Ejaculation
Ejaculation is the squirting out of semen from the penis during an orgasm (sexual climax).
Ejaculation problems
Ejaculation problems are quite common. The three main types of ejaculation problem are explained below.
Premature ejaculation
The most common type of problem is premature ejaculation, which is when you ejaculate too quickly during sexual intercourse. Around 30% of men will experience this at some time in their life.
Many men are not sure how long sex should last before ejaculation. A study of around 500 couples, from five countries, found that the average time between the man putting his penis into his partner's vagina and ejaculation was 5.4 minutes.
However, most experts agree that setting a timescale for ejaculation is meaningless, Only the man (and his partner) can decide whether they're happy with the time it takes for him to ejaculate during sex. Everyone is different.
Delayed ejaculation
A less common problem is delayed ejaculation. This is when you can't ejaculate during sex even though you want to, and your erection is normal. Around 5% of men will have this problem at some time in their life.
Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, and certain medicines, such as those that treat high blood pressure, can cause premature or delayed ejaculation. But in the majority of cases, the causes are psychological (for example, if you are worried about something, or nervous or stressed).
Retrograde ejaculation
A rarer type of ejaculation problem is retrograde ejaculation. Instead of the sperm squirting out of the hole at the end of the urethra (the tube that passes from the bladder through the penis, and carries urine), it travels backwards into the bladder. The feeling of an orgasm is still experienced but there is no, or very little, semen. The condition does not pose a danger to health, but it can affect the ability to father a child.
Most ejaculation problems do not last and are just a temporary or occassional occurance, but if your problems last a while, or get worse, or if you are worried - please go and see your doctor.