Delayed Orgasm and Erection: What the Study Actually Showed

If you are a man and sometimes everything seems to be going well, but the finale is delayed or does not occur at all, you are not alone. And perhaps the issue is not in the 'hardware' but in the head — or vice versa. A recent study shed light on how different aspects of male sexuality are connected. And some results were unexpected.

Two different problems that are often confused

Doctors sometimes combine delayed ejaculation (when ejaculation occurs very late or does not occur) and absence of orgasm (anorgasmia). But a new study shows that these are likely two different conditions. Scientists analyzed data from 43 men (average age about 56 years) from a special registry. It turned out that those who had only delayed ejaculation were significantly younger — on average 53 years versus 68 years for men with anorgasmia. In addition, men with delayed ejaculation had higher depression scores. This does not mean that depression causes delayed ejaculation or vice versa, but the connection is noticeable.

Erection and orgasm: not the same thing

Many people think: if the erection is good, then there will be no problems with orgasm. But the data suggests otherwise. Among 22 men whose erection was sufficient for penetration without medication, almost a third (31.8%) reported that they could not achieve orgasm. At the same time, no statistical relationship was found between the strength of erection and the ability to experience orgasm. That is, these two functions work seemingly independently. So if your erection is fine but orgasm does not occur, you are not strange — this happens.

Age and depression: what matters more for orgasm

The study showed that men with anorgasmia are older, but their depression levels are lower than those who suffer from delayed ejaculation. Perhaps age plays a role here: something changes in the body over the years, but psychologically men may feel better? Or vice versa — younger men with delayed ejaculation are more prone to depression because of the problem? Scientists cannot yet answer definitively. This is only preliminary data, and the sample is small — only 43 people. But it is already clear that the problem is more complex than it seems.

What this means for you

If you are experiencing difficulties with orgasm or ejaculation, you should not think that it is just 'nerves' or 'age'. The study confirms: you need to look at the problem more broadly. A doctor may pay attention not only to erection but also to mood, age-related changes, and other factors. By the way, among those diagnosed with anorgasmia, almost half (46%) could still achieve orgasm in some situations. So the diagnosis is not a sentence.

Ask your doctor about this

At an appointment with a urologist or sexologist, do not hesitate to talk about all aspects of your sexual life: how it is with erection, how it is with orgasm, how it is with mood. Researchers emphasize: to understand the problem, an integrated approach is needed. You may be prescribed additional examinations or referred to a psychotherapist. The main thing is not to stay alone with this.