Contents
- Ejaculation – How Does It Happen?
- Ejaculation and the refractory period
- Ejaculation and semen quality
- Ejaculation and the strength and amount of semen
- How often should you ejaculate?
- Ejaculation – is it safe?
- Is it healthy to abstain from ejaculation?
- Ejaculation – Health Benefits
- Ejaculation – ejaculation disorders
- Ejaculation and postorgasmic disease syndrome
- Ejaculation in women
- Ejaculation – a curiosity
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Ejaculation is the ejaculation of semen (ejaculate; usually containing sperm) from the male reproductive system as a result of an orgasm. It is the final stage and natural purpose of male sexual stimulation and an essential component of natural conception. In rare cases, ejaculation occurs due to prostate disease. Ejaculation can also occur spontaneously while sleeping (glue or nocturnal blotch).
Ejaculation – How Does It Happen?
The usual precursor to ejaculation is a man’s sexual arousal, leading to an erection of the penis, although not all arousal or erection leads to ejaculation. Penile sexual stimulation with or without masturbation or vaginal, anal, oral or non-penetrative sexual activity can provide the necessary stimulus for a man to reach orgasm and ejaculation, or ejaculation.
Regarding vaginal ejaculation delay time, men typically reach orgasm 5-7 minutes after starting penile-vaginal intercourse, taking into account their and their partners’ desires, but 10 minutes is also a common time for vaginal ejaculation delay. Premature ejaculation is when ejaculation occurs before the desired time. If a man is unable to ejaculate in a timely manner after prolonged sexual stimulation, despite wanting to do so, this is called delayed ejaculation or anorgasmia. An orgasm that is not accompanied by ejaculation is called a dry orgasm.
Long-term stimulation through foreplay (kissing, caressing and direct stimulation of the erogenous zones before penetration during intercourse) or stroking (during masturbation) leads to an adequate amount of arousal and the production of a special fluid called pre-ejaculate before ejaculation. Its purpose is to facilitate frictional movements and provide sperm with a better environment to survive in the urethra and then in the vagina. Although the presence of sperm in the pre-ejaculate is believed to be rare, sperm from earlier ejaculation, still present in the urethra, can be collected by the pre-ejaculate. In addition, infectious agents (including HIV) can also be present.
When a man reaches a sufficient level of stimulation, orgasm and ejaculation begin. At this point, under the control of the sympathetic nervous system, sperm containing sperm is produced. Semen is ejected through the urethra with rhythmic contractions. These rhythmic contractions are part of the male orgasm. They are produced by the bulbar-spongy and pubic-coccyx muscles under the control of the spinal reflex at the level of the S2-4 spinal nerves via the vulvar nerve. A typical male orgasm lasts a few seconds.
Once orgasm begins, sperm impulses begin to drain from the urethra, peak in discharge, and then reduce the flow. A typical orgasm consists of 10 to 15 contractions, although the male is unaware of them. After the first contraction, ejaculation will continue as an involuntary process. At this stage, ejaculation cannot be stopped. The pace of contractions gradually slows down during orgasm. Initial contractions occur at an average interval of 0,6 seconds with 0,1 second increments per contraction. Most men contract at regular, rhythmic intervals throughout the duration of their orgasm. Many men also experience extra irregular contractions towards the end of their orgasm.
Ejaculation usually starts during the first or second contraction of the orgasm. For most men, the first sperm is during the second contraction, while the second spurt is usually the largest (40% or more) of the sperm secretion. After this peak, the amount of semen emitted by the penis decreases as the contractions begin to weaken. Muscle contractions during orgasm can continue after ejaculation without any additional sperm secretion.
A study of a small sample of seven men showed an average of 7 ejaculations followed by an average of 10 consecutive contractions without sperm excretion. This study also showed a high correlation between the number of semen ejaculations and the total volume of the ejaculate, i.e. larger semen volumes were due to extra sperm impulses and not to larger single ejaculations.
See also: Is orgasm without ejaculation possible?
Ejaculation and the refractory period
Most men experience a refractory period immediately after orgasm, during which time they are unable to get another erection and again longer before being able to achieve another ejaculation. During this time, the man experiences a deep and often pleasant feeling of relaxation, usually felt in the groin and thighs. The duration of the refractory period varies considerably, even for a given person. Age affects recovery time, with younger men usually recovering faster than older men, though not always.
