Why are my orgasms so short?

Short-lived orgasms (ejaculation) usually occur because of a shortage of semen. Semen is made up of sperm produced in the testicles plus fluid from the prostate and seminal vesicle glands.

Male orgasm occurs between the time that semen first spurts out until the time the last semen is ejaculated. The less semen produced, the shorter the orgasm sensation. Prostate surgery, diabetes and drugs such as finasteride (used to treat an enlarged prostate) reduce the volume of semen. Your orgasms may also feel less powerful as you get older.

A condition called retrograde ejaculation can also make your orgasms feel shorter. This is when you have the sensation of an orgasm but no fluid comes out. Afterwards, your urine may appear cloudy when you go to the toilet. This is because your semen is forced back into your bladder instead of being expelled out of your penis. This condition is normally caused by a health condition such as a spinal injury that has affected the nerves, or prostate surgery. Retrograde ejaculation shouldn't cause any health problems, but can be treated if it is affecting your fertility if you are trying to start a family.

If there is no obvious cause for the reduced volume of semen, you may be able to build it up by avoiding sex or masturbation for a few days at a time, delaying ejaculation during sex, and drinking lots of fluids.