Sex is happening, the peak of pleasure is reached, but there’s no sign of sperm. If a man has ever experienced this, he’s familiar with the concept of a dry orgasm.
In strict medical terms, this condition is called orgasmic anejaculation. Incidentally, its opposite also exists—anorgasmic ejaculation, when sperm is present but orgasm does not occur (remember the nocturnal emissions of adolescence), but that’s a completely different story.
Returning to the topic: orgasm without ejaculation, although it may seem strange, is usually safe. It may be harmful only to men who want to have children. But sometimes, “dryness” can be a symptom of very unpleasant conditions, and it’s worth being aware of this.
Why does dry orgasm occur?
Most often, for obvious physiological reasons. If a person has had surgery to remove the bladder or prostate gland, their body can no longer produce sperm.
However, there are also less obvious factors that “turn off” ejaculation. Here they are:
- Nerve damage. This occurs with diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries.
- Retrograde ejaculation. This is a condition in which the bladder neck fails to close during orgasm (as it should) and semen flows into the bladder instead of where it’s supposed to. It’s not harmful!
- Genetic reproductive system disorders. If present, the body simply doesn’t produce enough sperm.
- Taking certain medications. In particular, medications used to lower blood pressure, treat prostate enlargement, and correct mood disorders may be responsible for the lack of ejaculation.
- Testosterone deficiency. This hormone is essential for sperm production, and if it’s critically low—well, you get the idea.
- Radiation therapy. It is used in the treatment of certain types of cancer.
- Ejaculatory duct obstruction. This means that the channel through which sperm moves out of the penis is blocked, making ejaculation impossible.
- Stress and other psychological issues. In this case, dry orgasms can be situational: under some conditions, ejaculation occurs, but under others, it doesn’t.
What to do if you have a dry orgasm
First, see a doctor. You can go straight to a sex therapist. But a general practitioner will also do: they’ll be able to advise you on the best specialist to address your problem.
If dry orgasms are caused by retrograde ejaculation, you’ll be prescribed a medication to help keep your bladder neck muscles closed during sex. If your medication is causing your ejaculation, your doctor can help you find an alternative without the unpleasant side effects. If anejaculation is caused by psychological factors, psychotherapy can help.
And once again, it’s important: A dry orgasm doesn’t harm your health or your ability to enjoy sex with your loved one. If you’re not planning to have children and don’t experience any pain, you can ignore this. Just enjoy.
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