How Does Ejaculation Work?

On the surface, ejaculation may seem like a biological process that simply, effortlessly, and without thought just…happens. But, it actually involves the complex coordination of neurological signals that cause muscles inside your reproductive tract to contract. 

The typical male ejaculation process includes two phases: emission and expulsion. Emission often starts with sexual arousal, which allows you to achieve an erection if your blood vessels and nerves are functioning properly. From there, repeated stimulation of the nerve ending around the tip of your penis triggers a reflex where nerves tell your body to release semen from your reproductive tract, which describes the expulsion phase.  

Problems with any part of the complex series of events that lead to ejaculation can lead to issues. Many health conditions related to ejaculation can develop, such as premature ejaculation, which describes the event happening with relatively little stimulation, and delayed ejaculation, where expulsion requires excess stimulation. 

Ready to answer the question of “what is ejaculation and how does it work?” First it’s key to understand the role of each anatomical player involved. The following organs and structures in the male reproductive system work together and are all important in the ejaculation process.

• Testes (testicles): Testes produce sperm and most of the testosterone in your body, with your adrenal glands also contributing a small amount. Testosterone plays a critical role in regulating the male sex drive, controlling reproductive function, and maintaining bone and muscle mass.

• Epididymis: The epididymis is a coiled tube situated on the back of each testicle. It stores and protects sperm cells and gives them a place to mature.

• Vas deferens: These are tubes that transport mature sperm from your epididymis to your ejaculatory ducts.

• Seminal vesicles: The seminal vesicles produce seminal fluid, which mixes with sperm to form semen. This fluid contains nutrients, such as fructose and proteins, that help nourish sperm.

• Prostate gland: The prostate gland sits below your bladder. It adds a milky liquid—called prostatic fluid—to semen, which helps optimize the sperm’s chances of fertilizing an egg by enhancing sperm’s motility and protecting it in the vaginal environment.

• Bulbourethral glands (Cowper’s glands): The bulbourethral glands secrete a pre-ejaculate fluid that lubricates the urethra and neutralizes its acidity before ejaculation.

• Penis and urethra: The urethra is the long tube running through your penis that allows semen and urine to leave your body. During ejaculation, a muscle at the base of your bladder called the internal urethral sphincter contracts to prevent urine from leaking during ejaculation. If the bladder neck doesn’t fully close, you may experience retrograde ejaculation, where a small amount of semen flows back to the bladder.

Regardless of whether ejaculation occurs during partnered sexual intercourse or masturbation, the process is similar.

Ejaculation is not a singular event but rather a sequence of coordinated events. It’s divided into two phases called the emission and expulsion phases. Here’s a look at these phases in more detail.

Emission Phase

Sensory stimuli and sexual arousal leads to the release of molecules such as nitric oxide, which allows blood vessels inside your penis to relax. This expansion of blood vessels allows you to achieve an erection. 

Here’s a breakdown of the emission phase:

1. An overview: Sperm produced by your testicles is stored in your epididymis until smooth muscle contractions in the vas deferens propel sperm from the epididymis toward the ejaculatory ducts and then prostatic urethra. Smooth muscles are those that aren’t under your conscious control. 

2. How it starts: Sperm is mixed with seminal fluid from your seminal vesicles and prostatic fluid from your prostate. Your bulbourethral glands produce fluid to help prepare your urethra for ejaculation. 

3. At the same time: As this coordinated series of events occurs, your bladder neck closes to prevent the backward flow of ejaculate into your bladder. 

4. Finally: The semen stays in the back part of your urethra until the expulsion phase. Your urethra is the long tube that allows semen and urine to leave your body. The area it sits in is called the urethral bulb. 

Expulsion Phase

The expulsion phase involves the forceful ejection of semen from your penis. This phase is controlled by branches of your nervous system not under conscious control that lead to rhythmic contractions of muscles surrounding your reproductive tract. 

Here’s what happens during the expulsion phase of ejaculation:

1. Contraction of pelvic muscles: The bulbospongiosus and ischiocavernosus muscles contract rhythmically, creating the pulsating sensation associated with ejaculation.

2. Bladder neck remains closed: To prevent retrograde ejaculation (semen entering the bladder), the bladder neck remains closed during this phase.

3. Ejection of semen: The semen is expelled through the urethra in spurts, coinciding with the contractions.

Orgasm and Expulsion

Male orgasm and ejaculation often occur at the same time. An orgasm is the pleasurable sensation at the height of sexual arousal. 

Even though they often occur together, it’s possible to experience either an orgasm or ejaculation without the other. The inability to achieve an orgasm is called anorgasmia. Achieving an orgasm without ejaculation is called a dry orgasm. It’s often caused by retrograde ejaculation where semen flows back into your bladder.  

An orgasm is caused by a surge of neurotransmission in your brain. It’s considered one of if not the largest natural reward state. The desire to orgasm is a driving force for much of human behavior and is linked to the desire to reproduce to keep the human species alive. 

It’s possible to become addicted to this surge of neurotransmitters, which can lead to hypersexuality. Hypersexuality, or sex addiction, is compulsive sexual behavior that can’t be controlled (though there are a number of treatment options). 

Ejaculation is controlled by a series of neurological signals that help coordinate the complex series of events. Most of these nerve fibers are under subconscious control. 

Branches of your nervous system involved with ejaculation include:

1. Parasympathetic nervous system: Your parasympathetic nervous system, or “rest and digest” nervous system, is primarily responsible for the erection of the penis.

