Julien is 35 years old and has never dared to talk about his ejaculation difficulties, not even to his doctor. He wonders if what he is experiencing is normal, if other men are in the same situation, and most importantly, if there are solutions.
But what exactly are ejaculation problems? What causes them, and how can they be treated?
Hello, this is Dr Joy!
In this article, we will explore the different types of ejaculation problems, the factors that can influence them, and the medical and therapeutic solutions available to improve male sexual health.
I – What is ejaculation?
Ejaculation is the release of semen from the penis. It usually occurs when a person with a penis reaches orgasm (sexual climax), but it can also happen without orgasm.
Your nervous system controls ejaculation. The nerves running from your reproductive system to parts of your spinal cord force semen out of your penis when sexual arousal reaches a critical level.
It has two phases:
- Emission phase: In the first phase, sperm moves from your testicles to your prostate and mixes with fluid to create semen. Your vas deferens (the tubes that store and transport sperm from your testicles) contract to move sperm toward the base of your penis.
- Expulsion phase: In the second phase, the muscles at the base of your penis contract every 0.8 seconds, forcing or ejecting semen from your penis in multiple spurts.
II – The Three Main Types of Ejaculation Problems
These problems are common sexual issues among men.
The three main types are:
- Premature ejaculation: This is a common issue where a man ejaculates earlier than he or his partner desires during sexual arousal. Premature ejaculation occurs when ejaculation happens sooner than desired.
- Delayed ejaculation: Delayed ejaculation (male orgasmic disorder) is classified as:
- Experiencing a significant delay before ejaculation.
- Being unable to ejaculate at all, even if the man wishes to and has a normal erection. You may suffer from delayed ejaculation if you are unable to ejaculate more than half of the times you have sex. Some people do not ejaculate at all. For example, someone who needs 45 minutes of intercourse before ejaculating may suffer from delayed ejaculation.
- Retrograde ejaculation: A rarer type of ejaculation problem. It occurs when semen flows backward into the bladder instead of passing through the urethra (the tube through which urine flows).
III – Causes
Various psychological and physical factors can cause a man to suddenly experience premature ejaculation. The psychological causes of delayed ejaculation are similar to those of premature ejaculation, such as relationship issues, stress, or depression.
Common physical causes of premature ejaculation include:
- Prostate problems
- Thyroid problems – an overactive or underactive thyroid
- Recreational drug use
Common psychological causes may include:
- Depression
- Stress
- Relationship issues
- Anxiety about sexual performance (especially at the beginning of a new relationship or when a man has previously experienced sexual performance issues)
The physical causes of delayed ejaculation include:
- Diabetes
- Spinal cord injuries
- Multiple sclerosis
- Bladder or prostate surgery
- Advanced age
Many medications are known to cause delayed ejaculation, including:
- Antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Medications for high blood pressure, such as beta-blockers
- Antipsychotics, used to treat episodes of psychosis
If you are experiencing these problems, it is important to consult a doctor or a sexologist. A healthcare professional specialising in sexual health can help identify the cause of your problems and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Remember, many men experience ejaculation problems at some point in their lives, and there are solutions available to improve your sexual well-being.
This information is not a substitute for medical advice.
You must seek the advice of your doctor or another qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health condition.
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