Ejaculation Without Erection: Why It Happens

Ejaculation can occur without an erection. This is because ejaculation is controlled by complex neural circuits rather than penile rigidity. The spinal ejaculation generator can trigger seminal emission and orgasm even when the penis is not fully erect. Men with erectile dysfunction often report ejaculation even in the absence of a firm erection. Orgasm and semen release are separate processes and can occur independently, even with poor erection quality. Prostate stimulation also plays a role. The gland can trigger seminal release independently of penile erection. This happens because the prostate contributes fluid to semen and is closely linked with the ejaculatory ducts and pelvic nerves. When it’s stimulated, it can activate those reflexes and push seminal fluid out. This article highlights the difference between erection, ejaculation, and orgasm, their causes, the role of the prostate, and whether such experiences are normal or concerning.

What is the difference between erection, ejaculation, and orgasm?

Erection, ejaculation, and orgasm are three different processes in male sexual function. They are related but do not always occur together.

Erection is the physical rigidity of the penis caused by increased blood flow. It prepares the body for penetration but does not guarantee orgasm or ejaculation. Penile rigidity is mediated by vascular and neurological mechanisms. During a full erection, certain muscles around the penis tighten, squeezing blood into the erectile tissues. This increases pressure in the penis and makes it firm. This includes the tip (glans) and the surrounding spongy tissue. According to the Urologic Clinics of North America,  recent advances in molecular and clinical research have led to an understanding of erectile function. In studies of gene expression and signalling, discoveries in smooth muscle relaxation and contraction pathways have been especially important. Intensive investigation of the nitric oxide pathway has not only clarified the molecular basis of penile tumescence but also provided the foundation for modern therapy of erectile dysfunction. As shown in clinical reports, preventive strategies to preserve erectile function are increasingly applied in ageing men and in those undergoing surgery. All current interventions stem from a solid anatomical, molecular, and physiological knowledge base.

Ejaculation is a complex physiological process involving two main phases: emission and expulsion. The emission phase entails the secretion of fluids from various male reproductive organs, including the vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate, and Cowper’s glands. Once these fluids reach the posterior urethra, the expulsion phase follows, leading to the forceful ejection of semen. This entire process is governed by a population of neurons located in the lumbar spinal cord, specifically in the L3–L5 segments. 

Orgasm is the subjective physiological and psychological experience of pleasure. This is described as waves of muscular contractions and heightened sensation. Orgasm is a peak experience of intense pleasure involving both the body and the brain. It triggers physical changes like muscle contractions, a faster heart rate, and heightened awareness. This response relies on complex neural pathways, including the dorsal nerve of the penis, which sends sensory signals to the central nervous system, and hormones like oxytocin and prolactin that enhance pleasure and bonding. This sensation can occur with or without ejaculation. 

Each of these can occur independently, showing that erection is not always required for orgasm or semen release. The table below highlights the difference between these processes.

Is an erection necessary for ejaculation?

No, an Erection is not always required for ejaculation. Both processes often occur together, but they are controlled by different mechanisms in the body. This is supported by studies in The Journal of sexual medicine. In normal sexual activity, an erection helps prepare the penis for penetration and makes ejaculation more effective. The rigidity of the penis is produced by blood flow into the corpora cavernosa, while the release of semen is managed by spinal reflexes that coordinate contractions of the vas deferens, seminal vesicles, and prostate. This shows that penile rigidity and semen release are linked but not dependent. 

There are situations where ejaculation happens without a full erection, as reported by Fertility and Sterility. This happens because the neural and hormonal pathways that trigger ejaculation are partly independent of those controlling penile rigidity. For instance, sensory stimulation and activation of the spinal ejaculation generator can lead to semen release even when the penis is not fully erect. Such events are more common in conditions like partial erectile dysfunction or after prostate surgery. Men recovering from prostate surgery can sometimes experience emission without an erection. This occurs because the mechanisms that propel semen during emission are controlled by spinal and autonomic nerves, which can remain active even if erectile function is temporarily impaired. As a result, semen may be released without the penis becoming fully rigid.

Can men ejaculate without an erection?

Yes, men can ejaculate without an erection. Ejaculation is a reflex that does not always require full penile rigidity. One example is nocturnal emission, also known as a wet dream. This occurs during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep when the brain activates sexual reflexes. The penis may not always be fully rigid, yet semen can still be released. Nocturnal emissions are a normal male function. This happens especially in adolescence.