2. Sympathetic nervous system: The sympathetic nervous system, or “fight or flight” nervous system is thought to be the primary branch of your nervous system responsible for ejaculation. 

Sexual activity, no matter whether it’s from partnered activity, masturbation, or incidental genital contact, leads to the stimulation of nerve endings in the tip of your penis and can lead to ejaculation. Neurological information from your penis travels to your spinal cord, where a series of reflexes trigger ejaculation. 

Hormones and Neurotransmitters

Hormones and neurotransmitters are two types of chemicals that act on tissues throughout your body. Hormones diffuse through your bloodstream while neurotransmitters tend to have a quick but short action on muscles, nerve cells, or brain cells. 

Several hormones play an important role in sexual arousal and ejaculation. 

• Testosterone: Testosterone is produced primarily by your testes. It plays an essential role in your sex drive, sperm production, and overall sexual function. Low testosterone is known as hypogonadism.

• Oxytocin: Oxytocin is released during sexual arousal and orgasm. Oxytocin enhances feelings of bonding during partnered sex. Increasing oxytocin levels are also thought to influence sex drive, ejaculation, and orgasm. 

• Prolactin: Prolactin is released after ejaculation. It’s traditionally been thought to contribute to the refractory period, which is a temporary phase during which further ejaculation isn’t possible. Newer research suggests that prolactin may not play a role in the refractory period. 

Sexual stimulation of the tip of the penis, also called the glans, triggers the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, which activates pleasure centers in your brain. 

Ejaculation disorders can affect sexual health and fertility. They can often be diagnosed and treated by an expert in urology.

Common conditions that cause problems with ejaculation include the following. 

• Erectile dysfunction: Erectile dysfunction is characterized by a persistent inability to achieve an erection firm enough for sexual activity. This can impair your ability to engage in sexual activity and ejaculate. It has many causes, including psychological factors or impaired circulatory health. 

• Premature ejaculation: Premature ejaculation occurs when ejaculation happens sooner than desired, often within a minute or two of penetration. Causes include psychological factors, hormonal imbalances, or penile hypersensitivity.

• Delayed ejaculation: Delayed ejaculation is an inability to ejaculate within a normal timeframe despite adequate stimulation. Causes may include neurological damage, medication side effects, or psychological factors.

• Retrograde ejaculation: Retrograde ejaculation can be a cause of male infertility. It’s characterized by the backward flow of semen into the bladder instead of exiting through the penis. It’s often caused by surgery, diabetes, or certain medications.

• Anejaculation: Anejaculation is the complete inability to ejaculate. It may result from nerve damage, hormonal deficiencies, or psychological issues.

• Hypospermia: Hypospermia is characterized by producing less semen than normal, which is usually considered less than 1.4 mL.

• Painful ejaculation: Painful ejaculation can have many causes such as infections, inflammation of the prostate, or inflammation in other parts of your reproductive tract. 

Here are some of the treatment options for problems with ejaculation.

Erectile Dysfunction

The best treatment for erectile dysfunction depends on the underlying cause, but it may include: 

• Medications to lower blood pressure or treat other underlying medical conditions

• Lifestyle changes

• Psychological counseling 

• PDE5 medications such as Viagra® or Cialis®

Premature Ejaculation

Treatment for premature ejaculation might include:

• Sexual changes such as the start-and-stop technique or squeeze method

• Masturbating before sexual activity with a partner

• Stress reduction

• Using thicker condoms

• Kegel exercises

• Changing sexual positions

• Topical anesthetics

• Medications called SSRIs such as fluoxetine or paroxetine

• Psychological therapy

Learn more about how to control ejaculation.

Delayed Ejaculation

Treatment for delayed ejaculation might include:

• Switching certain medications

• Psychological counseling

• Coping and support

Retrograde Ejaculation

Retrograde ejaculation generally only needs treatment if you’re trying to restore fertility. Treatment may initially include medications, but might require surgery. 

Anejaculation

Anejeculation is the complete inability to ejaculate, which can result from nerve damage, hormonal deficiencies, or psychological issues. Treatment might consist of:

• Therapy

• Anti-anxiety medications

• Managing underlying conditions

• Reducing stress

Hypospermia

Hypospermia might only need treatment if you’re trying to have a baby. Treatment may consist of medications or hormone therapy.

Painful Ejaculation

Treatment for painful ejaculation might include:

• Antibiotics for prostate infections or STIs

• Switching medications

• Prostate massage

• Pelvic floor physical therapy

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can positively impact ejaculatory function and overall reproductive health. Some of the ways you can support your ejaculatory health include:

1. Regular exercise: Physical activity can improve your cardiovascular health, which is essential for optimal sexual function.

2. Healthy diet: Consuming foods rich in essential nutrients supports sperm health and hormone production. It can also help prevent conditions linked to impaired sexual health, such as obesity and cardiovascular disease. 

3. Stress management: Techniques such as meditation and mindfulness can reduce stress and its negative impact on sexual function.

4. Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption: These habits can impair blood flow and hormone levels, negatively affecting ejaculation and erectile health.

5. Routine medical check-ups: Regular visits to a healthcare provider can help with detecting and addressing underlying conditions that may impact ejaculation.

Ejaculation is a complex biological process involving multiple systems and structures in your body. It's largely regulated by hormones, nerves, and muscles under subconscious control. 

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits and seeking medical advice when necessary can help you maintain optimal ejaculatory function and reproductive health as you age.