Ejaculation is when you release semen (cum) from your penis. It usually happens when a person with a penis reaches orgasm (sexual climax), but it can also happen without orgasm.
Ejaculation is when a sticky liquid (semen or cum) comes out of your penis. It most often happens after an orgasm (a sexual release), but can also happen without an orgasm.
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Your nervous system controls ejaculation. Nerves that go from your reproductive system to parts of your spinal cord force semen out of your penis when sexual excitement reaches a critically high level.
Ejaculation has two phases: emission and expulsion.
There isn’t a set amount for how often you should ejaculate. Research shows ejaculation has many health benefits such as reducing a person’s risk for prostate cancer. But there isn’t evidence that shows not ejaculating causes health problems. As the results are inconclusive, it’s best to have a discussion with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about how frequently you ejaculate.
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Holding ejaculation in or stopping yourself from ejaculation when you reach the point of orgasm isn’t truly possible, as it’s an automatic response. If you’re bothered by premature ejaculation, talk to a healthcare provider, as there may be treatments to help you delay ejaculation.
Ejaculation typically starts when a person begins producing sperm around the age of puberty. Puberty happens at different times for different people. Generally, people start puberty between 10 and 12 years old. This means a person may ejaculate for the first time within this age range. A person usually ejaculates for the first time during a “wet dream” or after masturbating. Again, the exact timing varies, but you can expect a person to be able to ejaculate within several months to a year of puberty beginning. You can still masturbate without ejaculation. Many young people experience pleasure and masturbate before they can ejaculate.
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There are three main ejaculation problems you may experience:
Talk to your healthcare provider if you think you have a problem with ejaculation. There are treatment options to help you.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Ejaculation is when you release semen from your penis. It most often occurs during sexual climax or orgasm. There are several disorders associated with ejaculation. Contact a healthcare provider if you believe you have a problem with ejaculation.
Last reviewed on 05/08/2023.
Learn more about the Health Library and our editorial process.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy