Male Orgasm 101

The sudden and intense pleasure of an orgasm can feel mysterious and even magical. Let’s take a look at the science behind this incredible feeling.

Anatomy of the male sexual organs

The glans is the sensitive tip of the penis, and the shaft is the main part which contains the tube (urethra) that drains the bladder. Covering the tip of the penis is the foreskin is a covering over the tip of the penis. Some people have this removed during childhood (circumcision).

Below the penis hangs the scrotum, a bag of skin protecting the testicles. The brain’s pituitary gland sends messages to the testicles to make testosterone, a hormone important for sexual desire, arousal and orgasm. Aside from making testosterone, the testicles also produce millions of sperm every day.

A walnut-sized gland located below the bladder and above the penis, the prostate is where fluid from the seminal vesicles and sperm from the vas deferens combine with prostatic fluid. Together these fluids make up semen, the white liquid emitted during ejaculation.

Did you know? Male orgasm is commonly associated with stimulation of the penis, but many people report more powerful orgasms when this is combined with prostate massage.

The Human Sexual Response Cycle

William H. Masters and Virginia E. Johnson came up with this model in 1966 to describe four phases that the body goes through during sexual activity: arousal, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. When you get to know how your body responds during each phase, this can enhance your sex life and help you to pinpoint the cause of any sexual problems.

Arousal

When you perceive someone or something that sparks your sexual interest, your brain sends a chemical messenger called acetylcholine to your penis. Your penis becomes engorged with blood and the veins that normally drain blood out squeeze shut, producing a firm erection. Your scrotum moves closer to your body and muscle tension throughout your whole body increases.

Plateau

During this phase the body prepares for orgasm. Over a period of 30 seconds to 2 minutes, your muscle tension and heart rate increase, and pre-ejaculatory fluid may begin to flow from the urethra. This fluid functions to change the pH balance of the urethra and vagina, improving the chances of sperm survival. Your pelvis will thrust involuntarily with increasing speed and intensity.

Orgasm and ejaculation

Orgasm is the moment when your sexual pleasure peaks. It often coincides with ejaculation, the expulsion of semen from the penis. However, it is possible to orgasm without ejaculation.

You can expect your pulse and blood pressure to increase rapidly, as the muscles of the penis—specifically the ischiocavernosus and bulbocavernosus—begin to rhythmically contract. At the moment of ejaculation, the prostate contracts, releasing semen into the urethra, where it is then ejaculated from the tip of the penis.

Did you know? The average amount of semen ejaculated is one teaspoon.

Resolution and the Refractory Period

After orgasm comes the refractory period, when your blood pressure and heart rate return to normal. During this time it’s common to feel relaxed and tired and to lose interest in sex. You may not physically be able to get an erection, ejaculate, or orgasm.

Scientists have found that the length of the refractory period varies greatly from one person to another, from a few minutes to 24 hours, or longer. Your refractory period can also get longer with age.

Can you shorten the refractory period?

It may be possible to shorten the refractory period with lifestyle changes including: regular exercise, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, avoiding tobacco, and drinking alcohol in moderation. A 2003 study found that 40% of males participants reported a significant reduction in the refractory period when they used sildenafil (Viagra).

Is it possible to orgasm without ejaculating?

Yes! A dry orgasm is when you reach sexual climax but don’t release semen from the penis. Some men can orgasm without ejaculating, enabling them to have multiple “dry” orgasms and no refractory period. Purposefully training yourself to orgasm without ejaculating is sometimes known as “semen retention”. It is also possible, although rare, to ejaculate without having an orgasm.

Now you know!

As you can see, there’s more to orgasm than you might expect! There are many different physiological, environmental, and emotional factors that can enhance — or disrupt — male arousal and orgasm. If you are experiencing any issues, speak with your doctor.

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please, consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. CLIMAX is not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on the website.