What Is an Ejaculation Disorder?
Ejaculation disorders are problems with how your penis releases semen (ejaculates). You usually ejaculate when you orgasm.
The process of ejaculation is complex:
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Sperm moves from the testicles to the prostate. There, it combines with fluid to make semen.
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A tube called the vas deferens sends semen toward your penis.
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The muscles in your penis contract to force semen outside your body.
The nerves in your spinal cord and reproductive system work together to control these steps. Anything that damages your nerves or interferes with the ejaculation process can lead to an ejaculation disorder.
Types of Ejaculation Disorders
Ejaculation problems can cause significant distress and sexual dissatisfaction. There are a few common types of ejaculation problems:
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Premature ejaculation
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Retrograde ejaculation
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Delayed ejaculation
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What Is Premature Ejaculation?
Premature ejaculation occurs when you ejaculate sooner than you or your partner prefers. This could mean you have difficulty controlling your orgasm from the moment you start intercourse. Or you could consider 5–10 minutes of penetration before ejaculation too brief.
We don’t diagnose premature ejaculation according to how long you have intercourse before ejaculating. Rather, we focus on how satisfied you and your sexual partner are with the length of intercourse.
What Causes Premature Ejaculation?
Experts don’t know the exact cause of premature ejaculation. It could have to do with your sensitivity levels or hormones. Sometimes it’s psychological. Several factors could influence the speed of your orgasm:
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Early sexual experiences: You may have had early experiences that required sex to finish quickly. Sometimes these habits continue into adulthood, resulting in rapid ejaculation.
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Low sexual arousal: Men can get erections without feeling strong sexual desire. In these cases, you may need to feel more aroused to control your ejaculation.
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Missing internal cues: You may struggle to identify the point when you can’t stop ejaculation.
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Performance anxiety: Some people pressure themselves to perform well in the bedroom. This pressure can develop into long-term anxiety about sex, which might lead to premature ejaculation.
Premature Ejaculation Treatments to Avoid
You might research other ways to treat premature ejaculation that don’t work. Be careful with your research and consult your urologist before self-treating. There is little evidence that the following treatments work:
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Acupuncture
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Botox injections
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Herbal medicines
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Hormone therapy
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Over-the-counter medications
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Penile nerve ablation
Retrograde Ejaculation
In retrograde ejaculation, your semen travels backward into your bladder instead of coming out of your penis. Your semen exits your body later in urine. A hallmark sign of retrograde ejaculation is when very little or no fluid comes out of your penis when you orgasm.
Our urologists use urinalysis to diagnose retrograde ejaculation. In this test, you will urinate in a cup soon after you ejaculate. We will test your urine. Your urine will contain a large amount of sperm if you have retrograde ejaculation.
Retrograde Ejaculation Causes
Retrograde ejaculation is uncommon. But some conditions and medications can lead to this problem:
- Diabetes
- Medications for high blood pressure or mood-altering drugs
- Medications or surgery to treat prostate or urethra problems
- Spinal cord injuries
Delayed Ejaculation
Delayed ejaculation is when you take a long time, such as 30–45 minutes, to ejaculate. A variation of delayed ejaculation (anejaculation) is when you don’t ejaculate at all.
This condition includes men with varying symptoms:
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No orgasm or ejaculation
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Orgasm without ejaculation
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Ejaculate without orgasm
What Causes Delayed Ejaculation?
Delayed ejaculation can occur for psychological reasons. It can also occur due to physical causes:
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Aging
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Duct blockages where semen should pass through
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Hormonal imbalances
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Medications, especially SSRIs
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Neurologic conditions, including multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries
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Surgery, including prostate cancer surgery and testicle cancer surgery
Spinal Cord Injury and Male Fertility
Sometimes a spinal cord injury can cause an ejaculatory disorder. Learn more about treating your ejaculatory disorder caused by a spinal cord injury.
Why Choose University of Utah Health?
We provide you with the quality care and support to help you reach your best sexual health. We understand that ejaculatory disorders can be uncomfortable to talk about. We treat you with sensitivity, compassion, and dignity every step of the way.
We are the Mountain West’s only academic medical center. Our cutting-edge research often gives us early access to new and promising therapies. Our urologists use the latest treatments designed to promote the best outcomes.
Make an Appointment
Call to schedule an appointment with one of our expert urologists. We can evaluate your condition and offer the best treatment for your ejaculation disorder.
