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Showing posts with label Ejaculation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ejaculation. Show all posts
The withdrawal method, or coitus interruptus as it is properly known, is a method of contraception. A commonly understood sexual term, the name means pulling the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation, to prevent unwanted pregnancies from occurring. It has been described as easy and convenient by some, and as dangerous and unreliable by others, but what is the truth about this method, can it affect your wellness and wellbeing and, most importantly, can it lead to pregnancy?
The method is commonly used by people who either for philosophical or health reasons are unable to use condoms or hormonal contraception. It can also be used when someone becomes involved in sexual activity but does not have another form of contraception available. It can also be used if you are transitioning between methods of birth control.
The best thing about this method is that anyone can use it anywhere at any time. You don’t need any preparation and there is no financial outlay required. Also, the lack of chemicals or hormones involved in this method can be a big plus, especially for those who are averse to the idea of putting hormones into their body. There are no side effects to the method.
On the other hand, although fairly safe, this method is not totally infallible. Some men miscalculate when they are going to orgasm and start their ejaculation whilst still inside the vagina, before pulling out. If the female is ovulating at the time, she can then become pregnant. This method also does not protect against sexually transmitted infections and diseases.
In order to make sure that you are protected against unwanted pregnancies, this method should be avoided during the time of ovulation. Men should also pull out as soon as they feel that they are close to ovulating, in order to prevent accidental ejaculation.
You will undoubtedly have heard of premature ejaculation, the common sexual wellness problem which affects thousands of men in the United States and around the world. Another condition, related to this one, affects the wellbeing of thousands of people too, but fewer people have heard of it: retrograde ejaculation.
Retrograde ejaculation occurs when, at the time of the male orgasm, semen travels backwards instead of forwards, going into the bladder rather than out of the tip of the penis. Men are still usually able to climax, however, it does often result in a ‘dry’ orgasm, reducing or even removing the semen-emission part of the process.
Retrograde ejaculation doesn’t cause any type of physical or medical harm to the body, but it can cause male infertility due to the sperm going in the wrong direction and not entering the female body.
This problem occurs due to the improper operation of the sphincter muscles which are at the entrance of the bladder. This muscle normally closes off the bladder when a man has an orgasm, and this prevents the semen from entering the bladder, but in the case of retrograde ejaculation this muscle fails to operate or fully operate. This allows some of the semen to backfire, moving into the bladder rather than out of the penis.
The usual cause of retrograde ejaculation is nerve damage, and this can happen in a number of ways. It can be caused by damage during surgery, such as surgery on the prostate, rectal surgery, surgery on the lower spine or intestinal surgery.
It can also be caused due to chronic illness such as multiple sclerosis or diabetes, and can even be a side effect of certain types of medication. Retrograde ejaculation does not have any effect on a man’s ability to get or maintain an erection, but it is responsible for around one percent of all cases of male infertility in the United States.
Ejaculation occurs as a part of the male sexual response cycle, and is the release of semen from the penis. During sex or masturbation, semen collects in the ejaculatory ducts, situated at the ends of the vas deferentia where they join the seminal vesicles in the prostate gland. When the man reaches close to orgasm, a spinal reflex causes rhythmic contractions in the urethra, penis and prostate gland to begin, propelling semen through the urethra and out of the tip of the penis. Once a man reaches a point of sexual arousal, he can’t prevent ejaculation. This feeling that passes the point of control is known as ejaculatory inevitability. The contractions of the prostate, perineal muscles and shaft of the penis begin at 0.8 second intervals, the same as in women, and account for the spurting action that happens during ejaculation. The intervals between contractions become longer and the intensity begins to decrease and taper off after the first three or four contractions. The semen doesn’t actually appear until a few seconds after the ejaculatory inevitability begins, because of the distance the fluid needs to travel through the urethra. As the man is ejaculating, the internal sphincter in the urinary bladder is tightly sealed so that urine and the seminal fluid don’t mix as the semen moves out of the body.
Orgasm and male ejaculation aren’t the same process, though in most men the processes occur at the same time. Orgasm specifically refers to the sudden and rhythmic muscle contractions in the pelvic region, as the release of sexual tension begins and a pleasurable sensation occurs. Ejaculation can sometimes occur during sleep for men and is an involuntary process. This is known as nocturnal emissions or ‘wet dreams’, and commonly occurs in adolescents. There are several types of ejaculation, with some resulting in this fine-tuned process being disrupted. The first is retrograde ejaculation where the bladder’s sphincter doesn’t close properly and semen spurts back into the bladder. This is often found in men who have diabetes, multiple sclerosis and after some forms of prostate surgery. It also sometimes occurs in men who don’t have serious problems though. This isn’t physically painful but it does leave the man infertile and the sensation during ejaculation may be different. It’s often referred to as a ‘dry come’ because there is an orgasm but no seminal fluid is released.
