Weak ejaculation: causes, treatments, and more

“Weak ejaculation” is often used to describe changes in ejaculation, such as semen coming out with less force, producing less semen than usual, or having little to no semen come out during orgasm. These changes don’t always have the same cause and can occur with different types of ejaculatory dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction (ED). 

Though it can be worrying, it may be improved with lifestyle changes, addressing underlying conditions, and strengthening your pelvic floor. Read on. 

Although not an official diagnosis, weak ejaculation can occur as part of several types of ejaculatory dysfunction.

Symptoms can include:

• Reduced force: Semen dribbles, rather than being expelled in forceful spurts.

• Decreased semen volume: Less semen than usual comes out during ejaculation.

• Dry orgasm: Climax occurs with little to no semen exiting the penis. This can happen with conditions such as retrograde ejaculation or anejaculation.

Ejaculatory force, semen volume, and orgasm are related but distinct, so a change in one doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem with the others.

If you’re noticing that you’re not ejaculating with the force or volume that was there before, the following factors could be contributing to your weak ejaculation.

Age

Experiencing less ejaculate volume or decreased force of ejaculation becomes more common with age. In one study of men with ejaculatory problems, those aged 60–70 had about three times the odds of reporting reduced ejaculate volume compared with men under 40. 

Chronic conditions

Chronic conditions such as diabetes can damage the nerves involved in the ejaculation process. When diabetes affects the nerves that help control ejaculation, it can contribute to reduced or absent ejaculation or retrograde ejaculation.

Prostate problems

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition where the prostate gland grows abnormally large. It can cause lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) such as an increased urge to urinate, more frequent urination, and urination at night. 

These symptoms have been linked to problems with erection and ejaculation. The worse the LUTS, the weaker the ejaculation tends to be. Researchers still aren't exactly sure why, but it seems to be related to problems with muscle function and the nervous system. 

Surgery for BPH or another condition, such as prostate cancer, can also cause weak ejaculation. Take, for example, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), which involves removing part of the prostate to address BPH. A common side effect of TURP is a substantial reduction in the amount of semen that comes out during ejaculation; some men may have little or no semen coming out of their penis afterward. 

Daily Rise Gummies

Help treat BPH symptoms with daily tadalafil gummies

Learn more

Retrograde ejaculation

Sometimes dubbed a “dry” orgasm, retrograde ejaculation refers to when semen travels into the bladder instead of out of the urethra. It can lead to little or no fluid during ejaculation, which someone may perceive as absent or weak ejaculation.

Common causes of retrograde ejaculation include:

• Nervous system damage, such as that caused by a medical condition (e.g. diabetes) or trauma (e.g. spinal cord injury)

• Surgery (e.g. TURP, as we covered earlier)

• Certain medications (particularly some alpha blockers)

Erectile dysfunction

As if difficulties getting or maintaining an erection weren’t enough to deal with, ED can also be accompanied by ejaculatory problems. In one study of men seeking care for ED, more than one in three also reported a perceived reduction in ejaculate volume.

Erectile and ejaculation problems can share underlying factors, like prostate problems, chronic conditions, or relationship issues, among others.

Sexual desire

Desire can ebb and flow depending on so many factors, from outside stress (such as that at work) to your relationship with your partner. 

In one study of men with ED, lower sexual desire in either partner was associated with a greater likelihood of perceived reduced ejaculate volume. While that study doesn’t show whether lower desire directly causes changes in ejaculation, the researchers suspect that sexual interest may be linked to better quality orgasms, which affects ejaculatory function, making ejaculation more “robust.” 

Medications

Certain medications can affect ejaculation and contribute to weak ejaculation. In fact, research has linked prostate hormone therapy drugs, alpha blockers (which are used to treat high blood pressure or enlarged prostate), antidepressants, and ACE inhibitors (used to treat high blood pressure, diabetes, migraines, and more) to a reduction in ejaculate fluid.

Lifestyle habits

Some lifestyle habits may contribute to semen volume or other aspects of ejaculation, including:

• Smoking: Studies show that smoking is linked to reduced semen volume and other measures of poorer semen quality.

• Heavy alcohol use: If you drink, try to practice moderation. One meta-analysis of 40 studies found that heavy alcohol use significantly reduced semen volume, while moderate drinking didn’t have the same effect. 

• Overweight or obesity: Some research shows that obesity is associated with reduced ejaculate volume and lower sperm counts in men of subfertile couples. 

Frequent ejaculation

Sometimes, the problem has a simpler answer. Ejaculating often can temporarily reduce semen volume until the body produces more fluid. For instance, in one small study of 65 men, researchers found that semen volume and total sperm count were higher after four days without ejaculation compared to one day. 