While some men may have refractory periods of 15 minutes or longer, some men may experience sexual arousal immediately after ejaculating. A short recovery period may allow partners to continue sexual play with relatively continuous ejaculation. Some men may experience their penis becoming oversensitive to stimulation after ejaculation, which can cause unpleasant sexual stimulation even when sexually aroused.
Interestingly, there are also men who are able to achieve multiple orgasms, with or without the usual ejaculation sequence and refractory period. Some of these men report that they do not notice refractory periods or are able to maintain an erection by “maintaining sexual activity with a full erection until the refractory time to orgasm is over when they transitioned to the second or third orgasm.”
Ejaculation and semen quality
Ejaculation occurs when semen is released from the penis, usually during orgasm. Before this happens, a small amount of pre-ejuculate is usually released. This is the pre-ejaculate that drips from the head of the penis when the man is aroused. The preejuculate consists of one to two drops of an alkaline cowper gland fluid (the two small glands below the prostate gland). Its alkalinity neutralizes the acidity that remains in the urethra after recent urination
Sixty-five percent of the semen present in ejaculation comes from the seminal vesicles. Thirty-five percent is from the prostate, which gives the semen its distinctive odor. Five percent of the ejaculate consists of other body fluids. Semen, in turn, is made of sperm contained in the seminal fluid. Turbidity tends to increase with increasing sperm concentration (as measured by sperm count).
The volume and distance of ejaculation have no effect on your partner’s ability to fertilize. In fact, conception can be achieved with just a little bit of semen. This is why intercourse interrupted (intermittent intercourse) may still lead to pregnancy. Overall, a sperm count of less than 39 million per ejaculation, or 15 million per milliliter, reduces the chances of a successful conception.
Sperm count in ejaculation varies widely, depending on many factors, including time since last ejaculation, age, stress levels, and testosterone levels. Longer sexual stimulation immediately preceding ejaculation may result in higher sperm concentrations. An unusually low sperm count, not the same as a small sperm volume, is known as oligospermia, and the absence of sperm in a semen is called azoospermia.
A low sperm count does not mean that your partner will not get pregnant or that there are no supported measures to improve your chances of getting pregnant. If a man is struggling with fertility, semen analysis will reveal if any aspect of his sperm may be a contributing factor.
The pleasure of getting closer can be positively influenced by SKYN Natural Harmony intimate gel with hyaluronic acid or the premium SKYN All Night Long intimate gel based on silicone.
See also: How much do male fertility tests cost and where to do them? The most important information at a glance
Ejaculation and the strength and amount of semen
The strength and amount of sperm that is ejected during ejaculation will vary greatly in men and can range from 0,1 to 10 milliliters (for comparison, keep in mind that a teaspoon is 5 ml and a tablespoon is 15 ml). Adult semen volume is affected by the time elapsed since the previous ejaculation; larger semen volumes are observed with longer duration of abstinence.
The duration of stimulation leading to ejaculation may affect the volume. An abnormally small volume of semen is known as hypospermia, and an abnormally large volume of semen is known as hyperspermia. One possible cause of low semen volume or no semen is obstruction of the ejaculatory tube. It is normal for the amount of semen to decline with age.
See also: Diagnosis of male infertility – what tests should be performed?
How often should you ejaculate?
There is no “normal” number of times a man should ejaculate in a day, week, or month. What is normal depends on age, relationship status, overall health, and other factors.
Is 21 a magic number? This was suggested by a study by Harvard Medical School researchers that found men who reported 21 or more ejaculations per month had a 31 percent lower risk of prostate cancer than men who ejaculated 4 to 7 times a month (Rider, 2017 ).
Some researchers argue that ejaculation can clear the prostate of irritants or toxins that can cause inflammation.
However, not every study agrees with this thesis. A 2004 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found no association between ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer risk (Leitzmann, 2004). And a 2008 study published in BJUI International involving 800 people found that young men who reported more sexual activity (both masturbation and sex) had a slightly higher risk of developing prostate cancer between the ages of 20 and 30 (Lophatananon, 2008). However, more fertile sexual activity appeared to protect against prostate cancer after the age of 50.
In 2018, Chinese scientists published a meta-analysis of 21 studies involving over 55 men. “Moderate ejaculation” (eg, two to four times a week) was “significantly associated” with a lower risk of prostate cancer, but the risk did not decrease with more ejaculations. To further complicate things, researchers found that men who had fewer sexual partners and started having sex later in life had a lower incidence of prostate cancer (Jian, 000).
