Everything you need to know about ejaculation
Ejaculation is known by many terms, such as ‘cumming’, ‘jizzing’, ‘orgasming’, ‘shooting your load’, and more. Ejaculation is the expulsion of fluid from an aroused body. All bodies can ejaculate — read our Ultimate Guide to G-spots — but this blog focuses on ejaculation from penises.
What is ejaculation?
Erections usually happen from a combination of mental and physical stimulation. We're going to get technical for a moment. The aroused brain cues signals in the body to open up blow flow to erogenous areas, like the penis. Pressurized blood flow to the penis creates an erection. Stimulation to erections, like hand, vaginal, anal, or oral pleasure can lead to ejaculation and orgasm.
Ejaculation expels semen, which carries sperm, out of the urethra. Stimulation to the penis or prostate or other erogenous zones creates arousal in the body. The first part of ejaculation is when fluids from the prostate, vas deferens, and seminal vesicles create semen. The second part is when contractions push semen out of the body through the urethra.
Precum, also known as pre-ejaculate, is a fluid produced by the Cowper’s glands. It travels through the urethra, lubricating it, during arousal but before ejaculation. It isn’t made of sperm but may contain sperm.
Orgasm and ejaculation often happen together or seconds apart, but they are separate events. Some people have orgasms without ejaculation. Others might ejaculate without erections, for example, sometimes prostate milking happens without erections.
After ejaculation, most people have a refractory period or recovery time before erection and ejaculation can happen again. Refractory periods vary from person to person.
Are there benefits to ejaculating?
More research is needed to explore the possible links between ejaculation and prostate health. We do know that there are well documented studies on the benefits of arousal since most people are ejaculating when they are aroused. There are well-documented studies on the benefits of arousal, like stress relief, relaxation, improved sleep, connection, and intimacy.
Whether ejaculation happens during masturbation or partnered pleasure, feel good hormones (like oxytocin and dopamine) show up during arousal.
Are there benefits to NOT ejaculating?
There are some people who believe that not ejaculating (sometimes called semen retention) has pleasure, spiritual and/or health benefits. Some kinksters explore orgasm denial as a part of consensual dominance and submission. There are others who experiment with self-control for non-sexual reasons.
What are some common ejaculation problems?
Ejaculation is controlled by the central nervous system, so stress or shame can play a factor in ejaculation problems. Ejaculation problems can also e due to physical issues like chronic illness or medication for example. Ejaculation challenges can include:
- Premature ejaculation - ejaculating earlier than your partner or you want
- Delayed ejaculation - takes longer than your partner or you want
- Painful ejaculation - pain before or during ejaculation
- Anejaculation - not ejaculating
Talk with your partner, sex therapist, and/or your healthcare practitioner if you experience an ejaculation problem.
What’s normal ejaculation?
The frequency of ejaculation and semen volume vary from person to person, and may decrease with age. Frequency is affected by many factors, so what is normal for you might not be for someone else.
What kind of sexual stimulation works for ejaculation?
There are many ways to stimulate a penis to ejaculate and everyone has their preferences. Hands are the sex toys you always have on you, but these toys for penis-owners can help intensify or spice up stimulation:
And don’t forget to use a good quality lube.
Do you need to ejaculate to have sex?
No! Ejaculation and erections are sometimes part of sex, but not always. Pleasure can show up differently when you try different things, for example you might enjoy nipple pleasure or butt plugs, but they don't lead you to ejaculation. Enjoy whatever pleasure shows up for you.
Written for GFH by Luna Matatas