Prostate stimulation is another pathway. The prostate contracts powerfully during orgasm and can push semen out even without an erection. Some men report ejaculation through direct prostate massage or stimulation of the perineal region. The prostate can induce seminal release without penile tumescence. This is because the prostate and associated glands can still contract and expel semen even when the mechanisms that produce penile rigidity are not fully active. Neural signals from the spinal ejaculation generator and autonomic nerves can trigger emission independently of an erection. This explains why seminal release may occur without full penile tumescence in certain conditions or after specific medical interventions. However, direct prostate-massage ejaculatory cases are rare and based on limited reports.

Ejaculation can also occur during partial arousal or semi-erection. In these cases, the penis is engorged but not fully firm. The spinal generator of ejaculation can still activate the emission and expulsion phases, allowing semen release. Orgasm and ejaculation sometimes occur with incomplete erection, especially in men with erectile dysfunction. This happens because the processes that trigger ejaculation and the sensation of orgasm are partly independent of the mechanisms that produce full penile rigidity. Neural circuits, including the spinal ejaculation generator, can activate emission and the pleasurable sensations of orgasm even when the penis is only partially erect. Hormonal signals and autonomic nerve activity further support seminal release despite reduced tumescence. This separation explains why some men with erectile difficulties can still experience orgasm and ejaculate.

These examples confirm that ejaculation does not always depend on an erection. It can happen naturally during sleep, through prostate activation, or under conditions of weak rigidity.

What causes ejaculation when the penis isn’t erect yet?

Ejaculation without an erection can occur due to premature arousal responses, medical conditions, or psychological factors. Each has a different pathway, but all affect the coordination between erection and the ejaculatory reflex.

Premature arousal responses happen when the nervous system activates the ejaculation reflex before the erection is complete. The spinal generator of ejaculation can trigger contractions of the vas deferens, seminal vesicles, and prostate independently of penile rigidity. This means semen may be expelled even while the penis is soft or semi-erect. Erection and ejaculation are distinct reflexes, and one can occur without the other. This was confirmed by The Journal of sexual medicine.  Such premature responses are more likely in younger men or in cases of heightened sensitivity.

Medical causes are another contributor. Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate gland that often causes pelvic pain, urinary problems, and sexual dysfunction. Hormonal imbalance is also a factor. Low testosterone or thyroid disorders may disrupt the sequence of arousal and ejaculation. This alters the normal balance of sexual function. Certain medications, such as antidepressants, can also interfere with erections while still allowing ejaculation.

Psychological causes can trigger early release as well. Stress and performance anxiety affect the brain’s regulation of sexual reflexes. This can cause ejaculation before a full erection is achieved. Anxiety about sexual performance, depression, and relationship issues can lead to Premature Ejaculation (PE). These factors can heighten arousal levels, leading to early ejaculation. Additionally, unrealistic expectations about sexual performance and lack of sexual confidence can contribute to the condition. Men under emotional strain may experience heightened arousal without proper rigidity, leading to semen release.

Ejaculation without erection can result from neurological reflexes firing too early. This can be from medical conditions affecting the prostate or hormones, or from psychological stressors that disturb normal sexual response.

What role does the prostate (p-spot) play in ejaculation without an erection?

The prostate has a direct role in ejaculation, and this role continues even when the penis is not erect. It is sometimes called the body’s “sexual pump” because its contractions help move semen into the urethra.

Prostate contractions are central to ejaculation. During climax, the prostate and seminal vesicles contract in a coordinated sequence. These contractions force seminal fluid into the urethra and create the pressure needed for semen to leave the body. This action is largely reflexive and does not depend on penile rigidity. The prostate is one of the main drivers of semen emission, regardless of the state of erection. Men who have undergone partial prostate removal can still experience ejaculation-like contractions. This phenomenon occurs because the prostate and seminal vesicles, which contribute to semen production and expulsion, are partially preserved. Consequently, the muscular contractions associated with ejaculation can still occur, leading to sensations similar to orgasm, even in the absence of semen release. However, the intensity and quality of these sensations may differ from those experienced before surgery. It’s important to note that individual experiences can vary, and some men may not perceive these contractions as pleasurable.  

