What happens in the body when you stop ejaculating?

Discussion in 'Rebooting - Porn Addiction Recovery' started by atak, Sep 19, 2015.

  1. atak

    atak Fapstronaut

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    Some parts of this post might be explicit so be warned.

    I tried to do some research on this but I couldn't find all the answers. When one doesn't ejaculate, I can imagine the balls filling up with semen but when it is all filled up, what happens?

    I know that producing semen required a lot of effort of the body. If it stops producing sperm, what will happen? Ejaculating too much definitely strains the body and one might even have shortage of zinc or other vitamins and minerals but not ejaculating at all, is that not equally bad?
     
  2. JoeinUSA

    JoeinUSA Fapstronaut

    My friend, based on this and another post of yours, it sounds like the addict sub-personality is attacking you on two fronts now - be cautioned. This is a typical thing that happens after several weeks of recovery. I don't want you to fall like I did when I reached your level. You may have noticed by now that when the addict can no longer succeed over time in getting you to fall with the old temptations, then the addict evolves and changes into something new - strategizing a new way to knock you down. In this case, your addict is now using depression and fear.

    1. You spoke in your other post about feeling a little depressed for no apparent reason - it's quite likely that this is the addict trying to damper your enthusiasm, to distract you, or to confuse you so as to attack you when you are down on another front. It happened to me at days 48-55 - I had a full week of being attacked with such feelings. It really can weaken you if you let it. But it doesn't quite destroy your ability to withhold consent just yet.

    However,

    2. Given this added attack of "fear," the age-old fear of what happens to the male testicles that fill up with sperm without the benefit of masturbatory release - this is much of a wives tale and a typical fear that dissuades one to continue with recovery. You don't want this to erode away at your conviction, dude. Ultimately, you may regret it, even though you'll be able to start over again - because you'll have no choice but to start over, since you'll never be happy in the cesspool of addiction, and each time you start over you are going to have to face the temptations of depression and fear all over again. So, you might as well handle it right this time.

    I don't mean to be out of line in any way, dude. I'm just concerned where this path is leading you, even if the questioning should be innocent and theoretical. These signs point to danger is all I am saying.

    Best wishes, dude. You've been doing wonderfully. Keep up the good work.

    BTW - I have known several celibate men who have lived long and fruitful and creative lives - and have exhibited many extraordinary talents and intellectual heights into a ripe old age - and never once have I heard that such a man was diagnosed with some testicular cancer or testicular disease or disability of some sort. And, after many years of celibacy, some of these men have moved onto sexual relationships with women and had children even. Don't be fearful here, guy. It's not going to destroy your ability to have a natural and productive sex life with a woman.
     
  3. JoeinUSA

    JoeinUSA Fapstronaut

  4. atak

    atak Fapstronaut

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    I think you are right, Joe. The last 10 days I cut almost all of the edging and all p-subs out meaning my brain doesn't get any dopamine spikes anymore. I guess partly I'm asking this question because I'm curious and partly because like you said my brain is trying to run tricks. The old ways to trick me doesn't work anymore so it tries new flanks to make me succumb.
     
  5. JoeinUSA

    JoeinUSA Fapstronaut

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  6. atak

    atak Fapstronaut

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    Thanks. That made me scared though. :(
     
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  7. Thechosenone

    Thechosenone Fapstronaut

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    One of the the most encouraging posts I've ever read on this site. The fact that your aware of this sub personality only means that hopefully some day I'll be able to notice the same in me! Thanks!!

     
  8. JoeinUSA

    JoeinUSA Fapstronaut

    Yikes! :eek:

    I think the point is that they'll be scares all around the spectrum - it's temptation at work.

    Like the one - I'll probably die if I don't M - Reply: Well, I'll just have to die, then.

    The addiction just wants to scare, agitate, and confuse - that's how it gains power.
     
  9. atak

    atak Fapstronaut

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    I watched some videos from your brain on porn. I forget his name but he also wrote a book on Nofap. This guy knows what he is talking about. He says that after a reboot one should do rewire meaning trying to have sexual experiences. The information is conflicting. I think a clean hard reboot for 90 day is a must. After that one can consider to start to rewire.
     
  10. JoeinUSA

    JoeinUSA Fapstronaut

    I found an interesting article on the male anatomy, which describes several ways the body actually naturally rejuvenates itself and eliminates semen from the body that's not used. Also interesting is how long sperm naturally would need to stay in the body even when release is imposed.