According to the researchers, no one knows what the real answer is. There is a cursory study that says ejaculating ten times a week is better than ejaculating once a week and 20 is better than 10, but these studies have never been confirmed. Researchers note that the studies are not double-blind or placebo-controlled; they simply compare groups of men with and without the disease and look at their behavior and health habits. Therefore, research can find a relationship but not prove a causal relationship. Regarding any health benefits, these links may suggest frequent ejaculation: “Is this an act of orgasm?” specialists ask the question. Is it because of a drop in blood pressure? Is it because these men have better sexual relationships with their partners? Nobody knows this answer.
Ejaculation – is it safe?
There are myths about the dangers of regular masturbation. However, according to Planned Parenthood, there is no evidence that frequent ejaculation is harmful. Likewise, most people do not consider frequent voluntary sex with a partner harmful to either side, as long as both partners:
- feel comfortable with their actions;
- avoid sexual activities that cause pain;
- adopt safer sex strategies.
A 2015 study found that men who ejaculated daily for 14 days experienced a slight decrease in sperm count in their ejaculate. However, this reduction did not bring the sperm count below normal thresholds. Also, frequent ejaculation did not affect other indicators of sperm health, such as sperm motility and morphology.
Research published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science found that partners who have sex at least once a week are happier in their relationships. More frequent sex did not increase relationship satisfaction, but it did not decrease it either.
See also: Does masturbation affect erection?
Is it healthy to abstain from ejaculation?
Some men like to abstain from ejaculation as a way to “reboot” or “reset”. Others will do this to prove they can, especially if they are dealing with issues like chronic masturbation or porn addiction. There are even online communities dedicated to this.
So if we are happy not to ejaculate, then let’s do this. There is no evidence to suggest that abstaining from ejaculating may result in unwanted or harmful side effects.
Of course, the flip side to this is that there is no evidence of any long-term health benefits from abstaining. While some people believe that avoiding ejaculation can increase or balance testosterone levels, enhance virility, or preserve energy, this has no basis in science.
See also: What are the risks of not having sex? Prof. Lew-Starowicz replies
Ejaculation – Health Benefits
In fact, there is an argument that the answer to the question “How often should a man ejaculate?” is “As often as he would like”. There are many health benefits associated with ejaculation and orgasm. Belong to them:
- Lower blood pressure;
- Better relationships. Sexual arousal increases the body’s levels of oxytocin, the “love” hormone that triggers the need for closeness and strong attachment;
- Reduced stress and depression. Arousal causes a rush of dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone that contributes to feelings of pleasure or satisfaction that can improve mood (Melis, 1995);
- Increased immunity (Haake, 2004);
- Better sleep;
- Lower risk of heart disease. A review of research published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that having sex once a month or less increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (Hall, 2010). (Erectile dysfunction or impotence may be an indicator of heart disease, but this study found a correlation independent of impotence.)
See also: The seven worst heart conditions in adults
Ejaculation – ejaculation disorders
The time from the onset of intimacy to the final ejaculation varies from person to person; this period is known as ejaculation latency. It becomes a problem when a man or his partner experiences suffering from ejaculation latency. There are three main problems with ejaculation: premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, and retrograde ejaculation.
Premature ejaculation (premature ejaculation)
It is characterized by a short ejaculation latency. A man ejaculates too quickly during intercourse, usually within 30 seconds of the start of intimacy. The condition can affect a man’s ability to remain in satisfying long-term relationships and is the most common problem with ejaculation.
Psychological causes such as depression, stress, anxiety, and relationship problems can cause this condition. Physical causes, such as prostate or thyroid problems, can also cause premature ejaculation, as can medications prescribed for existing health problems. Therapy has a great influence on the treatment of psychological causes.
Medications may be required for physical disorders. Viagra helps maintain an erection even after ejaculation. In combination with anti-sensitivity ointments, the man will be able to provide sexual intimacy for both partners.
See also: How to delay ejaculation – methods, tablets
Delayed ejaculation (Delayed Ejaculation)
In this case, the latency of ejaculation is very long. A man experiences a long delay before ejaculating during intercourse, and in some cases may not be able to ejaculate at all despite having a normal erection.
Physical problems such as diabetes, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, bladder surgery, prostate surgery, and advanced age may be responsible for delayed ejaculation. Antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), antipsychotics, muscle relaxants, medications for high blood pressure, and painkillers can also cause the problem. Switching to a different medication may help.
