When a male reaches the pinnacle of sexual stimulation, their body experiences a psychological and physiological reaction known as an orgasm. Most of the time, when a man has an orgasm ejaculation (the expulsion of semen out of the penis) will also occur.
The feeling a man experiences when they reach climax can be euphoric, but some men may experience orgasm problems. Such problems can include being unable to reach sexual climax, or being hyper-sensitive to stimulation and reaching orgasm before having a chance to enjoy sex.
Orgasm troubles arise due to a variety of factors including age, mental state, and even physical limitations.
Orgasm issues can put a strain on a man’s mental health and intimate relationships. This article takes a deep dive into the male orgasm, solutions for orgasm difficulties, and how to make them feel even better.
What is an orgasm?
An orgasm (also known as climax) is the point during sexual activity at which an individual experiences the peak of their pleasure. The released build-up of sexual tension occurs as a result of enjoyment signals being sent to the brain. When an orgasm takes place, many men experience muscle contractions and an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing patterns. Often when men experience an orgasm ejaculation will take place simultaneously.
Understanding the sexual response cycle
The male orgasm takes place after sustained periods of sexual enjoyment and is considered to be the third stage of the sexual response cycle. The orgasms’ role in this cycle is highlighted below.
Phase 1 - Desire
The desire phase involves individuals becoming aroused and experiencing physical changes such as increased blood flow to the genitals, muscle tension, elevated heart rate, and blood pressure. Breathing patterns get heavier and the genitals will become extremely sensitive with the penis starting to form an erection.
Phase 2 - Arousal
In the arousal phase, men will find themselves experiencing many of the same sensations from phase 1 but their effects will be heightened. For example, heart rate and breathing patterns can continue to increase and muscle contractions may extend around the body. The blood flow to the penis is intensified and it is now fully erect.
Phase 3 - Orgasm
This phase can be considered the peak of the cycle, with the released build-up of sexual tension leading to overwhelming pleasure. Men can feel the penis muscles contracting and may experience muscle spasms in other parts of the body such as their feet. Ejaculation is likely to coincide with orgasm, which involves semen being expelled from the tip of the penis.
Phase 4 - Resolution
The resolution phase refers to the recovery time needed (known as the refractory period) by men before they are able to become sexually aroused again. During this phase, even if stimulation is attempted, the penis will remain flaccid and may even hurt. Within this period, the man will be unable to become mentally aroused and be disinterested in sex. The refractory period’s duration varies; for some men, it can last minutes and for others,, it can last days. The male refractory period generally increases with age.
The Male Orgasm Specifics
The male orgasm is an extremely pleasurable release that takes place at the height of sexual stimulation. Prior to orgasm (during arousal), blood flow to the genitals is increased via brain signals. The central nervous system becomes heavily engaged, sending signals of pleasure to the brain's reward system, which eventually leads to orgasm.
Just before orgasm, many men will feel a build-up of seminal fluid towards the base of their penis. The build-up of fluid combines sperm from the testicles with prostatic fluid created by the prostate to form semen.
During orgasm, men can experience rapid contractions to the penile muscles, prostate, and anus and are likely to ejaculate.
Ejaculation is heavily associated with the male orgasm however, it’s important to note that the male orgasm and ejaculation are two separate physiological functions.
Orgasm and ejaculation can take place independently of each other, but in most circumstances, they occur simultaneously.
The intense feeling of pleasure experienced by men when they orgasm only lasts for a few seconds. After the orgasm takes place, the refractory period begins. Whilst the refractory period is initiated, most men won’t be able to reach orgasm again. This is due to physical inability (i.e. lack of erection) and mental disinterest in sexual activity.
Types of Orgasm in Men
Although it’s not widely recognized, men are able to achieve orgasms in a variety of ways. Plenty of men believe that the only way they can reach orgasm is through penile stimulation. In actual fact, men can climax by stimulating multiple parts of their pelvic region. Some of the different ways men can reach orgasm are highlighted below.
Ejaculatory Orgasm
Ejaculatory orgasms are used to describe when a man reaches orgasm and semen is released from the tip of the penis. These occur when the climax coincides with ejaculation and is usually a result of penile stimulation.