    Male Anatomy

    Explanation of male anatomy with regards to semen and sperm production and storage, and how anatomy may affect wet dreams.

    Please refer to the following diagram of the male anatomy for reference.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Sperm Production

    Sperm are produced in the testes in huge numbers, at a fairly constant rate from puberty until death. Sperm are produced at a rate of approximately 200 million per day, or 8.3 million per hour, or 138,000 per minute, or 2,315 per second! In one week, a fertile man will produce 1.4 billionsperm, in one month, 5.6 billion sperm, and in one year, 6.72 trillion sperm!

    Amazing numbers when you think about it.

    Sperm are produced within the seminiferous tubules in the testes.

    [​IMG]

    The testes are at a slighly lower temperature the internal body temperature. This is necessary because some of the enzymes needed for spermatogenesis only function normally at the lower temperature. The scrotum helps control the optimal sperm producing temperature by contracting and relaxing the scrotal skin, bringing the testes closer to the body for warmth, and further away from the body for cooling. The hairs and sweat glands on the scrotal skin also help the body regulate the temperature of the testes to perfection for the optimal sperm producing temperature at all times.

    Once the sperm are produced, they move to the epididymis, where the sperm grow, mature, and learn to swim. The epididymis is a collection of tubes running along the back side of each testicle, that serve as sperm collectors from each testicle, and as a storage area for the sperm to develop.

    [​IMG]

    It takes 74 days or about 10 weeks for sperm to be produced and fully mature to be ready for ejaculation. So any sperm that you ejaculate today is at least 74 days old! The following diagram illustrates the time line for the spermatogenisis process:



    [​IMG]





















    Sperm Storage

    Once the sperm are mature and ready for ejaculation, they move to the vas deferens (5), which is a long tube attached to each testicle where the epididymis is, and runs all the way inside the body to where the prostate is located. At the prostate is where the vas deferens connects to the urethra, which runs through the penis and outside the body. Near the prostate end of the vas deferens, the vas deferens fans out considerably and becomes much wider, forming a gland called the ampulla. The ampulla is where the majority of sperm are stored for each ejaculation. When the ampulla is emptied after an ejaculation, more sperm from the rest of the vas deferens moves into the ampulla for the next ejaculation. Think of the ampulla as a bus stop for sperm ready to go travel. The ampulla is inside the body; remember that the testicles need to be several degrees cooler than body temperature for sperm production, but it's not necessary for sperm to be stored at a cooler temperature.

    Sperm can be stored inside the male body for approximately 3 weeks after they've matured, after which they die inside the body if not ejaculated. So the entire sperm life cycle inside a man's body if not ejaculated (10 week maturation time + 3 week storage lifespan) is approximately 13 weeks or about 3 months.

    The body has the ability to reabsorb dead and excess sperm, and break the sperm protiens back down so they can be carried away by the blood stream. Much is not known about the reabsorption process, however. One area that we do know can definitely reabsorb excess sperm is the in the epididymis. Men who have had vasectomies, have had their vas deferens tubes cut and tied, preventing sperm from traveling from the testes to the rest of the body, and thus preventing any sperm from being ejaculated. However, the testes continue to produce sperm at the rate of hundreds of millions everyday. So what happens to all those sperm if they are blocked and trapped in the testes? The answer is they get reabsorbed by the tiny tubules in the epididymis. However, the epididymis was primarily designed as a nursery area for immature sperm to grow and mature; not as a death chamber for reabsorption, and doctors have noticed changes in the epididymis after a vasectomy. These changes are one of the reasons vasectomy reversals have limited success.

    It is unclear what happens to sperm if they happen to die in the ampulla or vas deferens due to prolonged absence of ejaculation. Sperm do not flow back to the epididymis for reabsorption; sperm only move in one direction in the vas deferens. Some theorize that excess and dead sperm are reabsorbed in the ampulla and vas deferens, just as they can be in the epididymis. Others theorize that excess and dead sperm are passed along from the ampulla into the urethra for elimination when urinating.

    The other issue which is unclear and may have a direct impact on the frequency of wet dreams without regular ejaculation while awake is at what rate the body can reabsorb excess sperm. If the body produces more sperm than it can reabsorb, there will be a continuous build up of excess sperm, possibly requiring an ejaculation at some point.







    Semen Production

    Semen is produced by several different glands that operate independently, but come together at ejaculation and orgasm to blend a perfect mixture of fluid to stimulate, feed, and nourish the sperm, to optimize fertility. The majority of an ejaculation by volume is seminal fluid, with sperm only comprising about 5% by volume.

