There are several things that can affect a man’s ability to have an orgasm and which are often associated with ejaculation problems but not always. These include:
- erectile dysfunction
- retrograde ejaculation
- premature ejaculation
- delayed ejaculation
- anejaculation
For more information about any of these conditions read about male sexual problems and erectile dysfunction.
You can also read information about ejaculation problems from the Sexual Advice Association.
What happens during an orgasm?
Semen is made up of sperm produced in the testicles plus fluid from the prostate gland and seminal vesicles (two glands behind a man’s bladder). When a man has an orgasm, he usually ejaculates at the same time. The semen produced is squirted out of the penis (ejaculation).
The male orgasm lasts from just prior to when the semen first spurts out until the last semen is ejaculated. However, rarely some men experience orgasm without ejaculating (called anejaculation).
Can I increase how much semen I produce?
If there’s no obvious cause for the reduced amount of semen, you may be able to build it up by:
- stopping smoking – it was found in a 2003 survey that, on average, non-smokers ejaculated 3.2mL of semen, but smokers ejaculated only 1.9mL
- avoiding sex or masturbation for a few days at a time
- delaying ejaculation during sex
- drinking plenty of fluids
Read the answers to more questions about men's health.
Further information