P-spot stimulation is another pathway where the prostate can trigger climax without an erection. Because the gland is surrounded by dense networks of nerves, external or internal pressure can activate the same sensory pathways involved in orgasm. Men report orgasmic sensations, muscle contractions, and even fluid release with prostate massage, even when the penis is flaccid. The prostate’s unique sensitivity as a source of orgasm, independent of penile stimulation, was emphasised in Fertility and Sterility. This is due to the prostate’s rich neural innervation and its role in the emission phase of ejaculation. Even in the absence of full penile erection, stimulation of the prostate can lead to pleasurable sensations, highlighting its significance in male sexual function. 

The prostate has two key roles in ejaculation without erection: it acts as a physical pump that contracts to expel semen, and it functions as a pleasure centre that can trigger orgasm through P-spot stimulation. This explains why some men experience ejaculation or orgasm even when the penis is not rigid.

Is ejaculation without an erection normal or harmful?

Ejaculation without erection can be either normal or a sign of an underlying problem. The context and frequency usually determine whether it is harmless or concerning.

Normal physiological events

In many men, ejaculation without an erection occurs naturally. Nocturnal emissions, or “wet dreams,” often happen during REM sleep without full penile rigidity. This is especially common in adolescence when hormone levels are high. Nocturnal emissions are a normal male function that may occur with or without strong erections. Prostate contractions are another reason. The prostate acts as a pump, and its contractions can push semen out regardless of an erection. Some men also achieve orgasm through prostate stimulation alone, confirming that penile rigidity is not always necessary.

According to Fertility and Sterility, in studies of human sexual physiology, orgasm and ejaculation are two distinct processes. Although they often occur together, they can be difficult to differentiate. Research describes orgasm as a brief peak of intense pleasure and altered consciousness, accompanied by characteristic physical changes. By contrast, studies of ejaculation define it as a two-phase process, emission and expulsion, regulated by complex neural and hormonal pathways. Despite decades of investigation, many aspects of these mechanisms remain unclear, and ejaculatory dysfunction continues to be a common condition without a definitive cure. It suggests that advancing knowledge of the physiology of orgasm and ejaculation may guide the development of novel therapeutic strategies. This article reviews the literature, beginning with the anatomy of the sexual organs and erectile physiology, and continuing with the neuronal, neurochemical, and hormonal control of orgasm and ejaculation.

Prostate stimulation alone can induce orgasmic sensations even without penile rigidity. This phenomenon highlights the complexity of male sexual physiology, where orgasm and ejaculation are distinct processes. While penile erection is typically associated with orgasm, it is not a prerequisite. The prostate’s rich neural innervation allows for pleasurable sensations through its stimulation, independent of penile involvement. This understanding is crucial for addressing sexual health concerns and exploring alternative avenues for sexual satisfaction.

Signs of erectile dysfunction

When ejaculation without an erection happens frequently during sexual activity, it may suggest erectile dysfunction (ED). ED occurs when vascular, hormonal, or neurological changes prevent adequate rigidity, even though the ejaculatory reflex is still intact. Many men with ED continued to ejaculate or orgasm, even in the absence of a firm erection. In such cases, semen release itself is not harmful, but the pattern may highlight impaired erectile function that requires assessment. Signs of Ed include difficulty achieving an erection during sexual activity and trouble maintaining an erection long enough for satisfactory intercourse. Other signs include reduced sexual desire or libido, and erections are less firm than usual.

Prostate or neurological conditions

Some cases are linked to medical conditions. Prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate, can cause irregular ejaculatory patterns, sometimes without proper erection. This is supported by Kim, S. W. (2011), Korean Journal of Urology. This condition is particularly prevalent among men under 50 and can significantly impact sexual function. Pain associated with prostatitis, often localised to the perineum, suprapubic area, and penis, may induce sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory disturbances. These symptoms can manifest even in the absence of a strong erection. The inflammation can affect the prostate’s ability to contract and release semen effectively, leading to altered ejaculatory patterns.

