Ejaculation is a natural and vital function in the male body, but few people actually know about it. It is usually discussed discreetly or covered up in school sex education. But knowing how ejaculation works is not just for having a child, but can also enable you to know more about your body, identify issues, and make informed decisions regarding your sexual health.
In this article, we’re going to demystify everything from the definition of ejaculation to the role of seminal fluid, what semen is, how sperm is produced, and even touch on slang terms like “jizz” and “cum.” So let’s begin.
Ejaculation Definition: What Is Ejaculation?
Let’s begin at the beginning. Ejaculation is when semen exits the male reproductive system via the penis. It normally occurs during orgasm, but sometimes it occurs by mistake, such as during a wet dream.
Physiologically speaking, ejaculation is the final phase of the male sexual response sequence. It is the body’s way of expelling seminal fluid with sperm and allowing an opportunity for fertilization.
Semen, or “cum” or “jizz,” is the white, thick fluid that flows from the penis when a man ejaculates. Semen, however, is more than sperm—it is a complex fluid composed of numerous diverse elements that serve various roles in reproduction.
Therefore, just what is semen?
Semen is made up of:
Sperm cells are the reproductive cells themselves.
Seminal fluid is fluid that transports and nourishes the sperm.
Enzymes, proteins, sugars such as fructose, and other substances nourish sperm and enable them to move.
The seminal fluid is approximately 95% of the semen, and sperm is approximately 5%. That is to say that the majority of what you see when a man ejaculates is not sperm, but rather the fluid that aids sperm in getting to where they are headed.
Where does sperm come from?
To learn how ejaculation occurs, you need to know where sperm is made. Sperm is made from the male reproductive system.
Let’s break it down:
Testicles (Testes): This is where sperm is made. The testicles are located in the scrotum and also make testosterone.
Epididymis: Once sperm are produced in the testicles, they develop and are stored in this tightly coiled tube.
Vas deferens: Sperm travels through the vas deferens, a tube connecting the epididymis to the ejaculatory ducts, during ejaculation.
Prostate gland and seminal vesicles: These organs contribute fluid to the sperm. The seminal vesicles contribute fructose, a sperm energy source, and the prostate contributes enzymes and liquefies the semen.
Urethra: Finally, all of this comes out through the urethra, which runs through the penis.
In summary, sperm is made in the testicles, but the bulk of what comes out during ejaculation—semen—is created with the help of several glands and tubes.
Define Seminal: What Does Seminal Mean in Biology?
The word seminal can be a bit confusing. In regular conversation, it might mean “important” or “influential,” like a “seminal work of art.” But in biology, it comes from the Latin word semen, meaning seed.
In the context of ejaculation, seminal refers to anything related to semen or sperm. For instance, the seminal vesicles are the glands that contribute fluid to semen.
So when we talk about seminal fluid, we’re referring to the nourishing liquid that helps transport sperm during ejaculation.
How Ejaculation Works: Step-by-Step
Now that we’ve covered the major players, here’s how ejaculation works from start to finish:
- Arousal: Sexual stimulation leads to increased blood flow to the penis, resulting in an erection. This happens thanks to the relaxation of blood vessels and contraction of pelvic muscles.
- Emission Phase: This is when sperm mixes with fluids from the seminal vesicles and prostate. The mixture is pushed into the urethra.
- Ejaculation Phase: Muscles in the pelvic area contract rhythmically, propelling semen out of the penis in bursts. This process is involuntary and typically coincides with orgasm.
- Resolution: After ejaculation, the body returns to its normal state. The penis becomes flaccid, and there may be a refractory period before arousal is possible again.
This entire process is highly coordinated and involves both the nervous and muscular systems. In healthy men, it happens seamlessly.
How Does Sperm Look Like When It Comes Out?
If you’ve ever wondered how does sperm look like when it comes out, the answer is—it doesn’t look like much on its own. Sperm cells are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye.
What you do see is semen, the milky or whitish fluid that carries sperm. It’s usually thick and sticky right after ejaculation but becomes more liquid after a few minutes. The consistency and color can vary depending on hydration, diet, frequency of ejaculation, and overall health.
How Much Semen Does a Man Produce?
On average, a man produces about 2 to 5 milliliters of semen per ejaculation—roughly one teaspoon. This amount can vary depending on several factors like age, arousal level, frequency of sex, and overall health.
Each milliliter of semen contains between 15 million to over 200 million sperm. That means even a small amount of semen carries a massive number of reproductive cells.
What Affects Male Ejaculation?
Several factors can influence male ejaculation, including physical health, emotional state, medications, and age.
Here are a few key considerations:
- Age: Older men may produce less semen and experience a longer refractory period.
- Hydration and Diet: Dehydration can reduce semen volume. A diet rich in zinc and antioxidants may support healthy ejaculation.
- Medications: Some drugs, including antidepressants and blood pressure medications, can interfere with ejaculation.
- Erectile Dysfunction Medications: Pills with high-dose sildenafil (Viagra) tablet—can help with achieving an erection but don’t necessarily increase semen volume or improve the quality of ejaculation. However, by enhancing blood flow, they can make the process more efficient for some men.
Common Ejaculation Myths Debunked
Let’s bust a few myths:
- Myth: More semen means more pleasure. While a strong ejaculation can feel satisfying, pleasure depends more on nerve sensitivity than volume.
- Myth: Sperm comes directly from the penis. No—it originates in the testicles and travels through a complex system before reaching the urethra.
- Myth: You can run out of semen. Not permanently. While repeated ejaculation in a short period can temporarily reduce volume, the body continuously produces more.
Why Understanding Ejaculation Matters
Knowing how ejaculation works isn’t just for science geeks or health professionals. Whether you’re trying to conceive, improve your sex life, or stay informed about your reproductive health, this knowledge can make a big difference.
For example:
- If your semen changes color or becomes unusually thick/thin, it could be a sign of an infection or hormonal issue.
- If you’re experiencing delayed ejaculation or can’t ejaculate at all, it might indicate a nerve or psychological condition worth checking out.
- If you’re considering using medications likeViagra or anything else, knowing how they affect your sexual function can help you set realistic expectations.
Final Thoughts
Ejaculation is a complex, fascinating process that’s often taken for granted. It’s the result of careful coordination between your brain, hormones, muscles, and reproductive organs. From understanding what is cum and where sperm comes from, to grasping how much semen a man produces, every detail matters when it comes to male sexual health.
Whether you’re experiencing changes in your ejaculatory function, looking to improve your reproductive wellness, or just curious about your body, understanding the biology behind it all can help you make better choices—and perhaps even enjoy a more satisfying sex life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Semen is the liquid ejaculated from the penis that carries sperm, along with seminal fluid, enzymes, and necessary nutrients. It is in the small sperm cells that the mixture is fertilized to produce a female egg.
A male ejaculates an average of about 2 to 5 milliliters of semen per ejaculation, which is about one teaspoon. This varies with age, hydration, sexual practices, and health.
Semen is generally white or almost grayish with a thick texture. But, if you have yellow, green, or red-tinged semen, or watery sperm, it is likely to mean infection or something else. One should seek help from a physician if these situations occur repeatedly.
Sildenafil increases erectile function but does not directly affect semen volume or sperm quality. It can, however, through increased blood flow, help to cause a more satisfying ejaculation experience in some men.
The sperms themselves cannot be seen; they are tiny. What you really see upon ejaculation is semen, a thick white liquid in which the sperm are contained. Healthy semen will initially be thick, only to thin out within a couple of minutes.