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What can cause orgasm problems in men?

There are several things that can affect an orgasm. These are often associated with ejaculation problems, but not always.

These include:

  • erectile dysfunction (impotence)
  • producing no semen, or only a small amount (retrograde ejaculation)
  • ejaculating too quickly (premature ejaculation)
  • ejaculating too slowly or not at all (delayed ejaculation)
  • orgasm without ejaculating (anejaculation)

What happens during an orgasm?

Semen is made up of sperm produced in the testicles, as well as fluid from the prostate gland and seminal vesicles (2 glands behind the bladder). Usually, when an orgasm happens, the semen produced is squirted out of the penis (ejaculation).

The orgasm lasts from just before the semen first spurts out until the last semen is ejaculated.

Can I increase how much semen I produce?

If there’s no obvious cause for a reduced amount of semen, you may be able to increase it by:

  • stopping smoking – smokers have lower quality sperm than non-smokers
  • avoiding sex or masturbation for a few days at a time
  • delaying ejaculation during sex

Read the answers to more questions about men's health

Further information

Page last reviewed: 18 October 2023
Next review due: 18 October 2026