hormones<\/a>, among other factors, play a role in this process. It happens in two stages: the production of semen and its expulsion. Check here some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) regarding anejaculation.<\/p>\nWhat is the difference between anejaculation and erectile dysfunction?<\/strong><\/p>\nWhile anejaculation is the absence of ejaculation, erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection<\/strong> sufficient for sexual intercourse.<\/p>\nCan anejaculation be temporary?<\/strong><\/p>\nYes, depending on the underlying causes, anejaculation can be reversed. For example, if it is caused by psychological issues or medication, a specialist can help the man regulate semen expulsion.<\/strong><\/p>\nHow does age impact the risk of anejaculation?<\/strong><\/p>\nAge can be a risk factor as it leads to physiological changes in men and can affect neurological functions. Additionally, certain hormonal imbalances or diseases are also associated with aging and may cause anejaculation.<\/strong><\/p>\nThis condition is not a single phenomenon. It can be an inability to ejaculate even though the ability to orgasm remains normal. It could also be a complete inability either to orgasm or to ejaculate.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Types of anejaculation<\/span><\/h3>\nThe experience of this condition can be subdivided further into several types.<\/p>\n
\n- Situational anejaculation<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This is when there is the ability to ejaculate in certain situations but not in others<\/strong>. This can frequently be triggered by stress, for example the circumstance of being in a clinic and needing to give a semen sample \u2018to order\u2019. In addition, if a man is able to ejaculate during intercourse but not through masturbation, or the other way around, this would also be defined as situational anejaculation.<\/p>\n\n- Total anejaculation<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This is defined as when a man is completely unable to ejaculate in any situation<\/strong>. It can be further subdivided into different types.<\/p>\n\n- Acquired anejaculation<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
It is anejaculation that occurs after previously normal ejaculatory function. In other words, it is not present from puberty but arises due to reasons such as side effects of medical treatment, neurological issues, previous surgeries, or psychological disorders.<\/p>\n
\n- Anorgasmic anejaculation<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This is the condition defined by the inability to achieve orgasm in any circumstances during the waking hours, but frequently with an ability to reach both orgasm and ejaculation while asleep<\/strong>. In such cases, psychological factors are likely to be causing the condition rather than any physical reasons.<\/p>\n\n- Orgasmic anejaculation<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This is when a man can reach orgasm but does not ejaculate semen. This is likely to have a physical cause. <\/strong>For example nerve damage or tube blockage, or even retrograde ejaculation in which semen is expelled into the bladder rather than through the tip of the penis.<\/p>\n<\/span>Causes of anejaculation<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nAnejaculation causes can include various drugs, either for medical treatment or recreational drugs including alcohol, psychological causes like stress or anxiety, or physical problems with the production, storage or expulsion of semen.<\/p>\n
Psychological factors play a significant role in the proper development of sexual relations<\/strong> and also in ejaculation. In many cases, the tendency to rationalize emotions prevents men from letting go, which in turn blocks their physiological functions.<\/p>\nAnxiety, stress or any other cause of distress<\/strong> are among the psychological problems that could be behind the condition. A person\u2019s views and beliefs about sex and the sexual activity being engaged in could cause conflict and result in anejaculation. Other psychological factors such as marital problems or fear of pregnancy could also contribute to situational anejaculation caused by stress.<\/p>\nPersonal issues, particularly relationship issues, <\/strong>can also be a factor influencing ejaculation.<\/p>\n<\/span>Medical conditions<\/span><\/h3>\nWhen the prostate and seminal ducts do not release semen into the urethra, there could be several causes.<\/p>\n
These can include, among others, injuries to the nervous system, particularly the spinal cord injuries<\/strong>. In this regard, diabetes can also cause anejaculation due to the effects of this chronic condition on the nervous system and blood vessels. There are also conditions with a direct effect on the nervous system such as Parkinson\u2019s disease, multiple sclerosis and diabetes.<\/p>\nFinally, previous surgeries to the pelvic area such as the prostate or bladder, or abdominal operations from which nerve damage has resulted<\/strong>, can also cause ejaculatory troubles.<\/p>\n<\/span>Medications and treatments<\/span><\/h3>\nThe side effects of some medications<\/strong> can also impact ejaculation, potentially leading to its absence.<\/p>\nAntidepressants and similar medications are among these drugs<\/strong>, as they affect neurotransmitters and the nervous system in general. This is crucial for a man to achieve or maintain ejaculation. Additionally, these medications can reduce libido and interfere with the ejaculatory reflex.<\/p>\nAnother treatment with side effects on ejaculation is radiation therapy, commonly used to treat cancer<\/strong>. It can influence anejaculation in the following ways:<\/p>\n\n- Damage to the prostate<\/li>\n
- Impact on the seminal vesicles, which are responsible for semen production<\/li>\n
- Damage to the nerves surrounding the prostate and ejaculatory ducts<\/li>\n
- Alterations in the tissues of the reproductive organs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>Treatment options for anejaculation<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nTreatment could be as straightforward as asking your doctor to change your medication to a different type. You could also consider reducing or stopping drinking and abstaining from any other recreational or non-prescription drugs.<\/strong> In the case of situational anejaculation, the answer could be simple changes to the circumstances such as methods that make a man feel more comfortable and stress-free, such as a quiet clinic without queues, or collecting a semen sample at home rather than at the clinic. If you feel that your condition could be caused by psychological problems you could also seek advice from your doctor, who may refer you to a counsellor or therapist.<\/p>\nIn the event of a physical cause, the first step is to consult your medical advisor to consider one of several possibilities for treatment. Their main aim is the retrieval of sperm for either artificial insemination or in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and this is crucial in the context of male fertility.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Penile vibratory stimulation<\/span><\/h3>\nA vibrator is used in this treatment in which vibrations travel along the sensory nerves to the spinal cord to cause ejaculation<\/strong>. This results in ejaculation in about 60% of men, although for those with spinal cord injuries the technique may not be effective.<\/p>\n<\/span>Electroejaculation therapy<\/span><\/h3>\nIf vibrator therapy fails, electroejaculation, which involves direct electrical stimulation of the nerves, can be carried out, usually under general anaesthetic<\/strong>. The specimen of semen collected in this way is then processed and analysed for sperm quality. If the sperm quality criteria are met<\/a>, it can then be used for artificial insemination.<\/p>\n