Re: Ejaculate Volume

Posted By HFHS M.D.-JJ on July 11, 1998 at 13:04:48:

In Reply to: Ejaculate Volume posted by Stan  on July 02, 1998 at 13:30:14:






When I ejaculate the volume varies from a few drops to nothing at all. I had a vasectomy about 6 years ago but the problem predated the operation. I have a high sex drive, no problems with erections and sometimes have periods when I masturbate daily because my wife dosen't share my drive. I have all of the sensations of an orgasm without the end result. Is there anything medically to be concerned with?
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Dear Stan,
The volume of ejaculate may have a normal variation depending on a variety of factors including time from last ejaculation and /or amount of stimulation and foreplay prior to ejaculation.  The mean ejaculate volume is approximately 3cc, but this number is highly variable from person to person and in different circumstances.
A couple causes for persistent abnormally low ejaculate volumes come to mind which include retrograde ejaculation and obstruction of an ejaculatory duct/seminal vesicle.
Retrograde ejaculation is a condition by which part or all of the ejaculate takes a pathway of least resistance (for various reasons) into the bladder.  In such a case, the person ejaculates and has all the sensations of a normal orgasm with little semen volume actually seen.  However, if a person with retrograde ejaculation urinates immediately after orgasm, he may notice ejaculate in the urine.
Obstruction of an ejaculatory duct/seminal vesicle may cause low semen volume because the majority of the ejaculate volume is composed of secretions from these ducts and glands.  However, this is usually associated with some pain which you do not seem to be experiencing.
To better differentiate what the cause may be, you might want to see a urologist who can investigate this.  However, if you are not planning on having any children in the future, low ejaculate volume does not pose a health risk or cause any serious problems.  Keep in mind, (as I stated in the 1st paragraph) your low ejaculatory volumes may just be a normal variation and nothing to worry about.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.  Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653 6568).
Wish you the best,
Sincerely,
HFHS M.D.-JJ
*Keyword: Low ejaculate volume