Premature ejaculation is a condition where the man comes too quickly, and has no control over the timing of the build-up of ejaculation. Retarded ejaculation is also known as delayed ejaculation, and is a conditioned where the sexual response is a problem. It’s sometimes known as ejaculatory incompetence, in which a man is unable to ejaculate even when he is highly aroused. Lastly, there is female ejaculation which has sparked much debate among researchers. Some people believe it is possible for a woman to expel fluid from the urethra at the time of orgasm through G Spot stimulation. It’s thought that the fluid released comes from the female prostate, which are rudimentary glands that surround the urethra. The composition of the fluid has also been debated, with some researchers claiming it’s not urine and others stating that it is. Not all women experience an ejaculatory response to G Spot stimulation, with research suggesting that between 10 and 40 per cent of women have ever experienced ejaculation. However, for those who do find it occurs, it is perfectly normal and not harmful in any way.
Have you ever heard of the Valsalva manoeuvre? This is a technique employed in emptying the bladder, and can enormously benefit your physical wellness and wellbeing. The Valsalva manoeuvre is often taught as part of sexual therapy, and it can help to treat the very common male problem of premature or rapid ejaculation during sex.
This is a fairly simple technique, and it involves holding the breath whilst bearing down, as if you are trying to have a bowel movement.
Flaccid bladder is a condition where sufferers find it hard to fully empty their bladder, and the manoeuvre is used in these cases at the end of urination, in order to squeeze the last little bit out. To do this, sufferers have to remain seated on the toilet, finish urinating, and then hold their breath, leaning forward slightly. They then bear down slightly as if having a bowel movement and should find that the last bit of urine is drained from the bladder. This helps to empty the bladder completely, and is commonly suggested for people who are suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, a disease that affects motor and sensory control and can lead to complications such as flaccid bladder.
When it comes to premature ejaculation, the manoeuvre is generally used differently. The aim of the manoeuvre in this case is to increase the intimacy between partners and help the male to regain his sense of ejaculatory control.
A man who is employing the valsalva manoeuvre during sex will normally do so alongside the start-stop technique. After the start-stop technique has been introduced (along with the important communication that is vital for sexual therapy) a man can try the valsalva manoeuvre to help him regain control. When he feels as if he is about to ejaculate, he holds his breath and then bears down as if he is trying to do a poo and this should delay ejaculation.
The question regarding female orgasms and their necessity in the process of evolution is one which has been asked many times. And for many people, the concept of questioning it seemed mildly unnecessary in itself – they’re worthwhile to women so who cares about their necessity for the human race? But the topic is a tough one to explore from an evolutionary standpoint. Many biologists do suggest that male non-human primates experience something similar to intercourse, usually judging from a marked change in their body language during ejaculation. So the rationale behind the male orgasm is obvious. For men, orgasm and ejaculation go hand in hand, and with such pleasure preceding the ejaculation, a man is effectively encouraged to spread his seed. A man who experiences orgasm through ejaculation is far more likely to put extra effort into finding sexual partners, than men who ejaculate without any accompanying pleasure. But the physical process of the female orgasm is altogether different. In women, the orgasm isn’t connected to the release of an egg into the uterus, and women can only get pregnant once in any given period of time, so the number of partners is less of an issue in terms of the evolution of a species and its survival.
So why is the orgasm a part of the female sexual experience? It may well be a part of evolutionary adaptation, or it may just be a lucky break. But if it’s down to evolution, what is it offering in terms of survival of a species? Men and women experience very similar physiological changes during orgasm, which usually lasts around a minute. In both sexes, the rectum contracts at intervals of around 0.8 seconds, where lots of muscles in other areas of the body also spasm. There are a number of chemicals which are released at this time, from serotonin to oxytocin. In women, the muscles in the vagina and uterus contract too. These contractions are the basis for one of the evolutionary explanations of the female orgasm – known as the sperm retention theory. Many researchers hypothesise that when the vagina contracts, it is aiming to retain more sperm, to increase the likelihood of getting pregnant. Another theory in keeping with this idea is that orgasm tires a woman out, causing her to lie on her back after sex – it is during this time, researchers say, that more sperm can stay within the body and make its way towards the egg.
