September 14, 2026, 6:04 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Various myths surround what happens in a man’s body when he goes without sex for an extended period. There’s talk of loss of libido, sperm congestion, and erectile dysfunction. What’s true and what’s not–FITBOOK asked a urologist.
Sperm congestion, loss of libido, and sperm that eventually go bad: There are horror stories about male sexual abstinence. But what are the real effects when men go without sex with a partner, have no erections or ejaculations, or do not masturbate for a long time?
We examined some myths on the subject with an expert to check their validity.
Do the Sexual Organs Change?
Muscles that aren’t used for a long time can atrophy. Theoretically, the sexual organs could undergo a similar development–not functioning as they should. However, Dr. med. Christoph Pies, a urologist and author, clarifies in a conversation with FITBOOK: “There is no evidence that a healthy man’s penis atrophies or scars solely due to a lack of sexual intercourse. Persistent erectile dysfunction should be medically evaluated regardless of sexual frequency.”
Sperm Congestion–Is It Real?
Going without sex for a long time is said to cause sperm congestion and make the testicles swell–a painful notion that can fortunately be dismissed as a myth. Urologist Dr. Pies reassures: “While new sperm are continuously produced in the testicles, unused ones are eventually broken down or expelled through a nocturnal emission.” So, sperm congestion doesn’t exist.
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Can Sperm Go “Bad”?
“The duration of ejaculation abstinence can affect various semen parameters,” explains the expert. “Longer intervals often increase volume, concentration, and total sperm count, while shorter intervals may be associated with better progressive motility and less DNA fragmentation.” So, sperm don’t simply go “bad” due to abstinence, but the measurements can change.
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Do Sex and Abstinence Affect the Prostate?
There are at least some indications from research. A study showed a statistical correlation. It was a long-term evaluation of observational studies published in 2016. It found that having at least 21 ejaculations per month compared to four to seven was associated with a roughly 19 to 22 percent lower risk of disease.1“However, no causal protection or medical recommendation for a specific number of ejaculations can be derived from this,” emphasizes Pies.
Does Abstinence Harm Mental Health?
Sexual activity, well-being, relationship status, stress, and physical and mental health can all influence each other. The urologist’s assessment: “Involuntary sexual abstinence can be perceived as stressful; voluntary abstinence, on the other hand, is not inherently harmful to health.”
Also interesting: This is what happens in a woman’s body when she hasn’t had sex for a long time
Should Men Have 21 Ejaculations a Month?
Why Men May Experience Loss of Libido and What Can Help
Does the Lack of Sexual Experiences Affect Testosterone?
A 2021 study provided evidence of short-term changes in free testosterone after masturbation or sexual stimulation. However, it does not prove a long-term decline due to lack of ejaculation.2 “There is currently no reliable evidence for a clinically relevant, permanent change in testosterone levels due to abstinence,” Pies also emphasizes.
Does Libido Disappear When You Haven’t Had Sex for a Long Time?
Men need not worry here either. Libido does not routinely disappear due to abstinence. It is influenced by numerous factors, such as physical and mental health, hormones, medications, stress, and relationship status. Even after a long period of sexual abstinence, sexual desire can increase again, such as with a new partnership.