Psychological causes such as early sexual trauma related to child abuse, strict parenting, depression, fear, anxiety about sexual performance, relationship stress, or stress in general, can also cause delayed ejaculation. Consultation with a doctor and therapy will help in managing the disease.
Retrograde ejaculation (retrograde ejaculation)
While problems with premature and delayed ejaculation are common, retrograde ejaculation is rare. This is a medical condition in which semen travels back into the bladder rather than forward through the urethra.
The bladder neck should close perfectly at the time of orgasm, but muscle or nerve damage can prevent this. This leads to retrograde ejaculation. The main symptom is cloudy urine released after sexual intercourse.
This condition does not prevent men from enjoying sexual intercourse. It also doesn’t have a bad effect on men’s health, but it does make a man sterile. Consequently, treatment is only required if a man is trying to conceive with his partner. The most common way to deal with retrograde ejaculation is through artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization.
Blood in the semen
Finding blood in semen (hematospermia) can be worrying. However, in most cases it is not serious and will pass within a few days. The most likely cause is an infection in the urethra (urethritis) or prostate infection (prostatitis).
If symptoms persist, contact your GP as the causes may be more serious.
Ejaculation and postorgasmic disease syndrome
For most men, there was no evidence of detrimental health effects due to ejaculation or frequent ejaculation, although sexual activity in general may have health or psychological consequences. A small proportion of men suffer from a disease called Postorgasmic Disease Syndrome (POIS)which causes severe muscle pain throughout the body and other symptoms immediately after ejaculation. Symptoms last up to a week. Some physicians speculate that the incidence of POIS “in the population may be greater than reported in the scientific literature,” and that many people with POIS go undiagnosed.
POIS is more common in men, but can happen in women. Some people avoid engaging in sexual activity or starting new sexual relationships because of POIS. Others feel that they need to schedule sex when they can manage their symptoms.
Symptoms of POIS can “aggregate” in one particular area (such as the nose or throat) or they can be more general. Symptoms include:
- tiredness;
- weakness;
- Headache;
- moods, irritability;
- fever;
- feeling excessively hot or cold;
- watery or itchy eyes;
- blurred vision;
- Stuffed nose;
- sore throat;
- cough;
- muscle tightness or pain;
- difficulty concentrating.
Scientists don’t know exactly what causes POIS, but there are some theories. Symptoms may be the result of an allergy or an autoimmune disorder. For example, a man may be allergic to his own semen.
However, people without allergies may still have a POIS. Another theory suggests that a chemical imbalance in the brain may be the cause. There are no specific treatments for POIS, but some people manage their symptoms by taking medications such as antihistamines, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or benzodiazepines. People who experience flu-like symptoms after orgasm are encouraged to see their doctor.
See also: Half of Poles will fall ill with it. Test yourself for free
Ejaculation in women
Female ejaculation refers to the expulsion of fluid from a woman’s urethra during orgasm or sexual arousal. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from your bladder to the outside of your body.
Analysis showed that the fluid contained prostate acid phosphatase (PSA). PSA is an enzyme found in male sperm that promotes sperm motility. In addition, female ejaculation usually contains fructose, which is a form of sugar. Fructose is also generally present in male sperm where it acts as an energy source for sperm.
Experts believe that the PSA and fructose present in the fluid come from the Skene glands. Other names for these glands include the parotid glands or the smaller vestibular glands. These glands are located on the anterior, inner wall of the vagina near the G-spot. Scientists believe that stimulation causes these glands to produce PSA and fructose, which then travel to the urethra.
According to the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM), various estimates suggest that 10 to 50 percent of women ejaculate during sex. Some experts believe that all women ejaculate, but many don’t notice it. They may not be aware of this as the fluid may flow back into the bladder and not leave the body.
In an older study of 233 women, 14 percent of participants said they ejaculated during all or most of their orgasms, and 54 percent said they had experienced it at least once. When researchers compared urine samples before and after orgasm, they found more PSA in the latter. They concluded that all women produce ejaculation, but not always expel it. Instead, the ejaculate sometimes returns to the bladder, which then passes through it as you urinate.
It is known that the experience of a female ejaculation, including the sensation, triggers, and amount of ejaculation, varies greatly from person to person.
See also: Point G – where is it located? How to stimulate a G-spot?
Ejaculation – a curiosity
Although rare, some men may ejaculate while masturbating without any manual stimulation. These men usually do it by flexing and flexing their abdominals and buttocks, and fantasizing deeply. Others can do this by relaxing the area around the penis, which can result in stronger erections, especially when over-aroused.