I remember a patient, let’s call him Mark, who sat across from me in the clinic, nervously tapping his pen. He finally looked up and said, “Doc, can I ask you something… well, a bit personal?” It’s a conversation starter I’ve heard many times. Talking about intimate topics like ejaculation can feel a tad awkward, I know. But please believe me, it’s a perfectly normal part of male health, and any question you have is worth asking. So, let’s chat openly about it.
So, What Exactly is Ejaculation?
At its most basic, ejaculation is when that sticky, whitish fluid – what we call semen (or “cum” in everyday talk) – comes out of the penis. This usually happens after an orgasm, which is that feeling of sexual release, but it can sometimes occur without one.
Your body’s nervous system is the conductor of this whole orchestra. When sexual excitement builds up to a certain point, nerves send signals from your reproductive system to your spinal cord, and this triggers the release of semen. It’s a pretty complex dance, really, and happens in two main stages:
- Emission Phase: First, sperm make a journey from your testicles (where they’re made) to your prostate gland. There, they mix with other fluids to become semen. Your vas deferens – these are the tubes that store and move sperm – then contract, pushing the semen towards the base of your penis.
- Expulsion Phase: Next, muscles at the base of your penis start to contract rhythmically, about every 0.8 seconds. These contractions are what propel or “shoot” the semen out of your penis in a few spurts.
Common Questions Folks Ask About Ejaculation
In my practice, I hear a few common questions about ejaculation. Let’s tackle some of them.
How often should a man ejaculate?
You know, there isn’t a set number or a “should” when it comes to how often you ejaculate. Some research hints at potential health benefits, like a possibly lower risk for prostate cancer with more frequent ejaculation. But then, other studies don’t show any harm from not ejaculating regularly. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, evidence-wise. If you’re worried about how often (or not often) it’s happening for you, that’s a good reason to chat with a healthcare provider, like me or your own doctor.
What if I try to hold ejaculation in?
Truthfully, once you reach that point of orgasm, stopping ejaculation is nearly impossible. It’s an automatic reflex. If your concern is more about ejaculating too quickly – what we call premature ejaculation – that’s something different, and there are ways we can help. Definitely talk to a doctor if that’s bothering you.
At what age does ejaculation usually start?
Typically, ejaculation begins around puberty, which is when a young man starts producing sperm. Puberty hits at different ages for everyone, but generally, it’s somewhere between 10 and 12 years old. So, a first ejaculation might happen in this age range, often during a “wet dream” (ejaculating during sleep) or through masturbation.
It usually takes several months to a year after puberty starts for ejaculation to be possible. It’s also worth noting that many young men experience pleasure from masturbation even before they can ejaculate.
When Ejaculation Might Be a Concern
Sometimes, things with ejaculation don’t go as smoothly as expected. If you experience any of these, it’s a good idea to reach out:
- Premature ejaculation: This is when you ejaculate sooner during sexual activity than you or your partner would like. It’s actually very common, and the timing can be different for everyone.
- Delayed ejaculation: This means it takes a whole lot of sexual stimulation for you to ejaculate, or sometimes, you might not be able to ejaculate at all. For instance, if someone needs 45 minutes or more of intercourse to reach orgasm and ejaculate, that might be considered delayed.
- Retrograde ejaculation: This is a bit different. It’s when semen flows backward into the urethra (the tube urine passes through) and then into the bladder, instead of out of the penis.
If any of these sound familiar, or if you have any other worries about ejaculation, please don’t hesitate to talk to a healthcare provider. There are often treatment options and ways we can help you. We’ll discuss all the options for you.
Key Things to Remember About Ejaculation
Let’s boil it down to a few key points:
- Ejaculation is a normal bodily function, the release of semen from the penis.
- It’s a two-step process (emission and expulsion) controlled by your nervous system.
- There’s no magic number for how often you “should” ejaculate.
- Most men start ejaculating during puberty.
- If you’re experiencing issues like premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, or retrograde ejaculation, help is available.
The most important thing is, if something about your ejaculation or sexual health is worrying you, please reach out. You’re not alone in this, and we’re here to help.