Dry orgasm occurs when a man reaches sexual climax but doesn't release (ejaculate) semen from the penis — or releases very little semen. Semen is the thick, white fluid that carries sperm.
Dry orgasm usually isn't harmful, but it can interfere with a man's ability to father a child. Over time, many men say a dry orgasm feels normal.
In most cases, dry orgasm isn't harmful. But talk to your doctor about it to be sure your condition isn't caused by an underlying medical condition that needs attention. If you have dry orgasms and are attempting to father a child, you might need treatment to get your partner pregnant.
Show References
- Wein AJ, et al., eds. Disorders of male orgasm and ejaculation. In: Campbell-Walsh Urology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2016. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed May 29, 2017.
- Cancer can affect a man's ability to ejaculate. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/fertility-and-sexual-side-effects/sexuality-for-men-with-cancer/ejaculation-and-treatment.html. Accessed May 29, 2017.
- What can cause premature, delayed or dry orgasms? National Health Service. http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/causes-of-ejaculation-problems.aspx. Accessed May 29, 2017.
- Rowland D, et al. Disorders of orgasm and ejaculation in men. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2010;7:1668.
- Cunningham GR, et al. Overview of male sexual dysfunction. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed May 29, 2017.
- Frey A, et al. Prevalence and predicting factors for commonly neglected sexual side effects to external-beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2017;14:558.
- Hoffman RM, et al. Microwave thermotherapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD004135.pub3/abstract. Accessed May 29, 2017.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/dry-orgasm/basics/definition/SYM-20050906