A dry orgasm is a male sexual climax without the ejaculation of semen. Instead of the semen emitting through the penis, it goes back into the bladder and often is referred to as retrograde ejaculation. Other instances of dry orgasm occur when a male does not actually produce enough semen to ejaculate. This generally is not harmful, but males affected by this condition might feel depressed and lack self-confidence in their sexual performance. These types of orgasms generally are not harmful but can lead to fertility problems with achieving conception when a male is attempting to father a child.
When the prostate gland and seminal vesicles are surgically removed, sperm cells still are produced by the testicles. Unable to ejaculate through the penis at sexual climax, the sperm are reabsorbed by the body. Surgical removal of the bladder and direct radiation of the pelvic region also are reasons why a male might experience dry orgasm.
Men who ejaculate many times over a short time might experience dry orgasm after the initial sperm has been ejaculated. Most young males are capable of reaching multiple sexual climaxes, so by the second or third occurrence, they will have depleted their seminal fluid supply. Men who prefer to concentrate on achieving multiple orgasms will understand that the latter sexual climaxes will be dry. This is a condition of choice, so it is not a cause of concern to these males. They also can be reassured, because they know seminal fluid will begin to build up again after a short period of time.
An enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a common problem affecting males older than 40 years of age. Many medications used to treat the bothersome symptoms, such as recurrent urinary tract infections and the need for frequent night-time urination, can cause retrograde ejaculation. Medications such as tamsulosin state in their accompanying literature that retrograde ejaculation or dry orgasm can be a side effect and in controlled tests was found to be related to the dose.
Squeezing the penis hard during sexual activity will prevent ejaculation, resulting in a dry orgasm, but after the pressure is removed, the seminal fluid eventually will leak out from the penis. Anecdotal reports from couples who practice tantric sex claim that males can control their bodies to inhibit ejaculation so that they can achieve multiple dry orgasms before choosing to ejaculate.
Diabetes, treatments for cancer such as chemotherapy and radiation, genetic abnormality factors, injury to the spinal cord, even constant pressure from frequent bike riding have all been attributed to the reasons for dry orgasm. The approach to treatment will depend on the cause and whether it is causing fertility, health or psychological problems.