How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? The world may never know! PE is not something that lends itself to the certitude of a double blind study. Unless, of course, you believe that masterbation leads to blindness!
Replensishing the fluids after one ejaculates requires energy. It’s not a zero sum game. There’s enough evidence to say with some degree of confidence that masterbation will not PREVENT gains, although it’s nearly impossible to prove that masterbation will not affect gains in any way, shape, or form. Growth, or lack thereof, comes at different times during the PE cycle. We’re still trying to figure out the mechanics behind it to create optimized and continuous growth, i.e., when to take a break, when to exercise more vigorously, emphasizing stretches vs. jelqs and vice-versa, the list goes on!
I, for one, found a decreased desire to masterbate once I began to practice PE. It seems that I’ve been able to see my penis as being more than a device to deliver an orgasm to my system. After witnessing more than a few ladies check out my package with their furtive/clandestine glances, I can see my penis as part of my overall physical appearance. Whether or not a lady likes them big, a bulge of some degree seems to add a certain asthetic appeal to one’s overall appearance.
I will still masterbate on occaision, regardless as to whether or not it retards progress. (I find that post masterbation flaccidity is smaller than post sex flaccidity, for what it’s worth.) But I also accept the risk that ejaculation will deplete energy and redirect my body’s resources for a period of time.