title: Normal male sexual function: emphasis on orgasm and ejaculation.
abstract: Orgasm and ejaculation are two separate physiological processes that are sometimes difficult to distinguish. Orgasm is an intense transient peak sensation of intense pleasure creating an altered state of consciousness associated with reported physical changes. Antegrade ejaculation is a complex physiological process that is composed of two phases (emission and expulsion), and is influenced by intricate neurological and hormonal pathways. Despite the many published research projects dealing with the physiology of orgasm and ejaculation, much about this topic is still unknown. Ejaculatory dysfunction is a common disorder, and currently has no definitive cure. Understanding the complex physiology of orgasm and ejaculation allows the development of therapeutic targets for ejaculatory dysfunction. In this article, we summarize the current literature on the physiology of orgasm and ejaculation, starting with a brief description of the anatomy of sex organs and the physiology of erection. Then, we describe the physiology of orgasm and ejaculation detailing the neuronal, neurochemical, and hormonal control of the ejaculation process.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, California. Electronic address: amjadwal@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Amjad
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Alwaal
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, California.
authors.forename: Benjamin N
authors.initials: BN
authors.lastname: Breyer
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, California.
authors.forename: Tom F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Lue
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004542:Ejaculation; D006728:Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009948:Orgasm; D010413:Penis / Q000294:innervation*; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D009435:Synaptic Transmission
chemical_list: D006728:Hormones
keywords: Erectile function; ejaculation; male sexual function; orgasm