Table of Contents
Introduction
November is a magical month in itself. With the cold breeze gradually starting to take over and winter right around the corner, things start to look beautiful. However, that is not the only reason why November is as popular a month as it is.
There is also the fact that November is officially the month when men are challenged for not ejaculating throughout the month.
But is No Nut November, just a millennial fad or a new trend going about, or does it have any meaning and benefits associated with it? Statistics show that on average a male ejaculates anywhere between twice to seven times within a week.
In fact, as per research published by The Journal of sexual medicine, masturbation seems to have been a constant part of a male life starting from an early age of about 13 years to go on to the age of 72-75 years. On the other hand, the percentage of men engaging in vaginal sex or partner masturbation goes down significantly with age.
If masturbation is such a prominent part of a male’s life, then how does not ejaculating help? Well, let us find out.
What is Semen Retention?
We all have often come around this word these days, and if you are here you especially have heard the buzz.
The thing is, it’s not just an internet buzz, in fact, this practice is no new modern-day trend. Semen retention has roots deep in history, spanning various cultures and traditions. However, before we get into this let us understand what is ejaculatory abstinence period or semen retention is about.
Well, semen retention is a practice that involves consciously steering clear of ejaculation, achieved through methods like abstaining from sexual activity, stopping before climax, or mastering non-ejaculatory orgasms.
What’s more, you may have even heard about this trend maybe under a different name, because this practice is indeed known under different names such as coitus reservatus, karezza, or maithuna.
And far from a fleeting trend, semen retention is an age-old idealogy, that is believed to elevate both physical vitality and spiritual well-being. In fact, it is found to be accepted in the Hindu Tantra, it’s a facet of Sahaja as well as an integral part of Taoist teachings like cai Yin pu Yang.
Is Semen Retention the same thing as NoFap?
This is a pretty common doubt. Alright, let’s clear this up: Semen retention and NoFap might sound like two peas in a pod, but they’re not twins in the world of self-discipline.
Wherein, semen retention, also known as “coitus reservatus” or “seminal conservation,” is a practice that involves steering clear of ejaculation, a technique prevalent in tantric sex.
However, what sets it apart from NoFap is the freedom to relish sexual activity and orgasms without the actual ejaculation. While in the case of Nofap, well, it’s a website and nofap community forum that works as a supportive group for people who want to cut off and give up porn addiction and masturbation.
So, long story short, is Semen Retention the same as NoFap? Not quite, but the benefits might just align.
Benefits of Not Ejaculating for 30 days
Even though a lot more research is required to establish the substantial benefits of non-ejaculation in men, prima facie research has aptly established it to a certain extent. Let us discuss these benefits in depth.
The Apparent Mental Health Benefits of Not Ejaculating
Non-ejaculation has been linked to building resilience and training your mind to endure more self-control. This is so because if you do not ejaculate straight for a period of 30 days, you put yourself in an uncomfortable position that is clearly out of your comfort zone.
But despite such a situation, if you make it through this period, you get more in control of your mind and urges, rather than the other way around.
Furthermore, the benefits of not ejaculating for a period of 30 days and retaining your semen are directly linked to stress control as well as helping with anxiety issues.
Not Ejaculating for 30 days helps Gain Perspective
This is one of the best reasons to take on the No Nut November challenge and make it through 30 days without ejaculating. During this period, you will gain a better perspective on your relationship with yourself and your romantic partner and the same is possible because now the only thing you think about in your free time is not achieving an orgasm, either with your partner or with yourself.
Rather, you can focus on the other important aspects of your relationship such as communication spending time together, and doing other essential things apart from indulging in sex.
Non-Ejaculating for 30 days helps with physical health
If you have been working really hard towards building an admirable physique and achieving a particular body type, then not ejaculating could be a good thing for you.
Even though there is no conclusive research to back the claim, many studies so far suggest that the high level of testosterone due to semen retention is directly linked with energy retention and mood upliftment. The preserved energy can be utilized by you to work in the gym.
Non-Ejaculating helps with sperm health
If you are worried that your sperm count might have gone down due to any possible reasons, then non-ejaculating may be a great option. As per a study conducted in 2018, in the event of non-ejaculation for a certain period of time, there is definitely help with regard to sperm health.
As per the study, it was found that when a man does not ejaculate straight for a week, the testosterone level peaks on the seventh day, as does the sperm count.
Non-Ejaculating gives you a break from the unrealistic standards of porn
A lot of men have been found to be helping themselves (quite literally) through the means of porn. For a while, this practice may assist you in achieving magical orgasms, but that would not last for too long.
In fact, the major repercussion of this is that you bring unrealistic expectations to your sex life with your partner, which will hamper your relationship with your significant other.
