Ejaculation, disorders of

Conditions in which the normal process or timing of ejaculation is disrupted. In premature ejaculation, emission of semen occurs before or almost immediately following penetration. Premature ejaculation is the most common sexual problem in men, and is often due to over-stimulation or anxiety about sexual performance. If the problem occurs frequently, sexual counselling and techniques for delaying ejaculation may help (see sex therapy). Inhibited ejaculation is a rare condition in which erection is normal, or even prolonged, but ejaculation is abnormally delayed or fails to occur. The problem may be psychological in origin, in which case counselling may help, or it may be a complication of a disorder such as diabetes mellitus or alcohol dependence. In some cases, inhibited ejaculation occurs as a side effect of particular drugs, such as some antihypertensive and antidepressant drugs. In retrograde ejaculation, the valve at the base of the bladder, which normally closes during ejaculation, stays open. As a result, ejaculate is forced back into the bladder. Retrograde ejaculation may occur as a result of a neurological disease, after surgery on the bladder or prostatectomy. There is no treatment, but intercourse with a full bladder can sometimes result in normal ejaculation. (See also azoospermia; psychosexual dysfunction; sexual problems.)