Ejaculation is where semen is squirted out of the penis during an orgasm (sexual climax).
Ejaculation problems are quite common, with an estimated 20-30% of men in England experiencing at least one episode during their lifetime.
The three main types of ejaculation problem are:
- premature ejaculation
- retarded ejaculation
- retrograde ejaculation
These are described in more detail below.
Premature ejaculation
Premature ejaculation is the most common type of ejaculation problem. It is where you ejaculate too quickly during sexual intercourse.
Many men are unsure about how long ‘normal’ sex should last before ejaculation. A study that looked at around 500 couples from five different countries found that the average time between a man putting his penis into his partner’s vagina and ejaculation was just under five-and-a-half minutes.
However, in reality, it is up to the individual and his partner to decide whether or not they are happy with the time that it takes for him to ejaculate.
Retarded ejaculation
Retarded ejaculation is a persistent, or recurring, delay in achieving ejaculation, or an inability to achieve ejaculation during sexual activity, even though you want to and your erection is normal.
Retarded ejaculation is sometimes known as delayed ejaculation or male orgasmic disorder.
Retrograde ejaculation
Retrograde ejaculation is a rarer type of ejaculation problem. It occurs when instead of the sperm squirting out of the hole at the end of your urethra (the tube that passes from the bladder through the penis and through which urine passes) it travels backwards into your bladder.
If you have retrograde ejaculation, you will experience the feeling of an orgasm, but produce no, or very little, semen. The condition does not pose a danger to your health, but it can affect your ability to father a child.
How common are ejaculation problems?
Premature ejaculation is the most common type of ejaculation problem. It is estimated that 20-30% of men in England will experience at least one episode of premature ejaculation.
Retarded ejaculation is less common than premature ejaculation, but it is certainly not rare. It is estimated that 3-4% of men will experience at least one episode of retarded ejaculation.
Both premature and retarded ejaculation can be caused by both physical and psychological factors.
Physical factors can include:
Psychological factors can include:
- stress
- anxiety
- unresolved issues relating to previous traumatic sexual experiences
Although retrograde ejaculation is a rare condition within the general population, it can be a common complication of certain types of surgery, such as prostate surgery, or in men with certain health conditions that can damage the nerves, such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis.
Outlook
With treatment, the outlook for both premature and retarded ejaculation is generally good. There are a range of treatments and medication that can be used to restore normal ejaculation.
A common difficulty with both premature and retarded ejaculation is that many men are reluctant to speak to their GP and seek treatment. This is often due to a mistaken assumption that there are no treatments available, or it is the result of a misplaced sense of embarrassment.
The outlook for men with retrograde ejaculation will depend on the underlying cause. If the condition is caused by muscle weakness, it may be possible to use medication to tighten the muscles. However, if the condition is due to nerve damage, treatment may not be possible.