However, stimulation of other sensitive areas such as the perineum (the skin between the testicles and anus) or testicles can lead to ejaculatory orgasms. When the orgasm takes place, semen is expelled from the tip of the penis. This plays a critical role in human reproduction when occurring intravaginally.
Prostate Orgasm
The prostate is the name of the gland which sits just behind a man’s rectum. The prostate can be stimulated by rubbing the gland, also known as a prostate massage. As a result of this stimulation, men are able to have an intense prostate orgasm.
The prostate can be massaged with a finger, while some individuals may choose to use purpose-built sex toys. When a man has a prostate orgasm, a release of prostatic fluid will occur. This is why prostate massaging is sometimes called ‘prostate milking’.
Retrograde (dry) Orgasm
A retrograde orgasm occurs when a man reaches sexual climax, but it is little or no fluid released. This type of orgasm can occur due to prostate removal surgery (radical prostatectomy), with the prostate playing a vital role in the creation of semen.
Men having sex frequently with short refractory periods may also produce very little fluid when ejaculating. Retrograde ejaculation can occur when semen does get produced but it’s pushed into the bladder, this is usually a result of surgical procedures.
Pelvic Orgasm
Pelvic orgasms can take place when men are able to hold off their orgasms for vast lengths of time. Techniques such as edging, and Kegels can be great tools for practicing this.
By repeatedly working up towards orgasm but preventing release, men can feel an intense build-up of pleasure in their pelvic area. Once all of the sexual pressure from the pelvic region is released, men will experience an extremely pleasurable full pelvic orgasm.
Male Multiple Orgasms
Multiple orgasms are mainly associated with females, with people often assuming that once men reach their climax the fun is over. However, some men claim to be able to have multiple orgasms. The research suggests that multiple orgasms can occur in males, but very few men are capable of them. With less than 10% of men in their 20s and under 7% of men in their 30s being able to reach multiple orgasms.
Men can have 2 types of multiple orgasms: ‘sporadic’ and ’condensed’.
As you might have guessed, sporadic multiple orgasms are said to occur irregularly and take a few minutes between orgasms. Condensed multiple orgasms are bursts of several orgasms, which take place within a timeframe ranging from a few seconds up to 2 minutes.
If you’re wondering how to have multiple orgasms as a male, you’ll be sorry to hear there’s very little research in the area. Experimenting during masturbation may be a good starting point. You might have success by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, through exercises such as Kegels. Alternatively, learning to prevent the release of orgasms through the edging technique may encourage multiple orgasms. Both of these techniques are explained in the next section.
5 Tips to Make Your Orgasm Better as a Male
Let’s face it, orgasms already feel great. However, you’ll be pleased to know that there are a few techniques that can take the pleasure of orgasm to another level. These range from altering your breathing patterns to prolonging your climax. Here’s a list of five tips to make the male orgasm feel even better.
Do Kegels
Kegels (also known as pelvic floor exercises) is an exercise routine designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. The exercises involve recreating the feeling of holding in urine. Kegels can allow individuals to increase the length of time it takes to ejaculate. This makes the exercises especially useful for men who have trouble with early or premature ejaculation.
With some practice, men may be able to withhold ejaculation the way they would when holding in urine. By using Kegels to prolong their orgasm, men are able to perform for longer and achieve a highly pleasurable delayed orgasm.
Want to know the benefits of Kegels for Men?
We have put together this essential guide to Kegel Exercises for Men:
Practice Edging
Edging is a technique that involves coming very close to orgasm, then withdrawing stimulation just before the point of climax. The technique allows men to prolong their orgasm and the pleasure of sex for themselves and their partners.
Although the edging technique can be used during foreplay and sex, it’s also highly effective when done as part of masturbation. With enough practice, men who get good at edging can make the sexual activity last far longer. When their orgasm takes place, men will feel tremendous pleasure due to all the built-up stimulation and pressure being released.