Currently, the big theory is that women have orgasms for no reason at all – there is no adaptation, it’s simply a wonderful accident which stems from the initial phase of foetal development. This was a popular theory in the ‘70s and has recently seen a revival. In the initial development hypothesis, women simply have orgasms because men do. In the early stages of development within the uterus, the foetus isn’t gendered, and the hormones which determine the gender haven’t yet kicked in. So when the gender is decided, it still has the nerve pathways that create the orgasm. But if this theory is correct, what does that mean for the state of the orgasm in women? If it’s not vital for survival of the species, will it be phased out? What we can determine is that there is still a long way to go before we know the real reason for the female orgasm – its cryptic purpose still baffles researchers to this day.
Delayed ejaculation is one of those sexual health issues that couples really need to discuss. Also referred to as impaired ejaculation, delayed ejaculation is a condition in which it takes an extended period of sexual stimulation for a man to reach sexual climax and release semen from the penis (or ejaculate). Sometimes, delayed ejaculation can really impact your sexual wellbeing, making it impossible for you to ejaculate at all. While this problem can affect your wellness temporarily, it can also be a lifelong problem, which is why you and your partner need to take steps to deal with this issue.
If you experience delayed ejaculation, this may be because you have an underlying chronic health condition, you’ve recently had surgery or you’re on some sort of medication. Other causes of delayed ejaculation include substance abuse and mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety or stress. Often, delayed ejaculation is due to a combination of physical and psychological concerns. It’s important to understand the cause of your delayed ejaculation because this will determine the type of treatment you receive. That said, it’s perfectly normal to have delayed ejaculation at some point in your life. The only time you need to be concerned is if the problem is ongoing or causes stress for you or your partner – again, this is where communication is crucial.
Physical causes of delayed ejaculation include:
- Birth defects that affect your reproductive system
- Injury to the pelvic nerves that control your ability to orgasm
- Certain infections
- Prostate surgery, including transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or prostate removal
- Heart disease
- Prostate infection or urinary tract infection
- Neurological diseases, including diabetic neuropathy, stroke or nerve damage to your spinal cord
- Hormone-related conditions, including low thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) or low testosterone
Psychological causes of delayed ejaculation include:
- Depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions
- Relationship problems. This may be due to stress, poor communication or other concerns
- Anxiety about your sexual performance
- Cultural or religious taboos
- Differences between the reality of sex with your partner and your sexual fantasies
But what exactly do you go through with delayed ejaculation? Some men with the condition find that it takes at least 30 minutes of sexual stimulation to have an orgasm and ejaculation, while others suffer from anejaculation, or the inability to ejaculate at all. More often than not, when you have delayed ejaculation it means you can’t reach orgasm during sexual intercourse, but will be able to ejaculate through oral or manual stimulation of the penis. Some men find that masturbation is the only thing that helps them ejaculate. It’s important to understand the symptoms of delayed ejaculation as this will help you determine which type of the condition you have:
1. Lifelong vs. acquired: Acquired delayed ejaculation occurs after a period of normal sexual functioning, while lifelong delayed ejaculation is present from the time you reach reaches sexual maturity.
2. Generalized vs. situational: When you have generalized delayed ejaculation, the condition isn’t limited to certain sex partners or certain kinds of stimulation. Situational delayed ejaculation, on the other hand, occurs only under certain circumstances.
It’s important to find the category in which your delayed ejaculation falls, as this will help in diagnosing an underlying cause, and determining what might be the most effective treatment. You should go to see your GP as and when delayed ejaculation becomes an issue for you or your partner, you have another known health problem that may be linked to delayed ejaculation, you take medications that could be causing the problem, or you have other symptoms along with delayed ejaculation that may or may not seem related.
Premature ejaculation is one of the biggest sexual problems affecting men today. It affects their wellness and wellbeing both through a lack of physical, sexual pleasure and also by denting their self-confidence and self-esteem. The good news is, there are ways that you can last longer! There is no need to battle with this in silence anymore.
One thing you can do is to attempt to train yourself to last longer through masturbation. When you masturbate, the goal shouldn’t be to get to the point of climax as quickly as possible – as is often the case – but instead to take as much time as you can to get there! Work up to taking 15 minutes to reach orgasm. You can do this by bringing yourself close to orgasm and then stopping again to cool things down. This should help you teach your body to last longer during penetrative sex.