Neurological conditions such as spinal cord injury can also trigger ejaculation without an erection. In a study by Krassioukov, A., & Elliott, S., Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation, researchers examined the anatomy, physiology, sexual physiology, and pathophysiology of spinal cord injury (SCI) and its impact on sexual function. Pelvic innervation was shown to involve three sets of efferent neurons, somatic, thoracolumbar sympathetic, and sacral parasympathetic, coordinated through the pelvic plexus and under descending control from the brain. SCI, depending on lesion level and completeness, disrupts this control and can impair psychological arousal, reflexogenic arousal, ejaculation, and orgasm. Evidence shows that nitric oxide is the primary neurotransmitter driving smooth muscle relaxation in erectile tissue for both men and women. In men, erection, ejaculation, and orgasm are governed by separate neurological pathways and can each be affected differently after SCI. Since sexual function ranks among the highest priorities for individuals with SCI, strategies to enhance outcomes should include attention to sensate areas, mindfulness of visceral signals, body mapping, and stimulation of sensitive regions to promote neuroplasticity. Researchers also highlight the importance of considering the biopsychosocial context to maximise sexual rehabilitation and fertility potential. This is because the spinal reflex of emission and expulsion works independently of vascular rigidity. Spinal circuits can generate ejaculation even when erectile function is impaired. 

Occasional ejaculation without erection, such as during sleep or with prostate stimulation, is normal and not harmful. But when it occurs regularly during sexual activity, it can be a marker of erectile dysfunction, prostate or neurological issues. In those cases, it may not directly harm health but can affect sexual satisfaction and signal conditions that need medical attention.

What happens if you have an erection but no ejaculation?

An erection without ejaculation is not uncommon, and it can arise from different physical or psychological factors. The three most common explanations are retrograde ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, and ejaculatory duct blockage. Each condition affects the normal release of semen in a different way.

Retrograde ejaculation

Retrograde ejaculation happens when semen does not exit the penis but instead flows backwards into the bladder. This occurs because the internal sphincter of the bladder fails to close during orgasm. As a result, semen mixes with urine and later leaves the body during urination. Men with this condition may still feel the pleasure of orgasm, but they notice little or no fluid. It is often linked to prostate or bladder surgery, diabetes-related nerve damage, or the use of alpha-blocker medications. Impaired closure of the bladder neck is the main reason for retrograde ejaculation. While it is not harmful to general health, it can cause infertility in men trying to conceive.

Delayed ejaculation

In delayed ejaculation, men achieve an erection and often an orgasmic sensation, but semen release is absent or takes a very long time. This can be caused by psychological barriers such as anxiety or performance stress, or by physical factors including diabetes, neurological injury, and certain antidepressants. Delayed ejaculation is less common than premature ejaculation, but it is an important cause of male sexual dissatisfaction. This was supported by Translational Andrology and Urology. In some cases, the problem is situational and occurs only with certain partners or settings, while in others it is persistent and linked to medical conditions.

Ejaculatory duct blockage

If the ducts that carry semen from the seminal vesicles to the urethra are blocked, semen cannot leave the body even though the man feels the sensation of climax. This blockage may be congenital, caused by infection, or due to calcification. Obstruction of the ejaculatory ducts is a significant but treatable cause of male infertility, as reported by the Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand. Symptoms may include low semen volume, painful ejaculation, or complete absence of visible semen. Diagnosis often requires imaging or specialised tests, and treatment may involve surgical correction.

An erection without ejaculation does not always mean something is wrong. It may happen occasionally due to stress or fatigue. However, when it occurs frequently, it could point toward a medical condition such as retrograde ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, or duct obstruction. While some causes are harmless, others may affect fertility or sexual wellbeing and deserve medical evaluation.

Can a man orgasm without an erection or without ejaculating?

Yes, men can orgasm without an erection or without releasing semen. This is possible through dry orgasms, prostate stimulation, or certain neurological pathways.

Dry orgasms

A dry orgasm refers to the experience of orgasmic pleasure without semen release. It can happen naturally in some men, especially after prostate surgery or when retrograde ejaculation occurs. Although no fluid is expelled, the brain still processes the climax response. Men with retrograde ejaculation often report orgasms despite the absence of visible semen.

Prostate orgasms

The prostate gland plays a direct role in sexual climax because its contractions contribute to ejaculation. When stimulated through the p-spot, men can feel orgasm-like pleasure even without a firm erection or visible semen release. The prostate is a major trigger point in the male orgasm pathway. Thus, stimulation can produce climax even in the absence of full penile rigidity.

