Is It Good to Save Sperm?

Saving sperm, also known as sperm banking or cryopreservation, is beneficial for several reasons, primarily focused on preserving fertility. There's limited scientific evidence supporting claims about the health benefits of semen retention (not ejaculating), but sperm banking for future use is a well-established medical procedure.

• Preserving Fertility: Sperm banking allows men facing fertility challenges, such as cancer treatments (which can damage sperm production) [American Cancer Society], or those who wish to delay fatherhood, to preserve their fertility for future use [Johns Hopkins Medicine, HFEA]. This process is "fairly easy and successful" [American Cancer Society].

• Medical Procedures: Cancer treatment, for example, can significantly impact sperm production. Saving sperm before treatment allows for the possibility of having children later [American Cancer Society].

• Future Family Planning: Saving sperm enables men to have children later in life, even if their fertility declines with age [HFEA].

The Question of Semen Retention

The question of whether semen retention (refraining from ejaculation) is beneficial is a separate issue. While some anecdotal claims suggest health benefits like increased energy or improved libido [MedicineNet], there's not much scientific evidence to support or refute these claims [Medical News Today]. Existing research is limited, and the effects may vary significantly between individuals [Medical News Today].

Note: The impact of ejaculatory abstinence on sperm quality shows varied results. Some studies show improvements in sperm count and volume with longer abstinence periods, while others find optimal results with shorter abstinence periods [RAF].

Conclusion

Saving sperm through banking is a valuable tool for preserving fertility for future use in various circumstances. The health impacts of semen retention are currently not scientifically conclusive.