Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is a Male Orgasm?Phases of OrgasmMultiple OrgasmsOrgasm DisordersTreatmentHow to Have a Better Orgasm
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is a Male Orgasm?
Phases of Orgasm
Multiple Orgasms
Orgasm Disorders
Treatment
How to Have a Better Orgasm
The male orgasm, also known as the male climax, is a complex physiological and psychological response to sexual excitement that often, but not always, ends withejaculation(the discharge ofsemenfrom thepenis).
However, not every person with a penis can achieve orgasm. Some may have extreme difficulty for a variety of reasons, including age, emotions, medical conditions, or even certain medications. Oftentimes, multiple causes are involved.
This article takes a look at how males achieve orgasm as well as problems that can interfere with the ability to climax or ejaculate (“cum”). It also explores treatment options for people who have difficulty reaching orgasm.
A Note on Gender and Sex TerminologyVerywell Health acknowledges thatsex and gender are related concepts, but they are not the same.Sex refers to biology: chromosomal makeup, hormones, and anatomy. People are most often assigned male or female at birth based on their external anatomy; some people do not fit into that sex binary and are intersex.Gender describes a person’s internal sense of self as a woman, man, nonbinary person, or another gender, and the associated social and cultural ideas about the roles, behaviors, expressions, and characteristics.Research studies sometimes don’t use the terminology in this way. For example, terms that describe gender (“woman,” “man”) may be used when terms for sex (“female,” “male”) are more appropriate.To reflect our sources accurately, this article uses terms like “female,” “male,” “woman,” and “man” as the sources use them.
A Note on Gender and Sex Terminology
Verywell Health acknowledges thatsex and gender are related concepts, but they are not the same.Sex refers to biology: chromosomal makeup, hormones, and anatomy. People are most often assigned male or female at birth based on their external anatomy; some people do not fit into that sex binary and are intersex.Gender describes a person’s internal sense of self as a woman, man, nonbinary person, or another gender, and the associated social and cultural ideas about the roles, behaviors, expressions, and characteristics.Research studies sometimes don’t use the terminology in this way. For example, terms that describe gender (“woman,” “man”) may be used when terms for sex (“female,” “male”) are more appropriate.To reflect our sources accurately, this article uses terms like “female,” “male,” “woman,” and “man” as the sources use them.
Verywell Health acknowledges thatsex and gender are related concepts, but they are not the same.
Research studies sometimes don’t use the terminology in this way. For example, terms that describe gender (“woman,” “man”) may be used when terms for sex (“female,” “male”) are more appropriate.
To reflect our sources accurately, this article uses terms like “female,” “male,” “woman,” and “man” as the sources use them.
The male orgasm is a complex reaction in which the brain and body all play a part.
Within the brain, thepituitary glandmanages levels of the hormonetestosterone, which the body uses to stimulate the production of sperm in thetesticles. In addition, testosterone can elevate energy and moods and enhance a person’s sex drive (libido).
With sexual stimulation, an erection can be achieved, eventually culminating with orgasm and ejaculation. It usually takes an average of five to seven minutes to reach orgasm and ejaculation, but the range is wide: from less than one minute to over half an hour.
During orgasm, the reward center of the brain called thestriatum, is activated, leading to an intense emotional response. At the same time, the part of the brain associated with self-control called thelateral orbitofrontal cortex, is inhibited.
If testosterone levels are low, it can decrease a person’s energy and mood, interfering withsexual arousaland making them less responsive to sexual stimulation.
Is there a difference between a male orgasm and a female orgasm?
The intensity, frequency, and duration of pelvic muscle contractions during orgasm differ between individuals, but those differences occur for males and females.And no significant differences have been observed in heart rate, blood pressure, oxytocin (a chemical messenger involved in sexual arousal), and anal contractions during orgasm.
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Phases of the Male Orgasm
Verywell / Alex Dos Diaz
Phase 1: Arousal
During arousal, physical, sensory, and emotional cues prompt the brain to release a chemical messenger known asacetylcholine.
