Ejaculation. Physiology and dysfunction

Abstract

In summary, important events of ejaculation include emission of sperm and the accessory gland fluids into the urethra, simultaneous closure of the bladder neck, and forceful ejaculation of the combined semen through the urethra. Emission and bladder neck closure are primarily alpha-adrenergically mediated thoracolumbar sympathetic reflex events with supraspinal modulation. Ejaculation is a sacralspinal reflex mediated by the pudendal nerve. In stallions, the most common ejaculation disorders are emission and ejaculation failure, and urine contamination of semen. Rare disorders are azoospermia and premature ejaculation. In a large percentage of cases, an ejaculation appears to be a result of musculoskeletal disorders or to be psychogenic in nature rather than attributable to specific ejaculatory dysfunction. Traditional therapeutic approaches for accommodating deficits can extend the breeding life of many stallions. Pharmacologic aids may be useful.