Explore our In-depth guide to Edging
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Try Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises can make sex more enjoyable for men with early ejaculation issues. Some men can get lost in the pleasure of sex, resulting in them becoming overly excited and unable to control when they ejaculate. Men who experience this can find themselves breathing quickly and uncontrollably, with their primary focus being their own pleasure.
By focusing on slower, more controlled breathing patterns, men may find it easier to concentrate on the task at hand: pleasuring their partner.
Men who ejaculate early can often feel guilty. This can be a real mood killer and ruin their orgasms. By focusing on slower, more controlled breathing patterns, men may find it easier to concentrate on the task at hand: pleasuring their partner. For some men, breathing exercises can be a great tool to extend the duration of their sexual activity and increase the chances of their partner reaching climax.
Use Sex Toys
Utilising sex toys can be a great way to heighten orgasms for both you and your partner. For example, by using a vibrating cock ring an individual is able to maintain a firmer erection, with extra stimulation felt through the vibration of the ring. Cock rings tighten everything up and can lead to great delayed orgasms.
Other examples of sex toys which may improve your sexual experience include cock sleeves and dildos. If men are close to ejaculating but want to continue having sex, they can lean on these types of sex toy to continue stimulating their partner while their sensitivity resets. This can lead to longer sessions of sex and a more pleasurable orgasm at the end.
Stimulate More Areas
Plenty of men only utilize the sensitivity of their penis when working towards an orgasm. A great way to achieve more intense orgasms is to start stimulating other sensitive parts of the male anatomy. Some of the other areas which can be stimulated include the base of the penis, testicles, perineum, and prostate.
Experimenting with other forms of stimulation can be done during masturbation. This can help men introduce new areas of stimulation to sex with an understanding of their preferences and avoid pain or discomfort
Common Orgasm Disorders
As pleasurable as orgasms are for most men, some have trouble climaxing. The main orgasm disorders for males involve orgasming too soon or taking too long to reach climax. These conditions are known as premature ejaculation (PE) and delayed ejaculation respectively. We’ve expanded on each of these conditions below.
Premature Ejaculation
With research stating that PE can affect up to 30% of sexually active males. Premature ejaculation is when men ejaculate too quickly to enjoy sexual activity. The timeframe in which men with PE can last without ejaculating varies widely. Some may last minutes while others can ejaculate in seconds.
Studies have shown that 85% of men with premature ejaculation can ejaculate within a minute of penetration. PE can lead to men having low self-esteem, refraining from seeking out new sexual partners and even damaging existing relationships.
Delayed Ejaculation
Men are considered to have delayed ejaculation when they find it difficult or impossible to reach their climax. Individuals may experience pain in their own, or their partner's genitals due to extended periods of friction in an attempt to reach orgasm. Even after sustained periods of stimulation, men may be unable to climax. This can be a result of physiological factors such as reduced penile sensitivity or libido, as well as psychological factors such as stress or relationship difficulties. Although the condition is said to be uncommon, it’s also poorly defined which may lead to difficulties in diagnosis.
Male Orgasm FAQs
Will I Have Orgasms After Prostate Surgery?
Men who have prostate surgery can reach orgasm, but it’s unlikely that they will be able to ejaculate. Prostate surgeries such as radical prostatectomies involve the removal of the prostate gland. This gland plays a key role in creating seminal fluid. Although an individual’s testicles will still be producing sperm, the fluid created by the prostate may no longer combine with it to make semen. This leaves many men who have prostate surgery only able to achieve dry orgasms.
How Long Do Men Take to Climax?
Research shows that on average it can take men between 5 and 7 minutes for men to climax. With that said, the actual range is between one and thirty minutes. In cases where men have premature ejaculation, they may find that they reach orgasm in just seconds or even before sexual activity has begun..
Summary
The male orgasm describes the intense pleasure experienced by men at the climax of sexual stimulation. The orgasm is the third phase of the sexual response cycle, and is often (but not always) accompanied by ejaculation.
Despite popular belief, men can have different types of orgasm.
They can reach climax by stimulating the penis, testicles, prostate and perineum. Men can develop issues with orgasms such as premature or delayed ejaculation. If you believe you may have orgasm issues, be sure to consult a doctor and seek out professional medical advice.