Acetylcholine, in turn, triggers the release of a compound called nitric oxide into the arteries of the penis, causing them to expand and rapidly fill with blood. This causes the enlargement and stiffening of the penis known as anerection.
Other signs of male arousal include:
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Phase 2: Plateau
Right before orgasm is a phase known as the plateau, sometimes referred to as pre-orgasm. This phase typically lasts between 30 seconds and two minutes.
During this phase:
Phase 3: Orgasm
The orgasm phase is divided into two parts known as emission and ejaculation:
Phase 4: Resolution and Refraction
Refraction, also known as therefractory period, occurs when a man is unable to achieve another erection even with stimulation. Depending on a person’s age and other factors, it may take several minutes or many hours before a person can attain another erection.
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Male Multiple Orgasms
Multiorgasmic is a term used to describe the ability to have more than one orgasm within the span of minutes or seconds. There may not be ejaculation, but you will otherwise have the physiological and emotional responses of an orgasm.
According to research published inSexual Medicine Review, around 10% of men in their 20s and less than 7% of men older than 30 are multiorgasmic.
The multiorgasmic state can be condensed or sporadic. When it is condensed, two to four distinct orgasms occur within a few seconds to two minutes. When it is sporadic, refraction is delayed and multiple orgasms can occur within several minutes.
There are several factors common in multiorgasmic men that can intensify sexual excitement or even lead to hypersexuality (an extreme and sudden increase in libido):
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Male Orgasm Problems
Orgasm disorders differ from ejaculation disorders. Ejaculation disorders have to do with the actual release of semen. Examples includepremature ejaculation(when you ejaculate too quickly),delayed ejaculation(when it takes time and effort to ejaculate), and anejaculation (when you are unable to ejaculate even with an erection).
With orgasm disorders, the sexual climax is either abnormal or does not occur.
Dry Orgasm
A dry orgasm is one in which very little semen is expelled during orgasm. Also known asorgasmic anejaculation, dry orgasm tends to be the result of a physical rather than emotional issue, such as:
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Anorgasmia
Anorgasmiaoccurs when an individual is unable to have an orgasm. It differs from anejaculation in that anorgasmia infers the lack of sexual pleasure to reach orgasm. By contrast, anejaculation is the inability to eject sperm.
Anorgasmia may be due to psychological and physical causes, such as:
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Treatment for Orgasm Disorders
The treatment for dry orgasm can vary depending on the cause.Testosterone replacement therapymay be recommended in those with hypogonadism, while drugs like Proscar (finasteride) may be prescribed to treat an enlarged prostate.
In some cases, there is nothing you can do to treat dry orgasm if an organ like the prostate gland has been removed. Even so, dry orgasms don’t impact sexual pleasure so treatment may not be needed.
The treatment of anorgasmia depends on the underlying cause. Treatment options may include psychotherapy, changing medications, or testosterone replacement therapy. Managing hypertension and diabetes may also help.
Newer Treatment for Male AnorgasmiaA newer approach to male anorgasmia is the drug Dostinex (cabergoline) which normalizes levels of the hormone prolactin. Research suggests that Dostinex can enhance libido and stimulate the reward center of the brain, increasing the odds of orgasm in males.
Newer Treatment for Male Anorgasmia
A newer approach to male anorgasmia is the drug Dostinex (cabergoline) which normalizes levels of the hormone prolactin. Research suggests that Dostinex can enhance libido and stimulate the reward center of the brain, increasing the odds of orgasm in males.
There are several things you can try to achieve a better orgasm.
Kegel exercises:Also calledpelvic floor exercises, they strengthen the muscles below your abdomen in your pelvis, which may improve orgasms. To do these exercises, tense the muscles you use to stop urinating. Hold for three seconds, then release and repeat 10 times. Do these three times per day, gradually building up to holding the muscles for 10 seconds at a time.
Edging:This is an orgasm control technique that may extend the feeling of an orgasm or make it feel more intense. To do this, a person gets to the point where they’re about to orgasm, then stops stimulation, waits, and then starts the build-up again.
