Hi, I am a urologist who has been working with men's health issues for a long time. In my career, I have encountered all kinds of questions, but there is one question that seems to be particularly curious to many people: why can't men pee and ejaculate at the same time during sex? Today, I would like to share with you the physiological mechanism behind this topic, combined with a practical diagnosis and treatment story, in the hope of helping you better understand this phenomenon.
Last summer, a middle-aged man came to my clinic looking a little embarrassed and anxious. He told me that lately he felt like he needed to pee during sex, which bothered him and worried that something was wrong with his sexual function. His questions are not unusual, but it is clear that many people still lack a basic understanding of physiological responses to sex. After detailed questioning and a series of examinations, I explained the role of the urethral sphincter in times of sexual arousal and why this design is a necessary physiological arrangement to prevent urine and semen from mixing.
Physiological mechanisms explained
1. Anatomical and physiological basis
In the male body, the reproductive and urinary systems share some common structures, but each has a different function. The key part is the urethra, which is a tube that is used to urinate and deliver semen, but not at the same time. The main structures around the urethra include the prostate gland and urethral sphincter, both of which play a vital role in regulating the flow of urine and semen.
The prostate gland is a small gland located below the bladder that wraps around the urethra, and it not only secretes the liquid part of the nutritious semen, but also helps the semen enter the urethra by contracting during sexual activity.
2. The role of the urethral sphincter
The urethral sphincter is a group of muscles that surround the urethra and control the opening and closing of the urethra, thereby controlling urination and keeping urine from being inadvertently expelled. During sexual arousal, the urethral sphincter automatically tightens, a mechanism that prevents urine from flowing out, ensuring that only semen is expelled during ejaculation.
This tightening is an automatic response controlled by the brain and nervous system to ensure that only semen is transmitted through the urethra at the time of ejaculation. Also, when the urethral sphincter tightens, it also helps push the sperm stored in the epididymis towards the urethra. In this process, the presence of urine may affect the quality and motility of sperm, so mechanisms are physiologically designed to prevent simultaneous urination in order to protect the chances of reproductive success.
Through this precise physiological coordination, the male body is able to effectively separate the pathways of urine and semen during sex, optimizing reproductive function while maintaining a healthy urinary system. The existence of this mechanism is not only a subtle biological design, but also an important feature evolved by natural selection to improve reproductive efficiency.
Practical advice for everyday life
Healthy habits are cultivated
Maintaining the health of the male reproductive and urinary systems is equally important in daily life. Here are some practical suggestions:
Drink water wisely: Maintaining proper water intake is key. It is recommended to drink enough water per day (about eight glasses), but avoid drinking plenty of water before bedtime to reduce frequent urination at night without affecting sleep quality.
Regular urination: Develop the habit of urinating regularly and avoid holding urine for long periods of time. Holding urine not only increases the risk of urinary tract infections, but can also cause long-term damage to the bladder.
Observe urine: Observe the color and smell of urine regularly. Typically, healthy urine should be pale yellow and almost odorless. If your urine is dark in color or has a pungent odor, it could be a sign of dehydration or other health problems.
Maintain weight: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce pressure on the bladder and reduce the risk of urological disorders.
The importance of sex education
Sexual health education is key to understanding and improving the quality of sexual life. Here are some tips to help increase sexual health awareness:
Learning and networking: Encourage regular reading of books and articles on men's health, and attend relevant lectures and seminars to improve your understanding of your own physiological and sexual health.
Open conversations: Communicating openly with your partner about sexual health issues will not only help with questions and problems in your sex life, but will also strengthen your relationship.
Consult a professional: Seek professional help when faced with sexual health questions or concerns. Professionals can provide accurate information and appropriate treatment recommendations.
By implementing these practical, daily advice, you will not only maintain urinary and sexual health, but also increase understanding and respect for this complex but important topic. Remember that a healthy lifestyle and open communication are key to maintaining a healthy life.