Everything You Need to Know About Male Orgasms

There are several varieties of male orgasm and ejaculation. Orgasms may be wet or dry — semen can be released forcefully or leak out slowly. Some people may also experience multiple orgasms.

1. Is this a specific kind of orgasm?

No — it’s a broad label covering any orgasm involving male genitalia.

It might involve ejaculation or not, and it could even include a combination of both! That means you might be capable of having multiple orgasms during one session.

Keep in mind, your genitals aren’t the only route to reaching climax.

Continue reading for guidance on where to touch, movement techniques, why these methods work, and more.

2. It can be an ejaculatory orgasm

Orgasm and ejaculation frequently occur together, but they are distinct events and don’t always coincide.

If arousal builds and you expel — or slowly release — semen from your penis, you’ve experienced an ejaculatory orgasm.

Try this

Here’s a standout from our Masturbation Guide called “The Stranger.”

To try it: Sit on your dominant hand until it goes numb, then use that hand to masturbate. The sensation can mimic someone else doing it.

3. Or a non-ejaculatory orgasm

Again, ejaculation isn’t necessary for an orgasm.

Not everyone ejaculates when they orgasm, and even those who usually do may not every time.

This is often called a dry orgasm.

Unless you and your partner are trying to conceive — in which case you should consult a physician — dry orgasms are typically harmless and can be just as pleasurable as ejaculatory orgasms.

Try this

Be vocal. Masturbation is often quick and quiet, which is fine, but letting go and making all the sounds that come naturally can be liberating.

Immerse yourself and emit every moan and groan your body wants — just reserve this for when you have privacy or company who will appreciate the auditory display.

4. Or even multiple orgasms

Although less common for those with a penis, multiple orgasms are achievable. And who wouldn’t relish a challenge?

Try this

The secret to multiple orgasms may lie in extending the period of intense arousal before climaxing.

Masturbate nearly to the point of orgasm, then alter the stimulation by changing hands or rhythm, or slowing your breathing.

When the urge to ejaculate eases, bring yourself back to the brink, then down again using the techniques described above.

5. Or a blend of all of the above

If you have multiple orgasms, you’re likely to experience a mix of ejaculative and non-ejaculative orgasms.

Try this

Introduce sex toys to vary sensations and practice keeping yourself at a heightened arousal as mentioned earlier. You can buy many types of sex toys online, each delivering distinct feelings.

Some typical choices include:

• Fleshlights
• pocket strokers
• vibrating cock rings

6. But you can orgasm from other stimulation, too

Your penis isn’t the sole source of orgasmic potential — your body has numerous pleasure zones ready to bring you to climax.

Prostate

The prostate can produce an intense, whole-body orgasm. This walnut-sized gland sits between the penis and bladder, just behind the rectum.

You can reach it by inserting a finger or toy into the anus.

Try this: Begin by gently rubbing the outer and inner area of your anal opening with a finger. Insert it and massage the prostate, gradually increasing speed as pleasure grows.

If you prefer not to use a finger, there are many toys you — or a partner — can experiment with. Shop now for anal sex toys.

Nipple

Nipples contain many nerve endings and are linked to the brain’s genital sensory cortex, so most people can derive pleasure from them.

Nipple orgasms are reported to arrive unexpectedly and then send waves of pleasure throughout the body.

Try this: If you’re solo, get comfortable and let your thoughts roam to whatever arouses you. Use your hands to rub your chest and nipples to discover what feels good, then continue.

For partnered play, have them use hands, lips, and tongue to caress, flick, pinch, and lick.

Erogenous

Your body has many erogenous zones beyond the obvious ones mentioned. These are sensitive areas that can spark strong arousal and possibly a full-body orgasm when stimulated correctly.

Try this: Get comfortable and start touching yourself from the scalp downward, lingering on spots that feel particularly pleasurable.

Increase speed and pressure as arousal builds. If that alone doesn’t take you over the edge, let one hand head south while the other continues to pleasure the rest of your body.

7. Where does the G-spot come in?

Wondering about the male G-spot? What’s commonly called the male G-spot is actually the prostate.