Breathing exercises:Focusing on slowing your breathing during sex may help maximize pleasure and intensify orgasm. Muscles usually tighten and breathing stops at climax, but trying to take slow deep breaths as you become aroused may help keep you in that state of high arousal longer for a more powerful orgasm.
Limit substance use:Alcohol and substances like marijuana can make it difficult to reach orgasm when consumed in excess. These substances slow down the central nervous system and the transmission of information between the brain and the penis. Alcohol dependence can be associated with loss of libido, unsatisfying orgasm, and erectile dysfunction.
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Summary
Some males have difficulty reaching orgasm or may not be able to climax at all (referred to as anorgasmia). Others may have a dry orgasm in which climax is achieved but little if any semen is produced.
The treatment of these conditions depends on whether the cause is physical, emotional, or due to medications, illnesses, or prior surgery. Sometimes, a combination of causes is involved.
Discuss orgasm problems with your primary care provider. If you don’t feel comfortable doing so, consider seeing a specialist known as aurologistwho deals specifically with disorders of the male reproductive tract.
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12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Library of Medicine.Premature ejaculation: Overview.Rowland D, McMahon C, Abdo C, et al.Disorders of orgasm and ejaculation in men.J Sex Med.2010;7(4):1668-86. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.01782.xBohlen JG, Held JP, Sanderson MO, Ahlgren A.The female orgasm: pelvic contractions. Arch Sex Behav. 1982 Oct;11(5):367-86. doi: 10.1007/BF01541570Carmichael MS, Warburton VL, Dixen J, Davidson JM.Relationships among cardiovascular, muscular, and oxytocin responses during human sexual activity. Arch Sex Behav. 1994 Feb;23(1):59-79. doi: 10.1007/BF01541618. PMID: 8135652Planned Parenthood.Is it normal for girls to release fluid during orgasm?Planned Parenthood.Orgasms.Brecher EM.Review of human sexual inadequacy.J Sex Research. 1970;6(3):247-50.Freeman MG. The Sexual History. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors.Clinical methods: the history, physical, and laboratory examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990: Chapter 216.Alwaal A, Breyer BN, Lue TF.Normal male sexual function: emphasis on orgasm and ejaculation.Fertil Steril. 2015;104(5):1051–1060. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.08.033Wibowo E, Wassersug RJ.Multiple orgasms in men—what we know so far.Sex Med Rev.2016;4(2):136-48. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2015.12.004Hollander AB, Pastuszak AW, Hsieh T-C, et al.Cabergoline in the treatment of male orgasmic disorder—a retrospective pilot analysis.Sex Med. 2016;4(1):e28-e33. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2015.09.001Iranpour A, Nakhaee N.A Review of Alcohol-Related Harms: A Recent Update. Addict Health. 2019 Apr;11(2):129-137. doi: 10.22122/ahj.v11i2.225
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Library of Medicine.Premature ejaculation: Overview.Rowland D, McMahon C, Abdo C, et al.Disorders of orgasm and ejaculation in men.J Sex Med.2010;7(4):1668-86. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.01782.xBohlen JG, Held JP, Sanderson MO, Ahlgren A.The female orgasm: pelvic contractions. Arch Sex Behav. 1982 Oct;11(5):367-86. doi: 10.1007/BF01541570Carmichael MS, Warburton VL, Dixen J, Davidson JM.Relationships among cardiovascular, muscular, and oxytocin responses during human sexual activity. Arch Sex Behav. 1994 Feb;23(1):59-79. doi: 10.1007/BF01541618. PMID: 8135652Planned Parenthood.Is it normal for girls to release fluid during orgasm?Planned Parenthood.Orgasms.Brecher EM.Review of human sexual inadequacy.J Sex Research. 1970;6(3):247-50.Freeman MG. The Sexual History. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors.Clinical methods: the history, physical, and laboratory examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990: Chapter 216.Alwaal A, Breyer BN, Lue TF.Normal male sexual function: emphasis on orgasm and ejaculation.Fertil Steril. 