Sperm from the testicles (which account for only 1-2% of the semen) travel up a series of tubes (epididymis and vas deferens) on each side to join the seminal vesicles forming the paired ejaculatory ducts. These structures empty into the prostatic portion of the urethra. At the time of ejaculation, prostatic fluid is discharged into the urethra (urinary canal) where it mixes with discharge from the ejaculatory ducts forming the semen. The semen volume is in the 2-6 cc range. A man may be able to voluntarily abstain but he cannot prevent sexual thoughts, fantasies and dreams all of which stimulate the prostate to secrete. Likewise, the same is true for erections which will occur spontaneously. The normal male has 3-5 erections nightly during the REM stage of sleep. Therefore, concern about damage to the penis from disuse (in a normally potent male) is unfounded. Most men also will have periodic nocturnal emissions (wet dreams). Arousal without ejaculation causes the prostate to swell
with fluid producing tension on the prostate's capsule leading to symptoms of congestive prostatitis.
Stool passing through the rectum actually pushes on the distended prostate producing the penile discharge. Prolonged sitting (you sit on the prostate) can cause the
discharge to be noted before voiding. At the end of urination, as the bladder
is emptying out the last few drops of urine, it actually squeezes the
prostate. If the prostate is congested, you will then note this fluid at
the end of urination. With congestive prostatitis discomfort is often referred to the testicle(s), groin, low back or rectal area. This pain in the testicles is denoted by the slang terms: “blue balls” or “lover's nuts”. Irritative urinary symptoms may also occur. In some patients, only the discharge is noted. The discharge is generally immediately relieved by ejaculation and prevented by
avoiding sexual arousal without ejaculation. Sitting in a warm bathtub
for 10-15 minutes daily will also provide some relief. From a strictly medical standpoind, it is healthy to periodically empty the prostate gland. The frequency depends on the age of the patient and how often they get aroused. This is usually determined by trial and error. For most younger men, this is in the 2-4 times a week range. With aging, the frequency lessens. I can tell you that emptying via prostatic massage is an uncomfortable technique, cetainly devoid of any pleasure or orgasm and not nearly efficient as natural ejaculation.
