The male orgasm is a moment of great sexual pleasure, often accompanied by the release of seminal fluid, which is composed of sperm. However, the male orgasm is not limited to ejaculation and has important characteristics, such as dysfunctions that can interfere with this experience. Learn more below!
The male orgasm is not restricted to ejaculation and presents particularities that many people are unaware of, such as the existence of five types of orgasm.
The sexual climax of men also raises questions, and the main one is whether it is possible to have an orgasm without ejaculation.
Today, we will explain how men can reach their peak, how to identify the male orgasm, and what dysfunctions are related. Keep reading and learn more!
How does the male orgasm happen?
Orgasm is the peak of sexual pleasure, and according to researchers William Masters and Virginia Johnson, there are four phases of the male orgasm:
Excitement
Excitement comes from erotic stimulation, which is the response to factors perceived as sexually arousing by the individual, such as touches, words, images, situations, places, and even objects. This includes visual stimuli or touches on the frenulum (skin on the underside of the glans), the perineum, located between the scrotum and anus, or even the prostate.
During the excitement phase, the blood vessels dilate, increasing blood flow to the penis, causing an erection.
Plateau
During the plateau phase, arousal increases as stimuli intensify. In this phase, the amount of blood in the penis increases even more, and the muscles around the base of the organ and prostate, thighs, and buttocks begin to contract rhythmically, while breathing and pulse quicken, indicating that orgasm is approaching.
Orgasm
The rhythmic and rapid contractions continue, and the semen in the urethra is expelled. On average, a man needs 7 minutes to reach orgasm.
Recovery
During the recovery or refractory period, blood flow, breathing, pulse, and the penis return to their original state. Along with this, the man experiences physical and mental relaxation.
Types of Male Orgasm
There are three types of male orgasm. Learn more:
1. Ejaculatory Orgasm
An ejaculatory orgasm is when sexual climax happens alongside the release of seminal fluid.
2. Retrograde Orgasm
A retrograde orgasm or retrograde ejaculation occurs when the penis does not release sperm, and it is retained in the bladder, resulting in a “dry orgasm.” In this case, the man feels pleasure and expels a fluid, but it is not thick and does not contain sperm.
Men who have undergone surgeries on the bladder, urethra, or prostate removal are more likely to experience retrograde ejaculation, as these procedures can compromise the nerves responsible for ejaculation.
Multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries are also linked to dry orgasms, as both cause issues with muscle control. The bladder sphincter may not close during ejaculation, causing semen to flow into the bladder instead of being expelled from the penis.
3. Prostatic Orgasm
A male orgasm can also be achieved through prostate stimulation, and those who have experienced it claim that multiple orgasms in men are possible with this practice.
A study conducted by Roy Levin of the University of Sheffield in the UK, published in the journal Clinical Academy, reports the experience of a 63-year-old man who discovered the prostatic orgasm using a prostate massager prescribed by his doctor and “became addicted.”
However, since it involves the insertion of a finger or sex toys into the anus, some men may avoid the prostate exam due to personal concerns, which could affect the early detection of problems. Many even avoid the exam, running the risk of becoming ill and discovering issues in advanced stages.
Is ejaculation the same as having an orgasm?
No, although they happen simultaneously. Ejaculation is the release of seminal fluid, while orgasm is an intense sensation of pleasure resulting from physical and psychological stimuli.
Is it possible to have an orgasm without ejaculating?
It is possible to have an orgasm without ejaculating, a condition known as anejaculation. In anejaculation, the man becomes aroused but does not release semen during orgasm.
Can you control the timing of orgasm?
To control ejaculation, a man must recognize when ejaculation and orgasm are about to happen. Masturbation can help identify the peaks and valleys of arousal.
Learn some techniques to control orgasm:
- Control your breathing: slow and deep breathing is important to reduce arousal.
- Start-Stop Technique: stop stimulation when you feel you are about to ejaculate and wait for arousal to subside completely before resuming sexual stimulation.
- Pelvic floor exercises: Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic muscles, and since they are involved in ejaculation, a man can contract these muscles to delay orgasm.
Dysfunctions related to orgasm
Additionally, there are dysfunctions that affect the proper functioning of orgasm in men. The main ones are:
1. Retrograde Ejaculation
In retrograde ejaculation, sperm accumulates in the bladder. Although it does not pose health risks, it affects male fertility because the lack of sperm in the ejaculation prevents fertilization.
Seeking advice from a urologist is important to determine whether the treatment will involve electrical stimulation, medication, or surgery.
