A recent tweet from the account "Path of Men" has drawn attention to the claim that "Not ejaculating for 7 days increases your testosterone by 50%." This assertion aligns with findings from a specific study, though broader scientific consensus on prolonged abstinence and significant, sustained testosterone increases remains limited. The tweet highlights a popular belief circulating on social media regarding male physiology.
Research published in the Journal of Zhejiang University Science in 2003, involving 28 male volunteers, indicated a notable fluctuation in serum testosterone levels during abstinence. Specifically, the study observed a clear peak in testosterone on the seventh day of abstinence, reaching approximately 145.7% of the baseline level. This temporary surge suggests a short-term physiological response to a period without ejaculation.
However, medical experts and subsequent research emphasize that while short-term fluctuations may occur, there is limited robust scientific evidence to support the idea that prolonged semen retention leads to a significant or sustained increase in testosterone levels. Many claims regarding semen retention and its benefits, including substantial testosterone boosts, are largely anecdotal and prevalent on social media platforms. Urologists and men's health specialists often caution against unsupported health claims.
Further studies on the relationship between ejaculation frequency and testosterone levels have yielded mixed results, with some indicating short-lived increases during sexual arousal that return to baseline after ejaculation. The body continuously produces new sperm, and any unreleased sperm is naturally reabsorbed, suggesting that abstaining from ejaculation does not accumulate hormones in a way that would lead to long-term elevated testosterone. The overall scientific community calls for more comprehensive research to fully understand these complex physiological interactions.