For people with penises, orgasm is usually equated with ejaculation.
What is semen retention?
Semen retention is the sexual practice of avoiding ejaculation.
More sperm, with higher motility, may increase the odds of pregnancy.
“The belief is that ejaculation releases life energy,” somatic sex coachKat Nantzexplains.
(Here’s ourfull guide to sexual transmutation, if you’re curious.)
To date, there doesn’t appear to be any research on the effects of dry orgasms specifically.
“They’re small studies, so it always makes you question the validity,” says Carrubba.
If you’re interested in it and think it could help, then go for it.
Just double-check that you’re still practicing safe sex."
You may even try attempting lots of back-to-back orgasms until you run out of semen, says McDevitt.
One way to do this is to practice stopping and starting the flow of urine when you’re peeing.
Try stopping just as you’re about to ejaculate and waiting 20 seconds before continuing.
(Here’s ourfull guide to edging.)
You may benefit from combining your edging practice with practicingenergy orgasms.
Ejaculation is hard to control, and pre-ejaculate can still lead to pregnancy and STIs, Aragona says.
There are also many well-researchedbenefits of masturbationandbenefits of orgasms.
(Here’s more onhow often men should masturbate, if you’re wondering.)
The takeaway on semen retention
Experts are mixed on whether semen retention is worth the effort.
However, some people swear by the practice.
The key is just not to take it too seriously.
“Whenlearning to orgasmwithout ejaculating, it’s important to lead with curiosity,” says Nantz.