Neurological orgasms
Men with spinal cord injuries or nerve damage can sometimes achieve orgasms without an erection. The body bypasses the usual penile rigidity pathway and relies on alternative neural reflexes. According to Translational Andrology and Urology, men with complete spinal cord injuries reported orgasmic sensations despite lacking an erection or ejaculation. While penile erection typically involves spinal cord pathways, orgasm can be mediated through different neural circuits, allowing some individuals with spinal cord injuries to experience orgasm despite the absence of erectile function. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing comprehensive sexual health interventions for individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Orgasm can occur separately from erection and ejaculation. Dry orgasms, prostate-triggered orgasms, and neurologically mediated orgasms all highlight that male sexual response is complex and not limited to penile rigidity or semen release.

Can a flaccid penis release precum or semen?

Yes, a flaccid penis can release precum, and in some cases, it may also release semen. The release of these fluids does not always require an erection because the glands and organs responsible for them can work independently of penile rigidity.

Precum, or pre-ejaculate, is a clear and slippery fluid produced by the Cowper’s glands. Its role is mainly protective; it reduces friction, cleans traces of urine, and prepares the urethra for sperm passage. Most precum does not contain sperm, but in some men, small amounts may be present. The presence of sperm varied between individuals, with some producing sperm. This indicates that relying on withdrawal or coitus interruptus is unreliable for preventing pregnancy. Therefore, condoms should be used from the very first moment of genital contact to ensure protection, although some men who rarely leak sperm in their pre-ejaculatory fluid may have slightly better success with withdrawal. 

A study in Human Fertility investigated whether pre-ejaculatory fluid contains motile spermatozoa and therefore poses a risk of unintended pregnancy. 40 samples were collected from 27 volunteer men. Fluid was obtained by masturbation and by touching the tip of the penis with a Petri dish before ejaculation. Results showed that 11 of 27 participants (41%) produced pre-ejaculatory samples containing spermatozoa, and in 10 cases (37%), a significant proportion of sperm were motile. Each volunteer provided up to five samples, and sperm were found consistently in either all or none of an individual’s samples. These findings indicate that the presence of sperm in pre-ejaculatory fluid varies between individuals. Because motile sperm can be present, condom use is recommended from the start of genital contact. Some men may not release spermatozoa in pre-ejaculatory fluid and could practice withdrawal more effectively, but this method remains unreliable for pregnancy prevention. A 2024 study found sperm in only 12.9% of pre-ejaculate samples from perfect-use withdrawal users, while other studies show ranges from 16.7% to 41%. 

Semen, on the other hand, is the whitish fluid made up of sperm and secretions from the seminal vesicles and prostate. Semen is an organic mixture composed of spermatozoa and fluids from the seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands. Unlike precum, semen is directly linked to ejaculation. The main function is reproduction, as it carries sperm cells that can fertilise an egg. Semen release is controlled by a coordinated reflex involving the prostate, seminal vesicles, and pelvic muscles.

Causes of semen release without an erection
While precum can be released even during mild arousal or stimulation without a firm erection, semen release without an erection is less common but possible. One scenario is nocturnal emission, also known as a wet dream, where semen is expelled during sleep regardless of erection status. Another situation is leakage due to prostatitis or inflammation, which can push seminal fluid out without typical arousal.

Retrograde ejaculation is another cause, where semen enters the bladder and may later appear in urine rather than through the penis. This was supported by studies in Diagnostics. Ejaculatory disorders can sometimes produce partial semen leakage in men with little or no rigidity. 

In some rare cases, neurological conditions or hormonal imbalances can disrupt the normal control of ejaculation. Men with spinal cord injuries may still report semen release despite lacking a full erection. This is because the reflex arc for ejaculation can be activated separately.

A flaccid penis may release precum frequently as part of normal physiology, while semen release without erection is less typical and may point to special circumstances like nocturnal emission, prostate conditions, or ejaculatory dysfunctions. Both fluids differ in origin and function, but their release does not always require penile rigidity. The table below gives a Comparison of precum and semen release in a flaccid state.

How to achieve ejaculation without an erection?

Ejaculation without erection is possible and occurs when the body’s ejaculatory reflex is stimulated through nerves, glands, or medical interventions. While an erection normally supports ejaculation, it is not mandatory because the release of semen depends more on contractions of the prostate, seminal vesicles, and pelvic floor muscles than penile rigidity.

