Painful Ejaculation: A Review

Abstract

Background Pain at ejaculation/orgasm perceived in perineum, urethra and/or urethral meatus, has a profound impact on the quality of life of the affected man. Although underestimated, this condition is reported to have a 1–9.7% prevalence over the general population. Methods Structured review of the relevant available literature. Results Among the main causes of pain experienced at ejaculation/orgasm are: prostatevesicular causes (LUTS/BPH, prostatitis, ejaculatory duct obstruction, vesicular stone), postsurgical causes (radical prostatectomy, inguinal hernioplasty), pharmacologic causes (antidepressants), psychogenic causes (psychosexual conflicts, sexual abuse), rare causes. For these pathologies, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies have been proposed. Conclusions Ejaculatory pain is associated with a high level of personal distress, and represents a possible request for help within the andrologic/urologic area. Each field specialist should be competent in correctly interpreting every single case, in order to manage it appropriately.