Men's orgasms are like their penises – they're obvious, as they're accompanied with ejaculation (or semen). Or so we think. But did you know that men can in fact hit their big O without any kind of secretion? When men orgasm without ejaculation, it's known as "dry orgasm". Let's find out more about this unusual "condition" and if it has repercussions on fertility.
So Why Do Men Orgasm Without Ejaculation?
When men orgasm without ejaculation, it's known as a "dry orgasm". According to The Mayo Clinic, here are the most common reasons for dry orgasms:
- Surgery. If a man has surgery to remove either his bladder or prostate gland and surrounding lymph nodes, he won't produce semen.
- Semen goes the wrong way. In some men, when they orgasm, their semen flows into the bladder rather than out of the penis. This is known as retrogade ejaculation.
- Not enough semen. Some men don't produce enough semen because of issues (usually genetic) with their reproductive system.
- Repeated orgasms. Too many consecutive orgasms will use up all of a man's sperm/semen. So, later orgasms might be dry. But this will rectify itself with rest.
Some men even experience this the other way around: They ejaculate but without the pleasurable feeling of an orgasm. Recently, a netizen on the Columbia University forum Go Ask Alice was extremely surprised when her partner told her that he rarely orgasms when he ejaculates.
So does this mean that men are in fact more complicated than we think? In a way, yes. We've come to believe that having an orgasm and ejaculation are the same thing for men.
But, according to Richard Milsten and Julian Slowinski, authors of The Sexual Male: Problems and Solutions, the two terms can be separated.
Experiencing one sensation doesn't always lead to the other, even though they are closely related. In this case, there's even a medical term: ejaculatory anhedonia. All in all, it's a harmless condition.
Dry Orgasms in Men: Repercussions on Fertility
If a man can't release sperm, there's an obvious problem: Having children could become an issue. Therefore, it's not great news for couples trying for a baby.
Treatment Options When Men Orgasm Without Ejaculation
Although there isn't any direct harm as a result of dry orgasms, it could indicate an underlying medical condition. A doctor can easily check for this. To do so, a urologist will conduct a few simple tests. If the cause isn't physiological or hormonal, it might be time to meet with a sex therapist to solve the issue of the dry orgasm.
If you are trying to get pregnant, then you should talk to a doctor to discuss your options and how you can move forward.
And ladies, this unusual condition may cause stress in your partner. Do remember to support him, and reassure him that you still love having sex with him.
It's important to talk about the quality of sex! Now you know it's not uncommon that men orgasm without ejaculation, it's worth talking about! It could save your relationship, bring you closer and even help you conceive!
Reference: Mayo Clinic
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