Ejaculation feels good because it triggers a release of dopamine and other feel-good chemicals in the brain.
Why
Ejaculation triggers a rush of dopamine, oxytocin, endorphins and prolactin. Muscle contractions and nerve signals lead to a pleasurable release.
Brain
Imaging shows activation in reward centers, similar to those used by drugs.
After
Prolactin causes a refractory period and relaxation.
Health
Regular ejaculation may be linked to lower prostate cancer risk (Harvard study, 2016).
Physiology of orgasm
Ejaculation is part of male orgasm. It has two phases: emission, in which sperm and fluid move into the urethra, and expulsion, in which pelvic muscles contract rhythmically, at intervals about 0.8 seconds apart. The process is controlled by the spinal cord and the sympathetic nervous system.
Brain and reward
During orgasm, many brain regions are active, including the nucleus accumbens, the amygdala and the hypothalamus. Brain scans (PET and fMRI) show a surge in dopamine and activation of the reward circuit, similar to other rewarding experiences. Oxytocin and endorphins are also released.
Evolutionary view
Pleasure encourages reproduction, which promotes species survival.
Afterwards
After ejaculation, prolactin rises and contributes to a refractory period when another erection is difficult. This can last minutes to hours or longer, and gets longer with age.
Health associations
A study published in European Urology (2016) of 32,000 men suggested that frequent ejaculation (21 or more per month) was associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer. The study is observational and cannot prove cause and effect.
Other effects
Sexual activity may reduce stress, improve sleep and promote bonding. Oxytocin released contributes to feelings of closeness.
Difficulties
Problems like premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation and painful ejaculation are common and treatable. Premature ejaculation affects about 1 in 3 men at some point, according to the Urology Care Foundation.
See a doctor if
You have pain, blood in semen, or persistent trouble with ejaculation. A doctor can check for causes such as medication side effects, infections, nerve problems or hormonal issues.
Physiology of orgasm and reward
Ejaculation involves rhythmic contractions of the pelvic floor and reproductive muscles controlled by the nervous system. During orgasm, the brain’s reward circuits, including the nucleus accumbens, release dopamine and other chemicals, and hormones such as oxytocin and prolactin rise, producing pleasure, relaxation and bonding. The pleasant sensation is thought to encourage reproduction from an evolutionary view. After ejaculation, men enter a refractory period when another erection is difficult, lasting minutes to many hours and getting longer with age.
Health associations and difficulties
Observational research, such as a 2016 analysis from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study in European Urology, found that men reporting more frequent ejaculation had a lower risk of prostate cancer, but this does not prove cause. Premature ejaculation affects an estimated 20 to 30 percent of men, and delayed or absent ejaculation can result from medicines, diabetes, nerve damage or psychological factors. Pain with ejaculation, blood in semen or sexual difficulties should be checked by a doctor. These topics are normal to discuss with a healthcare provider.
Based on data from the journal European Urology and the Urology Care Foundation