Once you get through the rigorous non-ejaculation challenge for 30 days, you will understand that an orgasm is not dependent on these unrealistic expectations that pron brings for you.
Tips to Semen Retention for 30 Days
Now that you have seen the semen retention benefits that do come along with semen retention and if you are up for the challenge, here’s your action plan to get hands on the potential benefits:
Set Daily Goals
First thing first, the best way to proceed is by taking baby steps, one day at a time. So, begin with focusing on daily achievements rather than going for a straight 30-day plan. Make a firm commitment each day to resist the urge and conquer this challenge.
Digital Detox
Get some time off the temptation and toxicity available online. Try and stay away from social media; in case you are not able to completely cut off, try to go for the screen time limit, taking help from certain apps.
Besides that, you can use porn blockers to keep away from the temptation of online explicit content. You can get help from BlockerX, which provides you with features and accountability measures, making it a reliable ally in your journey.
Learn a New Skill and choose a Physical Presence in Learning
Now that you have time off the self-pleasure, channel your newfound time and energy into acquiring a skill you’ve always craved. Be it playing an instrument or picking up a new language, redirect your focus positively. What’s more, you can go for physical distraction, like enrolling in a physical course to break free from the comfort of online learning.
Distract yourself, Go for Outdoor Escapes, and Empower Your Body.
At times, whenever the temptation strikes, step outside for a brisk walk. Fresh air and a change of scenery can extinguish the desire to give in. What’s more, you can also work on your physical health, reaping the physical benefits of semen retention. Hit the gym to capitalize on increased vigor from retained semen. In fact, you should use this power of higher testosterone levels for improved muscle mass, muscle growth, and overall well-being.
Post Not Ejaculating for 30 Days: What Happens Next?
You have done it! You have made it through the, not ejaculating for 30 days- Now what next?
Well, first thing first, avoid all your efforts to waste and avoid relapse at all costs! But are these relapses inevitable? And why do they even occur? Well, let’s take a quick look at some common reasons that may come your way, leading you to relapse:
1. Triggers: Identifying the Effect
Triggers act as the first falling point, initiating a chain reaction toward relapse. Different triggers like exposure to particular kinds of content or certain thoughts can unexpectedly revive old habits.
Some of these triggers include:
- Sexual: different actions or signs like arousal, racing heartbeat, or tightness in the stomach can be initiated by sexual thoughts, fantasies, or explicit content in various forms.
- Mental: Emotional states such as stress, anxiety, sadness, or even happiness can pave the way for an edging session as the brain often seeks dopamine release.
- Physical: Innocent touches can take an unexpected turn when the mind starts to fantasize, becoming a potential relapse trigger.
- Behavior: Seemingly insignificant habits like using your smartphone in the bathroom or engaging in late-night online activities often lead to relapse.
2. Breaking Free from Old Habits
- Porn as a Habit: building the habit of compulsive porn use, especially at a young age often turns into a harmful habit. Now, breaking this compulsive habit takes more than just a dedication for just 30 days!
3. Counting Days: A Double-Edged Sword
While counting days may serve as motivation initially, it can become counterproductive in the long run.
After reaching milestones like 13 to 20 days, the focus should shift from counting to training the mind to forget about the habit entirely.
4. Finding a Reason to Quit: The Power of “Why”
Reflection plays a very important part here. This is especially useful when you are undertaking challenges like semen retention or quitting porn.
Moreover, without a strong “Why,” overcoming the addiction becomes elusive. In fact, connecting with the why gives you a strong perspective. Basically, reasons to quit, whether related to guilt, mental health, or relationships, need to be felt deeply in the moment of temptation.
Connecting with these basic reasons forms a foundation for the determination needed for lasting change!
Final Words
It might seem quite difficult to get through 30 days without ejaculating, especially if it is a part of your everyday routine. An essential aspect of the same is making sure you try your best to get through the challenge, despite the number of obstructions in your way.
And trust us when we say that the benefits of not ejaculating for 30 days, are definitely worth it.
FAQs
Q. Is semen retention the same as retrograde ejaculation?
No, semen retention and retrograde ejaculation are not the same thing. Unlike voluntary semen retention, retrograde ejaculation involves a unique physiological process, forming a difference between the two practices.
Q. What is the main reason for premature ejaculation?
Generally, a phase of regular ejaculation may give way to acquired premature ejaculation. However, of course, there are other issues at hand, such as interpersonal issues, erectile dysfunction, performance anxiety, stress, or generalized anxiety.
Q. Does semen retention lead to improved sperm quality?
Well, this is still a topic of debate; because according to some research and scientific evidence the ejaculatory abstinence period, does show an increase in semen volume and total sperm count but at the same time it also has shown reduced sperm vitality.
