What Is Anejaculation?
Anejaculation is when a man does not ejaculate semen during an orgasm. It can occur during all orgasms or only under certain conditions.
It is a rare cause of male infertility and should be differentiated from retrograde ejaculation or loss/delayed orgasm.
Typically, the orgasm will still feel normal, though for some, it may feel reduced. While ejaculation does not occur, sperm is still produced. Reproduction can be achieved through assistive means such as testicular biopsy or in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Causes
The primary causes of anejaculation are:
- Surgery to the prostate, bladder or abdomen that damages the pelvic nerves
- Conditions that affect the nervous system, such as Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Diabetes, and spinal cord injuries
- Prostatitis, which is an inflammation of the prostate gland
- Partial blockages to the urethra
- Some medications
Diagnosis
A urine sample is taken soon after sexual climax (post-ejaculation urine analysis). The analysis checks the urine for sperm. If no sperm is found in the urine, a diagnosis of anejaculation is made. If sperm is found, the diagnosis is retrograde ejaculation. In this condition, semen flows into the bladder at the time of orgasm so that little or no fluid is released through the penis.
Treatment
There are no long-term health concerns caused by anejaculation, and some don’t seek treatment. If fertility is a concern, assisted reproductive technologies may be explored, including:
- Vibrator or electrical stimulation: Vibrator or electrical stimulation is used to contract the pelvic muscles and stimulate ejaculation. Sperm can then be collected and used in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure.
- Testicular biopsy: Sperm is collected by a testicular biopsy technique (needle or open biopsy).
Anejaculation due to partial blockages of the urethra can be treated with surgery; however, this is uncommon. Infections, such as prostatitis, can also be treated.
In some cases, patients may be referred to a specialist or counsellor.
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Last updated: Feb 2, 2024
Disclaimer: This resource is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide diagnosis or be a substitute for professional medical advice from a healthcare practitioner. You should not use the information provided for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical or health problem, promptly consult your healthcare practitioner.