Ejaculation in men: a dynamic endorectal ultrasonographical study

Br J Urol. 1994 Apr;73(4):442-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1464-410x.1994.tb07612.x.

Abstract

Objective: To study the ejaculatory mechanisms in men using a dynamic endorectal ultrasonographical approach.

Subjects and methods: Seven recordings were made of a young healthy volunteer during ejaculation, scanning the longitudinal plane from the bladder neck to the bulbous urethra.

Results: The study demonstrated the existence of a pre-ejaculatory phase characterized by a notable decrease in echogenicity of the inner prostate gland, due to the contraction of the pre-prostatic sphincter 13-25 s before ejaculation. Several stages were recorded including an ejaculatory stage with an initial prostatic emission phase lasting 2-20 s and a posterior emission phase through the ejaculatory ducts lasting 3-14 s, with a seminal stoppage of 3-8 s, and finally a urethro-vesical reflux of a minimal fraction of the ejaculate over 5-9 s. The bladder neck and inner gland returned to their resting configuration between 10 and 90 s after ejaculation.

Conclusions: Endorectal ultrasonographical imaging during ejaculation, a recently developed diagnostic procedure, may provide a new approach to ejaculation-related problems.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Ejaculation / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Orgasm / physiology
  • Prostate / diagnostic imaging*
  • Time Factors
  • Ultrasonography / methods
  • Urethra / diagnostic imaging*
  • Urinary Bladder / diagnostic imaging*