Painful Ejaculation: Main Causes & Treatment Solutions
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We all know that men who don’t ejaculate are missing out on some serious pleasure. But not all men ejaculate painlessly. This might sound like a joke but it’s true. Painful ejaculation is a rare occurrence, but those who suffer from it need to know that it can be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
What Does Painful Ejaculation Mean
The vast majority of men do not have any ejaculation pain or discomfort during masturbation or sexual intercourse. However, some men may experience ejaculation pain when they have orgasm from manual stimulation, such as masturbation, or oral sex. Some men find that ejaculation hurts while they’re having a bowel movement or urinating. This is because the muscles that help them control their urine and bowel movements contract. This contraction can feel like a sharp pain.
Painful ejaculation is when a man ejaculates, and it hurts. You might have painful ejaculation if your ejaculate comes out with blood or mucus or if it hurts to go into the bathroom and pee. Other symptoms of painful ejaculation include:
- Pain in the back or pelvis.
- Urine coming out of the penis.
- It hurts to pee and to use the bathroom.
- You urinate more often.
- You can’t have a normal erection.
Men experiencing pain at the moment of ejaculation need to consult their doctor for a proper diagnosis, especially if there are no other symptoms such as fever, rash, or body aches. This is because if the problem is not treated correctly it can have serious consequences, such as infertility.
What Causes Painful Ejaculation
There’s a wide variety of factors that can cause painful ejaculations in men. That said, a few common culprits include age, medication, other health issues, and stress.
Below are some of the most common reasons for prolonged and painful ejaculation.
Prostatitis
Prostate infection (prostatitis) is the most common urologic problem in men under 50 years old, and one symptom of prostatitis is painful ejaculation.
Prostatitis comes on gradually or suddenly, and it can be treated. Some types of prostatitis last for months or keep recurring (chronic prostatitis).
BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)
BPH is a common condition that affects older men. The prostate gland becomes enlarged, and the urethra, the tube that carries urine and sperm out of the body, becomes narrow.
The prostate is a gland that is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. When the prostate enlarges, it can block the urethra, preventing urine or semen from passing through the urethra, which can cause a piercing pain when ejaculation occurs.
Cysts or stones
Cysts or stones can develop in the ejaculatory duct and can block ejaculation, causing infertility and painful ejaculation. Besides painful ejaculation, men with cysts or stones also have pain when they urinate, semen leaking, and blood in the ejaculate.
Antidepressant drugs
Painful ejaculation is a rare side effect of antidepressants. However, some psychiatric drugs such as tricyclic antidepressants can cause painful ejaculation. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying this side effect are not completely understood.
Pudendal Neuropathy
The pudendal nerve is a nerve that runs from the lower part of the spinal cord to the genitals. It’s part of the autonomic nervous system, and damage in this area is called Pudendal neuropathy. This type of nerve damage leads to symptoms like pain in the area around the genitals and rectum.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer can be difficult to detect. Symptoms usually do not occur until the disease has progressed. Some men may have no symptoms even months after onset, but symptoms of Prostate Cancer may include pain during urination and blood in urine or semen.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a common STI caused by a parasite, which can lead to a number of health problems including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a serious condition that can lead to infertility in women.
Symptoms of trichomoniasis include vaginal or penile discharge, along with sores on the genitals or a red, scaly rash on the genital and/or anal area.
Seminal vesicle problems
A seminal vesicle is a gland that stores and mixes semen. Problems with this gland, such as calculi, can make ejaculation painful.
Pelvic procedures
Pelvic procedures like radiation therapy can damage the prostate and other parts of the body that play a role in ejaculation. Naturally, this damage can result in painful ejaculation.
Nervous system issues
Diabetes can cause nerve damage that affects the nerves associated with orgasm and ejaculation.
Some physical injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, can also affect the body in a variety of ways. Among these ways, unfortunately, are the sensations associated with orgasms.
The Danger Of The Painful Male Orgasm
A painful orgasm is an often-overlooked and uncomfortable side effect of a number of health conditions. It can be a frightening experience, but it is nothing to be ashamed of. Some men will experience some pain during or immediately following ejaculation, and most of these won’t have any cause for concern.
Sometimes, however, painful orgasms point to an underlying medical condition that needs to be treated immediately.
How To Treat Painful Male Orgasm
A physical examination will typically include questions about medications, mental health, and medical history. Treatment for painful ejaculation depends on the cause, so a physical exam will be needed to assess for STIs and injuries. A pelvic exam, including a prostate exam, can assess for prostatitis, BPH, and other injuries.
If a prostate infection is the culprit, a bout of antibiotics should work to alleviate symptoms. If the cause of your painful orgasm is prostate cancer, however, then surgery might be the only solution.
The good news is that, for most people, a few lifestyle changes can already solve the problem.
If your doctor cannot figure out the cause of your painful orgasms, you can try some alternative strategies, including:
- Pain medication
- Muscle-relaxant medications
- Anticonvulsant medications
When To Visit The Doctor
Men who experience painful ejaculation should seek medical help. However, most of the causes are treatable and the symptoms can be completely reversed.
The various conditions that can cause painful ejaculation are usually not dangerous. However, if you experience any of these conditions, it is best to see a doctor who specializes in genitourinary health or ejaculation dysfunction. Early treatment can prevent underlying conditions from getting worse.
Conclusion
Painful ejaculation is often misdiagnosed, which can be very serious. A painful orgasm is an often-overlooked and uncomfortable side effect of a number of health conditions. It can be a frightening experience, but it is nothing to be ashamed of.
Some men will experience some pain during or immediately following ejaculation, and most of these won’t have any cause for concern.
The various conditions that can cause painful ejaculation are usually not dangerous. However, if you experience any of these conditions, it is best to see a doctor who specializes in genitourinary health.