    Semen production is almost entirely produced by three glands:

    1. Seminal Vesicles - these grapevine-like glands are about 2 inches long, and reside inside the body, near the prostate gland. The seminal vesicles produce the majority of seminal fluid by volume, at about 60% of total. The seminal vesicles produce a sticky fluid that is clear to yellowish in color, and is very high in fructose, which is essentially sugar. This fructose is designed to help feed the sperm so they will live longer in the vagina. The seminal vesicle fluid also contains various hormones and special proteins to stimulate the sperm to begin swimming (while stored, sperm typically do not swim, and are kind of in a stasis). The seminal vesicles also secrete semenogelin, which is the main protein in the secretion that causes coagulation of the semen, and gives it its sticky, thick consistency.

    2. Prostate Gland - The prostate gland is a small gland about the size and shape of a walnut, about 1.5" across, and 1.2" thick, located inside the body. It surrounds the beginning of the urethra near the bladder. During orgasm, the prostate contracts heavily, and is a major contributor to the pleasurable contraction sensations experienced during orgasm. The prostate gland produces about 40% of the seminal fluid by volume. Prostate fluid is thin and milky white, and gives semen its characteristic milky white appearance. Prostate fluid contains prostate-specific antigens to liquify coagulated semen (basically un-does what the semenogelin produced by the seminal vesicles did). Sperm must go through this coagulation and liquification process to be able to fertilize the egg. Semen typically liquifies in 5-20 minutes after ejaculation.

    3. Cowper's Glands - These are tiny, pea-sized glands near the base of the penis that produce what is commonly known as "pre-cum" or pre-ejaculatory fluid. This fluid is typically produced and expelled in drops before actual ejaculation, but can also be ejaculated with the rest of semen (although in very small amounts relative to the prostate and seminal vesicle secretions). The secretions from the Cowper's glands are completely clear, sticky, yet slick to the touch, and its purpose is to help lubricate and flush out the urethra in preparation for the sperm that will soon be traveling through it. Cowper's gland secretions can occur at any hint of arousal, without even being erect. Some men do not produce pre-cum, while others produce relatively large amounts. Both are normal.


    Semen Storage

    Production of seminal fluids among these 3 glands is thought to be regulated based on need, however there does appear to be a constant, nominal production of fluid in these glands as well. In other words, the more often ejaculation occurs, the more fluid these glands will produce to attempt to keep the average volume of semen ejaculated at about 2.5ml - 5.0ml, or about 1-2 teaspoons.

    Clearly, there are some production capacity constraints with these glands, as for example, if a man ejaculated 3 times in the span of one hour, he will find the first ejaculation contained the most semen, followed by lesser amounts in the second ejaculation, and substantially less in the third ejaculation. However, if he waited until the next day for his fourth ejaculation, he would likely find it has returned to normal volume.

    All three glands are thought to be able to reabsorb any excess fluid produced but not ejaculated, however this is only theory. Another theory is that the glands only produce what is needed to fill their storage capacities, and then stop producing until needed again after an ejaculation. A third theory kind of combines these first two, with the thought that these glands reabsorb excess fluid to some extent, but production of new fluid is constant at some nominal level, with the ability to increase production based on need. But the constant nominal production may exceed the reabsorption capacity of the glands, leading to a gradual build-up of seminal fluid, and eventual ejaculation through a nocturnal emission (wet dream) or a spontaneous ejaculation.

    This last theory could explain why an ejaculation after one month of abstinence does not contain a half a cup (150ml) of semen that would equate to the average 5ml per day production capacity, but on the other hand such an ejaculation is usually substantially larger in volume than one from a day or even a week of abstinence. This theory would also explain the occurrence of wet dreams after extended periods without ejaculation, and the occurrence of spontaneous ejaculations among those who have gone prolonged periods without ejaculation or wet dreams.

    Again, these are just theories though, and all have their weaknesses in practice. The bottom line is doctors and scientists are not sure exactly how the male body regulates production of semen and the reabsorption of excess semen, and how it stores it. One thing is for sure though: semen storage is not as simple as a tank that fills up, and then overflows if there is no ejaculation, leading to a wet dream. There is much more to a wet dream than that simple, but common theory. However, "full glands" may be one of several factors that cause a wet dream.
     
