The climax, grand finale, blowing of one’s load. Whatever you choose to call it, the sexual release known as ejaculation is often hailed as one of the greatest sensations of mankind. And as much as we hate to say it, chances are there comes a time in every man’s life when the exhilarating feeling of ejaculation is clouded with more pain than pleasure. We’re talking about painful ejaculations, and with varying sensations of pain and burning in the genital, anus, urethra, and scrotum areas, they’re nothing to look forward to.
Painful ejaculation can severely affect your sexual life and is often a sign of infection, blockage or inflammation. Let’s look at 7 common causes of painful ejaculation.
Prostatitis
If your climax is more ‘ouch’ than ‘ahhh’, it could be a sign of prostatitis. With symptoms of erectile dysfunction, painful ejaculation, painful urination, frequent feeling to pee, and pelvic pain, prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland, found between the bladder and penis. Severity of symptoms vary from man to man and can last upwards of six weeks. Our advice; see your doctor for a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan.
Cystitis
Painful ejaculation? Painful urination? Funky smelling urine? Cloudy urine? Blood in urine? All symptoms lead to cystitis, an infection of the bladder. You’ll need a course of antibiotics for this one. If left untreated, it can lead to complications, like a kidney or blood infection.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause a spectrum of symptoms depending on which STI you have, however chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and trichomoniasis all feature painful ejaculation in their symptom repertoire. What next? Visit your doctor for STI testing asap.
Interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome)
A chronic condition that causes pain and discomfort in the urinary tract, interstitial cystitis (IC) can come on mild or severe. But with a secondary name of ‘painful bladder syndrome’ we’re hoping any case that crosses your path leans towards the mild end. Thought to be an autoimmune disorder, other symptoms include painful sex, bladder pain, frequent need to pee and discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen.
Epididymo-orchitis
A short lesson in male anatomy. You see, in the testicle there’s a tube that stores and transports sperm. That tube is known as the epididymis. Epididymo-orchitis is the infection of that tube and it’s mostly caused by a virus or bacterial infection. You’ll have an inkling that an epididymo-orchitis diagnosis is in your future when you experience symptoms of painful ejaculation, painful urination, fever, nausea, vomiting, swelling of the testicles, and pain in the testicles. Book the next available appointment with your doc, epididymo-orchitis may require a solid course of antibiotics.
Blocked ejaculatory duct
A blocked ejaculatory duct is exactly that; a blockage of the channel that transports semen from the testicles to the urethra prior to ejaculation from the penis. It can develop from recent groin surgery, small stones, or inflammation in the area, and requires surgery to remove the blockage. Thankfully, this cause of painful ejaculation isn’t too common, but if you’re shooting less load than normal, stay vigilant and see a doctor if pain persists.
Urethral stricture
When the urethra, aka the tube that empties the bladder, is blocked by scarring, a condition known as urethral stricture decreases the flow of urine while making it hard to completely empty the bladder. Since semen flows through the urethra, this condition can also block the ejaculate during orgasm. Other symptoms include painful urination, low flow or dribble when peeing, inability to urinate, weak stream or incomplete bladder emptying.
This guide is designed to be informative and educational. It is not intended to provide specific medical advice or replace advice from your medical practitioner.