We’ve already explained how to access it through the anus, but you can also stimulate it indirectly by massaging the perineum.

Also called the taint, the perineum is the strip of skin between the scrotum and the anus.

A finger, tongue, or vibrating toy applied to the perineum can all stimulate the prostate effectively.

If you want a deeper read on related anatomy and sensitivity of other erogenous regions, see our guide on healthy sex erogenous zones.

8. Isn’t ejaculation the same thing as orgasm?

Many people use ejaculation and orgasm interchangeably, but they are distinct physiological processes.

Orgasm involves pelvic muscle contractions and intense release and pleasure. Ejaculation is the discharge of semen from the penis.

9. What happens in the body when you orgasm?

An orgasm is one phase of the sexual response cycle, which unfolds in stages. Each person’s experience differs, so the length, intensity, and sequence of stages can vary.

Excitement

The excitement stage starts the sexual response cycle. It can be triggered by thoughts, touch, images, or other stimuli depending on what arouses you.

During this phase your heart rate and breathing quicken, blood pressure rises, and increased blood flow to the genitals produces an erection.

Plateau

This stage amplifies excitement, during which the penis and testicles continue to swell.

Orgasm

This is the peak of pleasure and release, lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes. If ejaculation occurs, it typically happens during this phase.

Resolution and refractory

In the resolution stage, your body returns to a non-aroused state. The erection fades, muscles relax, and you often feel drowsy and calm.

Some people experience a refractory period after orgasm, during which getting another erection or orgasm may be difficult. Additional stimulation can feel overly sensitive or even painful.

10. What makes a male orgasm different from a female orgasm?

In reality, they’re quite similar. Both involve increased heart rate and genital blood flow. Ejaculation is also possible for some people with vaginas.

Differences arise in duration and recovery. For instance, a “female” orgasm can last up to about 20 seconds longer.

People with vaginas are less likely to have a refractory period, so they may be more able to experience multiple orgasms with further stimulation.

11. Is there anything I can do to have a more intense orgasm?

Yes. Here are techniques you can try.

Edging

Also called orgasm control, edging means sustaining a high level of arousal for longer by delaying climax.

To practice it, stimulate yourself until you almost reach orgasm, then alter the stimulation until the urge diminishes.

Pelvic floor exercises

Pelvic floor exercises like Kegels strengthen pelvic muscles and may improve control over orgasms.

To perform them, contract the muscles you use to stop urinating. Hold for three seconds, release for three seconds, and repeat 10 times.

Do this daily, working up to holds of 10 seconds.

Breathing exercises

Learning to slow and focus your breath is central to tantric practices, which aim to maximize pleasure.

Paying attention to your breathing during masturbation or sex can heighten sensation.

Breathe slowly and deeply as arousal builds to help sustain a high level of excitement longer for a stronger orgasm.

12. What can affect my ability to orgasm?

Lifestyle choices, mental health, and medical conditions can all influence your capacity to orgasm.

These include:

• Premature ejaculation. Ejaculation that happens sooner than desired is called premature. Its hallmark is an inability to control ejaculation for longer than about a minute after penetration on a regular basis. Psychological issues, some medications, and hormonal problems can contribute.
• Retrograde ejaculation. Retrograde ejaculation happens when the muscles that normally expel semen fail, sending ejaculate into the bladder instead. The most noticeable sign is little or no semen at ejaculation. Causes include nerve damage from diabetes and other conditions, certain drugs, and some surgeries.
• Anorgasmia. Also known as orgasmic dysfunction, this is difficulty achieving orgasm or having unsatisfying orgasms. It can stem from psychological, emotional, or physical causes.
• Alcohol or substance use. Excessive alcohol can hinder orgasm. Marijuana and other drugs can also impair it.
• Depression, stress, and anxiety. Stress, anxiety, or depression can make it hard to become sufficiently aroused to climax. Symptoms often include fatigue, trouble concentrating, and feeling overwhelmed or down.

13. Should I see a doctor?

Orgasm differs by individual, and what works for one person won’t necessarily work for another.

If you’re worried or having trouble climaxing, consult a doctor or sexual health professional.

They can address your questions and may offer helpful recommendations.