Another way to go is called the ‘squeeze technique’. When you feel that you are getting too close, too soon, stop and squeeze right below the head of the penis, applying firm pressure with your forefinger and thumb and applying specific pressure to the urethra, which runs along the underside of the penis. This pushes blood back out of the penis and can help to decrease sexual tension, making the ejaculatory response get temporarily repressed.
If you’re trying to last longer in bed, it’s also a great idea to work out exactly how you feel when you are going to orgasm. Recognising the pattern in yourself will better allow you to control it.
There are also exercises (or sexercises we might say!) that you can do to help you tighten up the muscles of the pelvic floor. When you do your kegel exercises (by contracting and releasing the muscles that stop and start the urine flow, you will have better ejaculatory control.
Delayed ejaculation, also referred to as retarded ejaculation, is a rare male problem that is often overshadowed by the effects of premature ejaculation. Delayed ejaculation is when a person can get a normal erection, but can’t reach the stage of inevitability – in other words, where he cannot stop ejaculation from happening. People who have been masturbating for many years will have developed three stages of climax and different sources of stimuli, such as images. If this is the case, it can be difficult to get to this point in sexual intercourse with a real person. Researchers have found that there are various causes for this condition, both physiological and psychological. It’s also common in people with substance abuse problems, and in people who take medication for hypertension or psychosis. Additional factors include insufficient sleep, feeling distracted during sex, stress, guilt and relationship issues.
As previously stated, frequent masturbation can be a common reason for this issue. Sexual arousal is dependent on a number of things, but in particular it depends on how the brain reacts to situations. Artificial stimulation through masturbation and sexual intercourse are very different, particularly the grip and pressure, so it can be bad for actual intercourse if you’re used to masturbation. There are some solutions if the problem isn’t caused by physiological issues. One such solution is to stop masturbating for a while so that your body can get used to actual intercourse, and another is sex therapy. If you’re concerned about the issue, it’s advised that you speak to your GP who can help you determine whether your problem is physical or mental. If it is physical, there are treatments available to help solve the issue. Physical problems include ailments such as hypogonadism, which is a decreased function of the sexual organs, or thyroid-related problems due to prostate surgery.
As a woman, it’s difficult not to be curious about men’s sexual health and the male orgasm in particular. Some wellness experts even suggest that there are all kinds of benefits that sperm can have for your wellbeing, which shrouds the male orgasm in mystery even more. But what surprising facts do we know about the male orgasm?
Firstly, and unfortunately for you, in most cases his orgasm will outlast yours. The typical female orgasm is about 18 long, whilst blokes get an extra four seconds of mind-numbing bliss on average. However, this is just an average and Kristen Mark, PhD, a sex and relationships researcher and assistant professor at the University of Kentucky, says that both genders can buy a few extra seconds of pleasure by regularly practicing Kegel exercises.
Next, when a man ejaculates, his sperm can travel a mile in about the same time it would take you to speed-walk the same distance. Though Mark says it’s hard to measure, the most commonly cited top speed of ejaculated sperm is 28 miles per hour, which is about as fast as Usain Bolt can run. In the vagina, sperm slow down to the four miles per hour speed-walk pace, and can take anything from 30 minutes to three days to make it all the way to the waiting egg.
However, if your man’s an athlete, and is making you hold off on sex so that it won’t jeopardise his performance in tomorrow’s big game, it’s a load of nonsense. Many athletes and coaches believe sex the night before an event saps energy and ‘mojo’ from losing testosterone through ejaculation, but according to a review of the literature published in the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, there’s no scientific evidence behind this.
A study from the University of Albany raised eyebrows a few years ago when it concluded that women who had unprotected sex might be happier than those who had sex with condoms or abstained completely. This is because only 2-5% of an ejaculation is sperm, and the rest is made up of everything the sperm needs for its long and treacherous journey. This includes natural mood enhancers like serotonin, cortisol, prolactin, oxytocin, and estrone, as well as the sleep-aid melatonin.
Finally, Abraham Morgentaler, MD, FACS, urologist and author of Why Men Fake It: The Totally Unexpected Truth About Men and Sex, says that sometimes a man can have an orgasm without ejaculating, just like women can. Whether his patients have experienced this due to an operation, diabetes, neurological conditions, or a side effect of alpha blockers prescribed for urinary problems, Morgentaler says men still describe the feeling as pleasurable… just less messy.
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Everything You Never (But Wish You) Knew about Male Orgasms
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