ejaculations

Ejaculation is the physiological process by which semen is expelled from the male reproductive tract. It typically occurs in two phases: emission, during which spermatozoa travel from the testes through the epididymis and are mixed with seminal fluid from the seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands; and expulsion, a rhythmic contraction of the pelvic floor muscles, especially the bulbospongiosus, that propels semen through the urethra to the external environment.

In humans, ejaculation is commonly associated with sexual arousal and climax, but it can also be triggered by reflexive mechanisms unrelated to conscious sexual activity, such as nocturnal emissions during sleep. The average ejaculate volume ranges from 2 to 5 milliliters and contains approximately 40 to 300 million sperm cells, along with proteins, enzymes, fructose, and prostaglandins that support sperm viability.

Clinically, ejaculatory function is an important indicator of male reproductive health. Disorders include premature ejaculation (ejaculation that occurs before or shortly after penetration), delayed or retrograde ejaculation (where semen is redirected into the bladder), and anejaculation (failure to ejaculate). These conditions may result from neurological, hormonal, psychological, or iatrogenic causes and are evaluated through history, physical examination, and specialized tests such as semen analysis.

Pharmacological and behavioral therapies are employed to manage ejaculatory dysfunctions. In addition, sperm retrieval techniques, such as electroejaculation, are used in assisted reproductive technologies for individuals with impaired ejaculatory pathways. Understanding the mechanisms and variations of ejaculation contributes to sexual medicine, fertility counseling, and broader reproductive health research.