PEVR Isn't Just an Age Thing

Perceived ejaculate volume reduction (PEVR) can occur for a variety of reasons, the most prominent of which is related to aging. Just as other bodily functions can be impaired, slowed or damaged over time, so too can the male reproductive system. A wide range of aging-related issues, including those with biological or psychological roots, can affect the volume of ejaculate.

But aside from age, additional factors also may contribute to decreased ejaculate volume. These can generally be categorized as medical, lifestyle or anatomical influences.

Medical explanations for PEVR

Medical causes of PEVR can stem from a history of illness, injury, poor diet or lack of exercise.

Some adverse health experiences may be difficult to observe in everyday life, such as alterations to hormone production, which might include decreased testosterone levels or increased estrogen levels caused by any number of reasons. Other medical causes of PEVR may originate from more dramatic or significant events in your life, such as cancer treatments, particularly those used to treat prostate cancer.

The prostate is directly tied to many aspects of male health issues, and a benign enlarged prostate gland can also cause lowered ejaculate volume. Other relatively common male health issues known to cause PEVR include diabetes, high blood pressure and complications resulting from certain medications for depression and other mental health disorders.

Lifestyle explanations for PEVR

For men whose age is not a likely cause of PEVR, lifestyle choices and patterns are often a causal element.

Dehydration has sexual side effects for all people, and because semen is mostly water, lowered ejaculate volume might simply be a matter of not drinking enough H₂O. Bodyweight, smoking and the use of alcohol and medications can also lead to decreased force or volume of orgasmic ejaculation.

If you've noticed a reduction in the intensity of your orgasms and the ejaculate produced, one of your first thoughts should be to consider if there have been significant changes to your lifestyle and general health practices. If the reduction occurs at a time when your exercise or diet patterns have deviated from the norm, try seeing if returning to your regular eating and lifestyle practices makes a difference.

And, of course, any time you have concerns about your health or lifestyle practices without obvious solutions available, your doctor is the best person to consult. PEVR and other ejaculatory or sexual conditions can be indicative of larger health problems.

Anatomical explanations for PEVR

A number of anatomical considerations can contribute to reduced ejaculate volume.

PEVR is sometimes associated with retrograde ejaculation, a condition in which semen flows into the bladder instead of into the penis and out the urethra upon orgasm. Blockages can also prevent semen release from occurring, either partially or fully. These blockages can be due to cyst formations or other obstructions to the ejaculatory duct.

Treatment options for PEVR

Ejaculatory concerns should be addressed with your primary care doctor or urologist. In cases due to anatomical issues such as ejaculatory obstruction, internal injury or prostate matters, treatments can be as severe as surgery or other invasive procedures. Urologists may have to perform several tests and work closely with patients' observations to determine the true cause of PEVR or other ejaculatory issues.

Of course, if the problem is rooted in lifestyle choices, making the relevant changes might be enough of a solution. Still, it's best to consult a physician for a complete analysis of your habits and practices.

If surgery or lifestyle changes don't provide a solution to the nature of your observed decrease in semen volume, pharmaceutical or psychological options might be on the table for you. Pseudoephedrine, midodrine and testosterone can be used to address PEVR. All aspects of sexuality are influenced by cognitive state, mood and general mental health. Some therapists and psychiatrists who specialize in sexual health can address PEVR and its emotional aspects.

If a sexual problem is affecting other areas of your life or health, don't sweep it under the rug. PEVR and other ejaculatory concerns may seem trivial compared to some issues, but sexual satisfaction is a critical component of overall well-being. And without the assistance of your doctor or urologist, you never know when PEVR might be indicative of a larger problem on the horizon.