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Review
. 2015 Nov;104(5):1051-60.
doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.08.033. Epub 2015 Sep 16.

Normal male sexual function: emphasis on orgasm and ejaculation

Amjad Alwaal  1 , Benjamin N Breyer  2 , Tom F Lue  2
Affiliations
Review

Normal male sexual function: emphasis on orgasm and ejaculation

Amjad Alwaal et al. Fertil Steril. 2015 Nov.

Abstract

Orgasm and ejaculation are two separate physiological processes that are sometimes difficult to distinguish. Orgasm is an intense transient peak sensation of intense pleasure creating an altered state of consciousness associated with reported physical changes. Antegrade ejaculation is a complex physiological process that is composed of two phases (emission and expulsion), and is influenced by intricate neurological and hormonal pathways. Despite the many published research projects dealing with the physiology of orgasm and ejaculation, much about this topic is still unknown. Ejaculatory dysfunction is a common disorder, and currently has no definitive cure. Understanding the complex physiology of orgasm and ejaculation allows the development of therapeutic targets for ejaculatory dysfunction. In this article, we summarize the current literature on the physiology of orgasm and ejaculation, starting with a brief description of the anatomy of sex organs and the physiology of erection. Then, we describe the physiology of orgasm and ejaculation detailing the neuronal, neurochemical, and hormonal control of the ejaculation process.

Keywords: Erectile function; ejaculation; male sexual function; orgasm.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Gross anatomy of the ejaculation structures. (Reprinted with permission from Sheu G, Revenig LM, Hsiao W. Physiology of ejaculation. In: Mulhall JP, Hsiao W, eds. Men's sexual health and fertility: a clinician's guide. New York: Springer; 2014:15.)
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Reflex circuit needed to establish ejaculation. (Reprinted with permission from Sheu G, Revenig LM, Hsiao W. Physiology of ejaculation. In: Mulhall JP, Hsiao W, eds. Men's sexual health and fertility: a clinician's guide. New York: Springer; 2014:18.)
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Putative brain structures involved in ejaculation. BNSTpm = posteromedial bed nucleus of stria terminalis; MeApd = posterodorsal medial amygdaloid nucleus; MPOA = medial preoptic area; PAG = periaqueductal gray; nPGi = paragigantocellular nucleus; PNpd = posterodorsal preoptic nucleus; PVN = paraventricular thalamic nucleus; SPFp = parvicellular part of the subparafascicular thalamus. (Reprinted with permission from Clement P, Giuliano F. Physiology of ejaculation. In: Mulhall JP, Incrocci L, Goldstein I, Rosen RC, eds. Cancer and sexual health. New York: Springer; 2011:82.)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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MeSH terms