A question about prostate health and non-ejaculatory sex was mentioned in another thread. The belief that men need to ejaculate to avoid prostate trouble is widespread. In the past year or so one study found that frequent intercourse did not prevent prostate trouble, and another claimed that if you are going to ejaculate, more frequently is better than less frequently for prostate health. On the other hand, prostate disease is also associated with high testosterone (high libido) and high prolactin (which shoots up after every orgasm).

The Taoists, with thousands of years of practical experience of ejaculation control, found that non-ejaculatory intercourse improves health. So did the author of "The Karezza Method" (J. William Lloyd). In a sense, the West is measuring "apples," while the Taoists are talking about "oranges." The West is measuring conventional sex in greater or lesser quantities, while the Taoists were gauging frequent sexual activity with an approach that circulates sexual energy without creating frustration. Heart-centered lovemaking increases the quantity of oxytocin in the body, protecting one's health.

A recent study in Italy found that being in love lowers men's testosterone levels a bit, while raising women's, which is good for both partners and increases sexual harmony. Learning how to stay in love may be the best bet for healthy prostate—and gentle, frequent non-performance oriented lovemaking is a good way to do that.

Exercising the prostate is important for good health, but one can exercise it without ejaculating. According to a medical study, prostate trouble seems to be associated with congestion, that is, stagnant blood circulation in the prostate region. Obviously, exercising the muscles in that area during sex is good. (Indeed, gay men seldom have prostate troubles and they typically engage in prostate stimulation). But ejaculation itself is not necessary—making love is. And the gentler that lovemaking the less the potential for unwelcome congestion due to over-arousal (too much blood in the prostate region). One study showed that prostate trouble disproportionately affects priests. But it is not a function of semen build-up; it’s a function of congestion.

As for semen, the body quite naturally stops producing it in uncomfortable quantities when demand decreases, and the body continually reabsorbs any excess.