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Retarded ejaculation may be defined as persistent inability to reach orgasm despite prolonged sexual contact.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM-IV-TR), places this disorder among the sexual dysfunctions, along with rapid ejaculation.
A man affected by male orgasmic disorder cannot reach orgasm even after a normal level of sexual excitement. The affected man may regularly experience problems in reaching orgasm, or may be unable to reach orgasm altogether.
A usual orgasm is made up of two parts: emission followed by ejaculation. The word emission means the sensation of approaching ejaculation caused by contractions of the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and urethra accompanied by generalized muscular tension, contractions of the perineum, and involuntary pelvic thrusting. Orgasm is succeeded by a period of resolution which is characterized by feelings of relaxation and well-being. There is also a refractory period. In this phase, men may be unable to respond to further sexual stimulation, may not be able to get an erection, and reach orgasm for a longer or shorter period of time.
Although we speak of orgasm and ejaculation as though they were identical, they are separate processes which occur almost simultaneously.
What we know as orgasm is a high level emotional and physical experience, whereas ejaculation is simply an unconscious reflex Which occurs when we are aroused enough to stimulate an unconscious reflex mediated in the lower part of the spinal cord. Some men have been able to recognize the individual elements of the two processes, enabling them to experience ongoing multiple orgasms without ejaculation. Once ejaculation takes place, a period of recovery time is required before another orgasm can happen.
Orgasm differs between individuals, and individual orgasms may differ in one man. All orgasms share certain characteristics which include regular body and pelvic contractions, elevation of the heart rate, muscle tension and the sudden release of tension.
Our sexual response cycle is controlled by a balanced interplay between the two major nervous systems, the sympathetic and the parasympathetic. The sympathetic nervous system causes action whereas the parasympathetic system promotes recovery and relaxation. In order for a penis to become erect, its smooth muscles are relaxed and allow blood to flow into the penis. Though this sounds simple, it is an incredibly complex process mediated by an intricate system of humoral, neurological and circulatory events in which the parasympathetic nervous system plays a key role. Orgasm and ejaculation and the after effects of relaxation of the penis are predominantly functions of the sympathetic nervous system.
Emission is a parasympathetic activity, but orgasm and ejaculation are predominantly under the control of the sympathetic nervous system. We know that orgasm has more to do with the brain than with the body. The fact that orgasm occurs during sleep is supportive of this concept. In any event, this may be disrupted by various causes.
If male orgasmic disorder only occurs under a particular set of circumstances, for example with only one sexual partner, it is known as "situational" rather than "generalized" male orgasmic disorder.
The cause of male orgasmic disorder
may be related to some physical condition, but is more often psychological. The physical causes include hormonal problems such as hypogonadism, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and excessive production of the hormone prolactin. Other physical causes include certain medications, including drugs to treat high blood pressure, and antidepressants.
The most common causes of male orgasmic disorder are psychological. Some likely candidates include depression, anxiety, and fear of picking up a sexually transmitted disease or HIV. Other possible factors include an unsatisfactory sexual relationship with one's partner, having been brought up in an atmosphere of strict sexual taboos in the family.
A diagnosis of male orgasmic disorder depends on the following factors being noticeable: a persistent or recurrent delay in, or absence of, orgasm following a level of normal sexual excitement that would be expected to produce orgasm. Most males who have male orgasmic disorder also complain of anxiety, shame and frustration, and low sexual self-esteem. Although this particular sexual problem usually occurs during partner sex, it can happen during masturbation as well! If it occurs during masturbation, it's more likely to be about the man's bodily sexual response system than any feelings associated with his partner. Male orgasmic disorder may be part of a complex of sexual malfunctioning that can range across erectile dysfunction, ejaculation problems such as premature ejaculation or retrograde ejaculation, and low sexual desire.
Retarded ejaculation is found in all men. It may develop around puberty or it may start later in life.
If some obvious physical cause is linked to male orgasmic disorder, the cure may be easy; for example, cessation of excessive drinking or a change in medications. But in most cases, some form of psychological treatment will be required. Since most men are too embarrassed to seek professional advice, the availability of self-help programs on the internet is a blessing. Treatment usually requires the support of the sexual partner for both the psychological and the physical aspects of the treatment. Behavioural programs can allow a man to recover the ability to ejaculate normally quite easily and quickly.
The author is the owner of Overcoming Male Orgasmic Disorder. You can find more articles at Men Come First!.
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