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  11. Zerg Prosecutor

    Zerg Prosecutor Fapstronaut

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    @JoeinMD Dude...if I were a chick I'd bang you!
    Seriously now, you provide so much accurate and good information it's ridiculous...
    How come you are so knowledgeable?
     
  12. JoeinUSA

    JoeinUSA Fapstronaut

    LOL - Now, dude - it's not like I wrote the article. I should find the author of it an introduce you - the author might even be a chick! Then, you'd be all set. Ha!
     
  13. Zerg Prosecutor

    Zerg Prosecutor Fapstronaut

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    I hope she'll be that hot that she'll cure all kinds of PIED problems! All kinds!
     
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  14. JoeinUSA

    JoeinUSA Fapstronaut

    Apparently she specializes in this area - so she'll know the cures.
     
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  15. Zerg Prosecutor

    Zerg Prosecutor Fapstronaut

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    Let dem "special treatments" begin.:rolleyes:
    I'm expecting all kinds of creampie action...all kindz!
     
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  16. JoeinUSA

    JoeinUSA Fapstronaut

  17. Thechosenone

    Thechosenone Fapstronaut

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    Someone watches the hodgetwins...all kinds of hodgetwins !

     
  18. atak

    atak Fapstronaut

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    Shit. The human body is so complex but during the day we aren't even thinking about these things. Getting educated how your body works takes a way the mystery. If your body is not a mystery I think you look at PMO differently too. If the body takes 74 days to produce semen it is a waste to spray it in a paper towel. Why not spray it in a woman? :D Education is really the first thing to solve anything. Probably if we perfectly understood how the body and brain works we wouldn't even have porn and masturbation addictions.
     
  19. Zerg Prosecutor

    Zerg Prosecutor Fapstronaut

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    I actually haven't watched them in 2-3 years maybe only a couple of videos, but still some of their mannerisms and jokes are unforgettable.
     
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  20. JoeinUSA

    JoeinUSA Fapstronaut

    Yes, I was amazed at the complexity myself (and we thought female biology was complex) - and it answers a lot of fears that go around here - fears of wet dreams, fears of too much sperm, fear or too little, etc. Nothing that happens naturally is detrimental to recovery - just the opposite, the natural processes show that our system is trying to achieve balance and normalcy, according to the design of our male biology. Also, many guys have fear about what is happening to their sperm after 50, 60, 70 days of no PMO - well, that time isn't even long enough for one batch of sperm (if you can call it a "batch") to reach full maturity.

    Another interesting line stated: sperm does not move backward. Hence, that sperm that was released in the vas deferens or then afterward into the holding place called the "ampulla" (never heard of that one till now) would ultimately be released (assuming no sex or PMO) via a wet dream or gradual dumping into the bladder or urinary tract or pre-ejaculate even, whereas old sperm still in the testicles or vesicles might otherwise disintegrate in its protein molecules and get absorbed by the body. Hence, there is always room for new sperm cells - we guy's are not going to explode down there. From my other reading, blue balls are really just a temporary surge of congestion (of blood or seminal fluids) from sexual excitement or a natural bodily surge perhaps - and this is most often a temporary state that will settle down again, like an erection returning to flaccid state when the blood flows back.

    Also, in regard to the 74-day production of fully mature sperm - wow, I didn't know it took that long - I would think there may be overlaps in various batches (so to speak) of sperm production; that is, in general, mature ready sperm is probably available every day since several "batches" of sperm grow simultaneously, I would think, at different stages of development.

    Another interesting facet that I never considered is that it is only growing and developing sperm that require the cooling mechanism of the descended testicles, but that sperm that is at full maturity don't require this and can survive quite well in a bodily-contained holding chamber (the ampulla) at body temperature outside the testicles. Wow. And, if not ejaculated, mature sperm can be stored within the body for 3 weeks longer after maturity before dying off - where discharge happens depending on where the death occurs, as above. So, 74 days plus 21 days equals 95 days - the approximate cycle of a reboot. Hence, why should a 90-day reboot be feared? And, for that matter, why should celibacy even be feared, actually? The body fully cycles and cleanses itself there

    I am also assuming that what we think of as emptying the testicles with multiple ejaculations is really not a depletion of all our sperm at all; rather, it's just a depletion of all the mature sperm, not the immature sperm batches in simultaneous development in days 1 to 73.

    In the end, you state it well, my friend, that knowing how our male biology works completely takes away the unknown mystery of things and makes us look at PMO recovery differently.

    Okay, that's my abridged version with its inferred application to the PMO recovery process.
     
    Last edited: Sep 20, 2015

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