2. Anejaculation
Anejaculation is the inability to ejaculate, and it can be:
- Primary: a man who has never ejaculated, even during masturbation or sex;
- Secondary: ejaculation was normal, but it stopped happening.
The causes of anejaculation can be psychological or physical:
- Psychological: depression and anxiety affect sexual performance, and medications to treat these disorders, whose active ingredient is imipramine hydrochloride, may affect sperm production;
- Physical: erectile dysfunction, neurological diseases, and penile curvature.
Treatment is determined by the urologist and includes medications and electroejaculation. This procedure is intended for men who wish to have children and involves electrical stimulation of the seminal vesicles to collect sperm and allow pregnancy.
3. Premature Ejaculation
Premature ejaculation occurs when orgasm and ejaculation happen in less than 2 minutes of penetration. It is the most common sexual dysfunction, affecting between 30 and 40% of adult men. It can be:
- Primary: present since the first sexual experience;
- Secondary: developed over time;
- Occasional: happens sporadically.
The causes of premature ejaculation are:
- Anxiety: pressure to perform perfectly;
- Penile hypersensitivity: extreme sensitivity of the glans accelerates the sexual response;
- Lack of experience: with little sexual experience, the man may not be able to control ejaculation;
- Alcohol abuse: alcohol and drugs cause a loss of control in all functions.
Treatment for premature ejaculation is evaluated by a urologist, who may recommend male sexual therapy among other options.
4. Anorgasmia
Anorgasmia is the inability to have an orgasm even with sexual stimulation. There are four types of anorgasmia:
- Primary: the man has never experienced an orgasm;
- Secondary: orgasms stopped after physical or psychological issues;
- Situational: orgasm does not occur during sex but is normal during masturbation;
- Generalized: no orgasm in any situation.
Causes include:
- Pelvic floor dysfunctions;
- Hypogonadism, a condition in which the testicles reduce the production of sex hormones;
- Prostate removal;
- Nerve issues such as multiple sclerosis or diabetic neuropathy.
Treatment includes medication and psychotherapy.
5. Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. It is more common in men over 40 due to problems such as hypertension, high diabetes, low testosterone levels, obesity, smoking, and alcohol use.
Young men can also experience erectile dysfunction due to performance anxiety and pornography addiction.
The options for erectile dysfunction treatment include:
- Oral medications such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil, and lodenafil;
- For those who do not respond to the first option, injections are a secondary choice and should be applied 5 to 20 minutes before intercourse;
- A penile prosthesis is an option when medication does not work.
Does pornography addiction affect male orgasm?
Pornography addiction affects orgasm because this type of content influences the brain, releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and reward. Excessive consumption of pornography causes the brain’s reward system to demand more constant and intense stimuli.
Constant exposure also impacts mental health and orgasm, as the man develops unrealistic expectations about sex, such as:
- believing that only a large penis brings pleasure;
- associating a large amount of semen with satisfaction.
Pornographic films can also cause delayed ejaculation, a condition in which the man takes a long time to ejaculate.
Whether during masturbation or sex, pornography addiction is a problem that requires psychological help and, in some cases, medication.
When should a man seek professional help from a urologist?
A man should seek help from a urologist when orgasm-related problems are frequent and affect his self-esteem.
A specialist in male sexual health will assess the report, conduct a clinical examination, and may request laboratory and imaging tests if deemed necessary.
How to enhance the intensity of orgasm
Check out 6 tips for more intense orgasms:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: balanced diet, exercise, don’t smoke, avoid excessive alcohol, and have regular check-ups with a urologist;
- Take care of mental health;
- Practice breathing and relaxation techniques daily;
- Strengthen the pelvic floor for more intense muscle contractions during orgasm;
- Communicate openly about preferences, fantasies, and fears to enhance emotional connection;
- Explore new sensations, including varying touches, rhythms, pressure, and incorporating fantasies.
Benefits of orgasm for men
The male orgasm offers numerous benefits, such as:
- Happiness and satisfaction due to the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin;
- Calm and relaxation due to the reduction of cortisol, the stress hormone;
- Psychological and emotional benefits such as increased self-esteem.
The male orgasm is complex, influenced by physical and psychological factors that require specialized guidance in the fields of urology and psychology. Understanding it is crucial for improving sexual health and overall well-being.
By seeking specialized guidance and adopting healthy habits, you can work to enhance the intensity of your orgasms and improve your overall sexual life. Don’t underestimate the importance of self-care and open communication with your partner.
Take the next step toward a more satisfying and balanced sexual life! Join the Dr. Paulo WhatsApp group to receive the best male health tips and take the first step to improving your sexual life.
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