Is the claim that 'holding back ejaculation can strengthen the foundation and cultivate vitality, benefiting the prostate' correct?

Friend, let's have a serious talk about the topic of "withholding ejaculation" (忍精不射), as it's genuinely a concern for many men and is often misunderstood.

To cut to the chase, here's the key takeaway:

This idea isn't entirely correct. In fact, for the vast majority of people, long-term "withholding ejaculation" does not "strengthen vitality and preserve essence" (固本培元). Instead, it is more harmful than beneficial for the prostate.

Let me break down why in detail.

1. Where does the idea of "strengthening vitality and preserving essence" come from?

This concept largely stems from traditional medicine or certain Taoist wellness practices. In these theories, "essence" (精) is viewed as the vital substance and fundamental energy of the human body, something extremely precious. Therefore, "cherishing essence" (惜精) and "securing essence" (固精) became methods for health preservation, believed to conserve vital energy (元气) and prolong life.

However, we need to examine this issue through the lens of modern medicine.

The "essence" of traditional concepts ≠ Semen in modern medicine: The "essence" in traditional thought is a more metaphysical concept encompassing energy and life substance. What we refer to as "semen" today is primarily a mixture composed of sperm, prostatic fluid, seminal vesicle fluid, etc. Like other bodily fluids (such as saliva or sweat), it undergoes constant metabolism and regeneration. It is not a finite "treasure trove" that depletes with use.
The body has its own metabolic mechanisms: Mature sperm and semen components, if not expelled for a long time, will be broken down, absorbed by the body, and replaced with new ones. Therefore, the idea that "storing it up is beneficial" doesn't hold water.

2. What actually happens in your body when you "withhold ejaculation"?

Think of a complete sexual process as a "logistics system" preparing for delivery:

Stocking Up: Your body is stimulated, the brain sends signals, the penis becomes erect, and glands like the prostate and seminal vesicles start working overtime, secreting fluids (prostatic fluid, seminal vesicle fluid) that mix with sperm to form the "cargo" (semen).
Loading: When excitement peaks, this "cargo" is transported to the posterior urethra, ready for "dispatch."
Dispatch: On the brain's command, relevant muscles (like the pelvic floor muscles) contract rhythmically, ejecting the semen out of the body.

"Withholding ejaculation" is like forcibly slamming the door shut at the very last moment of "dispatch"!

What consequences does this cause?

Prostate "Congestion": The prostate is already engorged, swollen, and has secreted a large amount of prostatic fluid ready for "shipment." Forcibly holding it back prevents these fluids from being expelled, keeping the prostate in a state of high tension and congestion. It's like a factory where goods pile up at the exit – won't the factory become chaotic over time? Prolonged practice can easily induce or worsen chronic prostatitis, leading to symptoms like lower abdominal pressure, frequent urination, and incomplete bladder emptying.
Potential for "Retrograde Ejaculation": Under high pressure, semen unable to exit via the urethra may find an "alternate route," flowing backward into the bladder and being expelled later with urine. While not significantly harmful to the body, this is not a normal physiological process.
"Torture" for Pelvic Floor Muscles and Nerves: To hold back, you need to engage many muscles and nerves to forcibly resist the body's natural response. This over-tenses the pelvic floor muscles and can lead to chronic pain in the pelvic region over time.
Impact on Sexual Experience and Function: Forcibly interrupting a natural physiological orgasm creates a jarring, "abruptly stopped" experience. Long-term practice can lead to psychological stress and may even affect erectile function or cause ejaculatory dysfunction.

3. So, what actually benefits the prostate?

Quite the opposite, regular, harmonious sexual activity is beneficial for prostate health.

Regular ejaculation acts like a "thorough cleaning" for the prostate. It helps empty the fluids within the gland, renew secretions, promote blood circulation, and alleviate congestion. Many studies indicate that men who ejaculate regularly actually have a lower risk of developing certain prostate diseases.

To summarize

"Withholding ejaculation strengthens vitality and preserves essence" originates from traditional wellness practices. However, viewed through modern medicine, it confuses concepts and is unscientific. Semen is continuously produced by the body; it is not a finite treasure.
Long-term, forced "withholding of ejaculation" burdens the prostate, potentially leading to congestion, inflammation, pain, and a series of other problems. It is harmful, not beneficial.
What's truly good for the prostate is regular sexual activity and a healthy lifestyle (drinking plenty of water, avoiding prolonged sitting, exercising regularly).

So, friend, going with the flow is the best approach to wellness. We should respect the body's natural responses, not forcibly fight against them. Regularly "clearing out the inventory" is the best way to truly "strengthen vitality and preserve essence" for your prostate.