Well, because you never saw it doesn't really mean it didn't happen! Right? I would hydrate the male really well then give him like 2 weeks off. Try and feed him once a week for the 2 weeks if he still refuses put him back with the female. Really as long as he is well hydrated he should be fine. Just shorten his time with the female.
He's been off food since November and has lost significant weight despite lengthened time off. But you are right, just because I didn't see it doesn't mean it didn't happen.