A Look Behind the Scenes of the Male ClimaxThe fuel for the process leading to orgasm is testosterone, a hormone produced in steady supply by the testicles. The testicles also make millions of sperm each day, which mature and then are mixed with whitish, protein-rich fluids. These fluids nourish and support the sperm so they can live after ejaculation for a limited time. This mixture of fluid and sperm, known as semen, is what is moved through the urethra and out the penis during orgasm. Show RELATED: 7 Healthy Reasons to Have Sex Right Now The testosterone flowing through a man’s body, along with psychological factors, determines the strength of his desire for sex. RELATED: Top Sexual Fantasies for Men The Role of Testosterone and Sexual Desire in Male OrgasmTestosterone is the primary factor that drives sexual desire, says Michael Ingber, MD, a physician in urology and female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery at the Atlantic Health System in New Jersey, and a fellow of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health. RELATED: Sex Therapy: What Men and Women Should Know This sexual desire, or libido, is key in kicking off the process that will lead to orgasm. If a man has no sex drive — for example, if he has clinically low testosterone or is suffering from depression — his body may not respond to sexual stimuli and he may not be able to experience orgasm. RELATED: What Do Sex Dreams Really Mean? The Male Orgasm: Steps to EjaculationThe steps that lead a man to successful orgasm include:
RELATED: Deconstructing Sex Drive: What Your Libido Says About Your Health Male Orgasm: When There’s a ProblemSome men can have problems reaching orgasm. These most often stem from psychological factors; for example, they are still affected by a traumatic event or a restrictive upbringing, or they have fallen into masturbation patterns that could have conditioned the body to take longer to orgasm. However, the problem also can be caused by certain medications or by a neurological or cardiovascular disease, or by having surgery where nerves are cut, says Beverly Whipple, PhD, RN, professor emerita at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey, and past president of the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). RELATED: Recreational Viagra? Why It’s Not a Good Idea A short-term way to address problems with orgasm involves stimulation of the penis with a vibrator or some other type of sex toy. However, to really make meaningful changes, a man may need to go through some form of sex therapy. Therapy usually involves “homework” in which a couple engages in sexual activities that reduce performance pressure and focus on pleasure. If you are consistently experiencing problems with orgasm and ejaculation, contact your doctor. A thorough medical exam and history may reveal the reason why. Additional reporting by
Dennis Thompson Jr. |