Weak ejaculation isn’t an official medical diagnosis, so there’s no standard test for diagnosing it.

A healthcare provider may instead ask about your sexual history and symptoms. They may also use a questionnaire such as the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire-Ejaculatory Dysfunction Short Form (MSHQ-EjD-SF) to assess ejaculatory function.

A provider may also evaluate for specific causes of reduced or absent ejaculation, such as retrograde ejaculation, anejaculation, orgasmic problems, or an obstruction.

If you’re dealing with weak ejaculation, your best bet is to consult a healthcare provider, as they can determine what might be causing your symptoms as well as how to best treat them.

Depending on the underlying cause, treatment may involve addressing another health condition or making lifestyle changes that support your overall sexual health.

Eat a healthy diet and stay hydrated

Eating a balanced diet can support your overall health, including your sexual and reproductive health. But there isn’t strong evidence that specific foods or nutrients can directly increase the force of ejaculation or the amount of semen you produce.

Aim for a varied diet that includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and sources of protein and healthy fats. These foods can help you get nutrients that are important for overall health and normal body function.

Staying hydrated is important, too. Drinking enough water supports normal blood volume and circulation, both of which are crucial for overall health and sexual function. 

Exercise regularly 

Regular exercise supports overall health and can benefit sexual health, too. For example, aerobic exercise has been shown to improve erectile function in men with ED. However, there isn’t good evidence that exercise directly increases the force of ejaculation or semen volume. 

What’s more, working out consistently — and following a healthy (often low-calorie) diet — can also promote weight loss, and body weight may also be related to semen volume. One study found that higher BMI and waist circumference were associated with lower ejaculate volume, although physical activity itself was not associated with semen measures.

Get enough sleep

Getting quality sleep may support sexual function, including ejaculation. In one study of more than 1,900 men undergoing fertility testing, those with poor sleep were more likely to report ejaculatory dysfunction than those who had high-quality sleep. The general recommendation is to aim for 7–9 hours per night. 

Practice Kegel exercises

Kegels are exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor and, in doing so, can improve bladder control and promote sexual function. Pelvic floor muscles also help propel semen during ejaculation. So weakness or impaired function of these muscles may contribute to reduced ejaculatory force.

Kegel exercises can help restore muscle function and strength. They may also help improve the force of ejaculation in some men, although research specifically examining this effect is limited.

Quit smoking and limit alcohol

Smoking and heavy alcohol use have been associated with lower semen volume and other changes in semen quality. So addressing these habits may help support your overall sexual health. 

Talk to a healthcare provider about strategies to quit. (There’s no shame in asking for help!) 

Address erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory problems can occur together. If you’re experiencing both, a healthcare provider can recommend treatment for each problem based on what’s causing it.

Safe and effective treatment for ED often includes prescription oral medications, such as Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), vardenafil, and Stendra (avanafil). All of these drugs are phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, meaning they work in part by increasing blood flow to the penis, which promotes stronger, longer-lasting erections. 

Some PDE5 inhibitors can also be found in other formulations:

• Ro Sparks combines sildenafil and tadalafil (the active ingredients in Viagra and Cialis, respectively) in a sublingual treatment that dissolves under your tongue for fast-acting effects. 

• Ro’s Daily Rise Gummies feature 7 mg of tadalafil in each fruit-flavored gummy for once-a-day treatment, allowing for increased spontaneity. 

Keep in mind that the last two options are not FDA-approved; however, they contain ingredients that are individually FDA-approved for ED. 

Ro Sparks

Hard in 15 mins (on avg), ready for up to 36 hours, 2-in-1 formula

Get started

Weak ejaculation can feel dissatisfying — as if ejaculating no longer has the power that it once had or should have. While it isn’t an official medical diagnosis, changes in ejaculation can sometimes point to an underlying health issue that needs attention. 

Here’s what to know:

• Weak ejaculation can have many causes. They include age, diabetes, prostate problems or treatments, certain medications, erectile dysfunction, neurologic conditions, and frequent ejaculation. Smoking and higher alcohol intake have also been associated with lower semen volume.

• There’s no single test for weak ejaculation. A healthcare provider will typically ask about your symptoms and sexual history and assess for other ejaculatory problems or underlying conditions that could be contributing.

• Treatment depends on what’s behind your symptoms. Addressing underlying conditions and making strategic lifestyle changes such as exercising, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and limiting alcohol may help support sexual and reproductive health.

• Talk to a healthcare provider if you’re worried about changes in your ejaculation. They can help identify potential causes and recommend treatment based on your exact symptoms.