2015;104(5):1051–1060. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.08.033Wibowo E, Wassersug RJ.Multiple orgasms in men—what we know so far.Sex Med Rev.2016;4(2):136-48. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2015.12.004Hollander AB, Pastuszak AW, Hsieh T-C, et al.Cabergoline in the treatment of male orgasmic disorder—a retrospective pilot analysis.Sex Med. 2016;4(1):e28-e33. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2015.09.001Iranpour A, Nakhaee N.A Review of Alcohol-Related Harms: A Recent Update. Addict Health. 2019 Apr;11(2):129-137. doi: 10.22122/ahj.v11i2.225
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Library of Medicine.Premature ejaculation: Overview.Rowland D, McMahon C, Abdo C, et al.Disorders of orgasm and ejaculation in men.J Sex Med.2010;7(4):1668-86. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.01782.xBohlen JG, Held JP, Sanderson MO, Ahlgren A.The female orgasm: pelvic contractions. Arch Sex Behav. 1982 Oct;11(5):367-86. doi: 10.1007/BF01541570Carmichael MS, Warburton VL, Dixen J, Davidson JM.Relationships among cardiovascular, muscular, and oxytocin responses during human sexual activity. Arch Sex Behav. 1994 Feb;23(1):59-79. doi: 10.1007/BF01541618. PMID: 8135652Planned Parenthood.Is it normal for girls to release fluid during orgasm?Planned Parenthood.Orgasms.Brecher EM.Review of human sexual inadequacy.J Sex Research. 1970;6(3):247-50.Freeman MG. The Sexual History. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors.Clinical methods: the history, physical, and laboratory examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990: Chapter 216.Alwaal A, Breyer BN, Lue TF.Normal male sexual function: emphasis on orgasm and ejaculation.Fertil Steril. 2015;104(5):1051–1060. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.08.033Wibowo E, Wassersug RJ.Multiple orgasms in men—what we know so far.Sex Med Rev.2016;4(2):136-48. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2015.12.004Hollander AB, Pastuszak AW, Hsieh T-C, et al.Cabergoline in the treatment of male orgasmic disorder—a retrospective pilot analysis.Sex Med. 2016;4(1):e28-e33. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2015.09.001Iranpour A, Nakhaee N.A Review of Alcohol-Related Harms: A Recent Update. Addict Health. 2019 Apr;11(2):129-137. doi: 10.22122/ahj.v11i2.225
National Library of Medicine.Premature ejaculation: Overview.
Rowland D, McMahon C, Abdo C, et al.Disorders of orgasm and ejaculation in men.J Sex Med.2010;7(4):1668-86. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.01782.x
Bohlen JG, Held JP, Sanderson MO, Ahlgren A.The female orgasm: pelvic contractions. Arch Sex Behav. 1982 Oct;11(5):367-86. doi: 10.1007/BF01541570
Carmichael MS, Warburton VL, Dixen J, Davidson JM.Relationships among cardiovascular, muscular, and oxytocin responses during human sexual activity. Arch Sex Behav. 1994 Feb;23(1):59-79. doi: 10.1007/BF01541618. PMID: 8135652
Planned Parenthood.Is it normal for girls to release fluid during orgasm?
Planned Parenthood.Orgasms.
Brecher EM.Review of human sexual inadequacy.J Sex Research. 1970;6(3):247-50.
Freeman MG. The Sexual History. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors.Clinical methods: the history, physical, and laboratory examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990: Chapter 216.
Alwaal A, Breyer BN, Lue TF.Normal male sexual function: emphasis on orgasm and ejaculation.Fertil Steril. 2015;104(5):1051–1060. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.08.033
Wibowo E, Wassersug RJ.Multiple orgasms in men—what we know so far.Sex Med Rev.2016;4(2):136-48. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2015.12.004
Hollander AB, Pastuszak AW, Hsieh T-C, et al.Cabergoline in the treatment of male orgasmic disorder—a retrospective pilot analysis.Sex Med. 2016;4(1):e28-e33. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2015.09.001
Iranpour A, Nakhaee N.A Review of Alcohol-Related Harms: A Recent Update. Addict Health. 2019 Apr;11(2):129-137. doi: 10.22122/ahj.v11i2.225
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