Anejaculation is a condition where a person is unable to ejaculate semen from the penis during sexual activity. We may also define it as the inability to ejaculate during sexual intercourse.
- While it is not a life-threatening condition, anejaculation can cause emotional distress and difficulties with fertility.
- It affects around 3-6% of men and can impact fertility and sexual satisfaction.
Types of Anejaculation
On the basis of orgasm anejaculation is classified as:
- Orgasmic Anejaculation: This type occurs when a man experiences orgasm but cannot ejaculate semen. This is often caused by physical issues like nerve damage, surgery, or hormonal imbalances.
- Anorgasmic Anejaculation: This type is less common and refers to the inability to reach orgasm or ejaculate semen during sexual activity while awake.
On the basis of situation anejaculation is classified as:
- Total Anejaculation: This is the complete inability to ejaculate semen in any situation, regardless of masturbation, sexual intercourse, or stimulation.
Situational Anejaculation: This type refers to the ability to ejaculate in some situations but not others. Examples include:
- Clinic Anejaculation: Can ejaculate at home but not in a medical setting.
- Periovulatory Anejaculation: Can ejaculate on most days but not around a partner's ovulation.
- Unexpected Anejaculation: First-time failure to ejaculate on the day of ovulation despite past success.
- Masturbatory Anejaculation: Can ejaculate through masturbation but not during intercourse.
- Intercourse Anejaculation: Can ejaculate during intercourse but not through masturbation.
Symptoms of Anejaculation
- No Fluid Release: No seminal fluid is released during orgasm.
- No Sperm Release: No sperm are released from the body.
- Infertility: Difficulty conceiving due to lack of sperm.
Causes of Anejaculation
Neurological disorders
- Conditions like multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, or diabetes can interfere with the nerve pathways responsible for ejaculation.
- A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2016 looked at the prevalence of anejaculation among men with spinal cord injury. The study found that 28.6% of men with spinal cord injury reported anejaculation.
Medications
- Hirsch & Pastuszak, in 2018 reported prevalence anejaculation as a side effect of SSRI (Antidepressant) from 2.7% to 18% among men taking SSRIs.
- Antidepressants, antipsychotics, and blood pressure drugs, can sometimes cause anejaculation as a side effect.
Psychological factors
- A study presented by (Soykan & Mulhall, 2023) showed Stress, anxiety, or past traumatic experiences can sometimes contribute to anejaculation.
Surgical procedures
- Surgeries involving the prostate, bladder, or pelvic area can potentially lead to anejaculation in some cases.
Diagnosis of Anejaculation
To diagnose anejaculation, healthcare providers typically perform a physical examination and take a detailed medical history.
Diagnostic tests for anejaculation may include
- Semen analysis: This test evaluates the presence and quality of semen.
- Neurological evaluation: Tests like nerve conduction studies or imaging may be performed to assess potential neurological causes.
- Hormone testing: Measuring hormone levels can help identify any underlying hormonal imbalances.
Treatment Options for Anejaculation
The treatment approach for anejaculation depends on the underlying cause. Some potential treatment options include:
- Medication adjustments: If anejaculation is caused by certain medications, switching to alternative drugs or adjusting dosages may help.
- Assisted reproductive techniques: For individuals seeking fertility, procedures like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or testicular sperm extraction (TESE) may be recommended.
- Counseling or therapy: For cases related to psychological factors, counseling or sex therapy can be beneficial.
- Vibratory stimulation: In some cases, using a vibrator or other devices can help induce ejaculation.
- Surgery: In rare cases, surgical interventions may be considered to address underlying anatomical issues.
It's important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan
based on individual circumstances.