What It Means When Men Can't Ejaculate

If you or your partner have ever had trouble ejaculating during sexual activity, you may wonder why. There's no one answer to that question, since the inability to ejaculate can have many root causes. However, knowing what those causes are can help you uncover the right treatment solution. And being informed about the true nature of your issue can alleviate any worries you might have that your situation is rare. After all, many men experience ejaculation problems within their lifetimes.

Just how commonplace are ejaculation difficulties? According to a 2023 study published in Sexual Medicine, up to one-tenth of men are either not able to ejaculate or have delayed ejaculation responses. An article on men's ejaculation concerns from Boston University School of Medicine shows similar findings, noting that 8% of men can't ejaculate at all or take an excessively long time to ejaculate.

With that in mind, what can you do if you're one of the approximately 8% to 10% of men who is unable to ejaculate? In addition to speaking with a healthcare provider, which is always a good first option when you're having a sex health concern, you can explore other ways to address and perhaps cure your ejaculation delay causes.

Although delayed ejaculation affects the genitals, the reasons behind its occurrence often begin elsewhere in the body, such as within the brain.

The brain and its emotional responses can interrupt the body's ability to perform. According to Mount Sinai, anything from past traumatic events to feelings of guilt can stop a man from ejaculating freely. For this reason, psychotherapy may be a solution for men facing unwanted ejaculation occurrences. And they may want to go with their partner. As noted by the Cleveland Clinic, engaging in couples therapy can be helpful if the ejaculation issues only occur while having sex with a specific partner, rather than during self-stimulation.

Of course, not all ejaculation problems can be overcome through mental health treatment, especially those that are caused by medical conditions. What are those conditions? A WebMD article explains that anything from cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders to kidney failure and hormonal imbalances can affect ejaculation. For example, a man who is undergoing cancer treatment may be at higher risk of delayed ejaculation, as outlined by American Cancer Society research. Consequently, men with existing medical issues may want to talk with their doctors about the possibility of a link between those issues and their ejaculation delays.

In addition to psychological trauma and diseases, medications can also interrupt ejaculation. For instance, a 2023 study from Sexual Medicine listed numerous drugs potentially associated with ejaculation inconsistencies, including antidepressants and alpha blockers.

Being unable to ejaculate isn't dangerous. However, it can make sex less desirable and fulfilling. It can also leave you feeling like you're not getting the most out of your bedroom activities. Consequently, if you're dealing with ejaculation problems, you may want to take several steps toward getting back to your best sexual health.

First, set up an appointment to see a doctor. Your doctor can make a full examination and evaluation to rule out the possibility that you have a condition like a urogenital infection, which a 2008 article from Andrologia explains can adversely affect ejaculation. The doctor can also look through your medications to determine if your ejaculation issues could stem from the prescriptions you're taking.

Next, consider asking your doctor for a referral to a therapist if you can't find an evident medical cause for your delayed ejaculations. Talking with a mental health professional could enable you to explore any emotional experiences that might be getting in the way of your ability to orgasm completely.

Finally, as per WebMD advice, stay in communication with your partner. A loving, compassionate partner can be an ally and advocate toward helping you figure out why you're not ejaculating. Plus, your partner can work with you to experiment with different positions and activities that may bring you relief — and more complete, enjoyable sex.