The phenomenon known as male ejaculation goes by many names as can be found everywhere in modern pop and internet culture.
Ejaculation as a bodily process is inextricably linked to the male orgasm, considering both processes typically occur simultaneously.
However, it’s entirely possible that some men can orgasm without ejaculating, or ejaculate without orgasming.
Ejaculation is the process when the penis ejects semen, a white, sticky liquid containing sperm.
How does male ejaculation actually happen?
The process of ejaculation is complex, involving several parts of the male reproductive system that consists of two phases known as emission and expulsion. Here are the parts involved.
- Seminal vesicles. These glands are responsible for creating fluids that compose the fluid wherein semen is contained.
- Vas deferens. These tubes are responsible for storing and delivering sperm from the testes to the penis.
- Urethra. The urethra is a tube within the penis where semen, urine, and seminal fluids are expelled from the body.
- Prostate. The prostate is the gland responsible for emitting fluids that nourish sperm.
- Bladder. The bladder is responsible for storing urine until you expel it through urination.
Emission is the first part of ejaculation triggered by the central nervous system through nerves that run from the male reproductive system to the spine.
Emission begins when the bladder begins to close so that semen cannot travel back inside it. Then, the prostate and seminal vesicles introduce the seminal fluid into the urethra, where they combine with the sperm that was delivered by the testes by way of the vas deferens to produce what we call semen. At this point, ejaculation follows.
This leads to the next phase of ejaculation known as expulsion, where semen leaves the male reproductive system. Expulsion happens when the pelvic muscles and penis contract and expel the semen from the urethra, after which the erection decreases. This is followed by a short time frame wherein you can’t produce another erection, often referred to as the refractory period.`
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The lowdown on precum: What is it?
Pre-ejaculate, or precum, is a fluid secreted at the tip of the penis when a man is sexually stimulated prior to ejaculating. Precum is produced in a set of glands known as Cowper’s glands, and they act to lubricate the penis and help expel semen. Moreover, pre-ejaculate neutralizes the acidity of residual urine in the urethra to protect the integrity of the sperm in semen. Pre-ejaculate itself doesn’t contain sperm, but it can sometimes contain low levels of sperm from the residual fluid coming from the prostate gland.
So in case, you were wondering if it was possible to impregnate a woman from precum, yes, it can, unless you use birth control products or techniques.
What are wet dreams (nocturnal emissions)?
Nocturnal emissions, also known as wet dreams, are when you climax and ejaculate as you sleep. Wet dreams are a common occurrence during puberty, with decreasing frequency as you age. Nocturnal emissions are a facet of normal sexual health, and cannot be prevented from happening.
How often does an average person ejaculate?
The frequency of your ejaculations is a subjective matter affected by a variety of factors. However, it must be mentioned that ejaculation frequency diminishes over time, with one 2016 study noting that 57% of men within the 20-29 age bracket reported 13 ejaculations per month on average – which decreased by 32% in men aged 40-49.
What are the benefits of ejaculation?
Ejaculation is a part and parcel of a normal, healthy sex life, as well as a general indicator of overall health. The process of ejaculation involves a variety of the body’s systems firing on all cylinders, and each one needs to be functioning well for ejaculation to happen in a normal fashion.
However, ejaculation isn’t just beneficial for satisfaction, reproduction, and sheer pleasure. Men who ejaculate more often, for instance, were found to have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer than those who ejaculated much less.
What are some of the potential problems I could run into with ejaculation?
As ejaculation depends on a complex and successful interaction of several factors, so does pleasurable sex. When something goes awry with these interactions, the results can lead to sexual dysfunctions.
Premature ejaculation (PE)
Premature ejaculation is one of the most common sexual dysfunctions. PE refers to the condition when you ejaculate sooner or faster during sexual activity than you or your partner wish. PE is caused by a variety of physiological and psychological factors and is usually managed with medical and behavioral treatments.
Delayed ejaculation
Delayed ejaculation, as the name implies, is an ejaculation that takes longer than you or your partner wanted to. Delayed ejaculations are the least common among the many faces of male sexual dysfunction. Delayed ejaculation is a condition where a man may take more than 25 minutes of sexual stimulation to climax and ejaculate, Delayed ejaculations may be caused by mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, or other factors like recreational drug or alcohol use. Treating these underlying conditions may help men who experience delayed ejaculation.
Retrograde ejaculation
Retrograde ejaculations are sometimes called dry orgasms. This type of ejaculation happens when the semen reverses course and returns to the bladder rather than being expelled out from the penis. Men with retrograde ejaculation are still able to achieve an orgasm but without the ejaculation nor the ejaculate (hence the term dry orgasm). Moreover, if you have retrograde ejaculation, you may notice your urine looks murky or cloudy due to your semen mixing with it, especially when you urinate after having sex. Retrograde ejaculation is most commonly caused by prostate or bladder surgery, or diabetes.
Anejaculation
Anejaculation, or the complete and total inability to ejaculate, is a rare condition that may be caused by spinal cord injuries or trauma, as well as multiple sclerosis or diabetes.
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Painful ejaculation
Ejaculating with some degree of pain is not normal. Painful ejaculations can be a sign of prostate inflammation, prostate enlargement, or prostate cancer.
Blood in ejaculations
Hematospermia, or the presence of blood in the semen, can set off alarm bells in men. However, it’s usually something not to worry too much about especially in men below the age of 40. Hematospermia in men below 40 often resolves on its own. However, if you notice blood in your semen more frequently and you’re above 40, see a doctor – this could be an indication of prostate health issues.
The final word
Consult your healthcare provider if you notice blood or reddish semen, especially if you are above 40 or if you experience related symptoms such as painful ejaculations, lower back pain, secretions from the penis, or any concerns that require a trained specialist to evaluate.
Ejaculation is a vital part of sex, fertility, and sexual health. When things go awry with it, consulting your doctor can be the difference between a lackluster sex life and a healthy, vigorous, satisfying one.