Prostate massage

The prostate, also called the P-spot, is one of the most sensitive organs in the male reproductive system. It contracts rhythmically during ejaculation and contributes up to 30% of semen volume. By applying pressure or massage directly to the prostate, either externally through the perineum or internally via anal stimulation, men may reach climax and release semen even in the absence of an erection. Prostate massage could trigger ejaculation through autonomic nerve activation, as per Fertility and Sterility. 

Perineal or anal stimulation

The perineum is rich in sensory nerves that connect to the pudendal and pelvic nerve pathways, which control ejaculation. Stimulation of this area or anal stimulation can activate the ejaculatory reflex, sometimes resulting in what is described as a “hands-free orgasm.” According to The Urologic Clinics of North America, peripheral stimulation can induce seminal emission without the need for penile erection.

Medical aids and therapies

For men with spinal cord injuries, erectile dysfunction, or certain neurological conditions, medical techniques are often necessary. Penile vibratory stimulation (PVS) uses high-frequency vibration at the glans penis to trigger ejaculation by exciting the dorsal penile nerve. Electroejaculation (EEJ) is used, where mild electrical currents stimulate the pelvic nerves and prostate to induce ejaculation. There are high success rates of EEJ in men with spinal cord injuries. Thus, an erection is not required for semen release.

A study in the Journal of sexual medicine reviewed the neurophysiology of male sexual function, penile erection and ejaculation were analysed as related but distinct processes. Erection was described as a psychoneuroendocrine and peripheral neurovascular event, caused by blood filling the sinusoidal spaces of the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum. Ejaculation was defined as the climax of the sexual cycle, consisting of an emission phase, during which semen is secreted, and an expulsion phase, during which semen is propelled outward. Literature findings showed that the pelvic plexus serves as a junction for efferent nerves to erectile and ejaculatory structures. At the spinal level, three sets of neurons, thoracolumbar sympathetic, sacral parasympathetic, and somatic, innervate sexual organs, while descending pathways from the brain exert excitatory and inhibitory influence. Brain regions involved in erection and ejaculation form part of a broader network regulating sexual response, and neurochemical studies highlight central roles for dopamine and serotonin. Notably, evidence shows that erection is not a prerequisite for ejaculation, and each process may occur independently. These findings suggest that while erection and ejaculation often occur together in intercourse, they are anatomically, physiologically, and pharmacologically distinct events.

Some men explore ejaculation without an erection for therapeutic reasons, such as fertility preservation in cases of erectile dysfunction or injury. Others may do so for sexual exploration, as prostate or perineal stimulation can produce orgasms described as more intense than those from penile stimulation alone.

Ejaculation without erection can be achieved naturally through prostate or perineal stimulation, or medically through techniques like PVS and EEJ. These methods highlight that while erection and ejaculation often occur together, they are controlled by different physiological mechanisms.

At what age do men stop ejaculating?

Men do not have a fixed age at which they stop ejaculating. Ejaculation can continue throughout life, although frequency and semen volume may decline with age. This change is linked to gradual reductions in testosterone, prostate function, and seminal vesicle secretions. Semen volume gradually decreases with age, mainly due to seminal vesicle insufficiency and prostatic changes like smooth muscle atrophy.  According to Reviews in Urology, the most notable decline occurs after age 45, with median volume falling from 2.80 mL to 1.95 mL in men over 56. Even in advanced age, ejaculation may still occur, though often with less force or reduced semen quantity. Another factor is sexual health conditions. Erectile dysfunction, prostate disease, or medication use may reduce the ability to ejaculate, but they do not automatically stop it. Therefore, ejaculation does not suddenly stop at a specific age. Instead, it gradually changes with ageing, health status, and hormonal balance.

Can a guy release sperm without feeling it?

Yes, men can release sperm without feeling it. This usually happens in cases of involuntary ejaculation, retrograde ejaculation, or during sleep-related emissions. Involuntary release may occur at night, commonly known as nocturnal emissions or “wet dreams.” These are most common in adolescence but can occur in adulthood as well. Retrograde ejaculation is another cause. In this condition, semen flows backwards into the bladder instead of exiting the penis. Men may not feel the usual sensation of ejaculation, yet sperm is still released internally. This often occurs after prostate surgery or due to nerve-related conditions. Certain neurological injuries or disorders can also blunt the sensory experience of orgasm while still allowing semen release.