Spermatorrhea

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Spermatorrhea is a condition of excessive, involuntary seminal discharge. In several cultures, this referred to ejaculation outside of certain approved sexual practices and was thus a subjective term. A more modern medical definition is the excessive release of semen with no accompanying erection or orgasm. [1]

In Western medicine during the nineteenth century, spermatorrhea was regarded as a medical disorder with corrupting and devastating effects on the mind and body. [2] The cure for spermatorrhea was regarded as enforced chastity and avoidance of masturbation, with circumcision sometimes being used as a treatment. [3] [4] [5]

Traditional Chinese medicine counts the production of semen as one of the biggest strains on jing (kidney essence). It is a recognized disorder in traditional Chinese medicine, in which certain patterns of involuntary ejaculation reflect problems with kidney qi. [6] [7]

In Ayurvedic Medicine, Ashwagandha and Bala are used to treat this vata ailment. Indian Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) also has medicinal prescription using the herb. [8]

In the 18th and 19th centuries, if a patient had ejaculations outside marital intercourse, or released more semen than is typical, then he was diagnosed with a disease called spermatorrhea or "seminal weakness". A variety of drugs and other treatments, including circumcision and castration, were advised as treatment. [4] [9] [10] Some alternative practitioners, especially herb healers, continue to diagnose and advise treatments for cases of spermatorrhea.[ citation needed ]

See also

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Retrograde ejaculation</span> Redirection of ejaculated semen into the urinary bladder

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Semen</span> Reproductive biofluid of male or hermaphroditic animals

Semen, also known as seminal fluid, is an organic bodily fluid that contains spermatozoa. Spermatozoa are secreted by the male gonads and other sexual organs of male or hermaphroditic animals and can fertilize the female ovum. Semen is produced and originates from the seminal vesicle, which is located in the pelvis. The process that results in the discharge of semen from the urethral orifice is called ejaculation. In humans, seminal fluid contains several components besides spermatozoa: proteolytic and other enzymes as well as fructose are elements of seminal fluid which promote the survival of spermatozoa and provide a medium through which they can move or "swim". The fluid is adapted to be discharged deep into the vagina, so the spermatozoa can pass into the uterus and form a zygote with an egg.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ejaculation</span> Euphoric stimulative semen discharge of the male reproductive tract

Ejaculation is the discharge of semen from the male reproductive tract. It is normally linked with orgasm, which involves involuntary contractions of the pelvic floor. It is the final stage and natural objective of male sexual stimulation, and an essential component of natural conception. Ejaculation can occur spontaneously during sleep, and is a normal part of human sexual development. In rare cases, ejaculation occurs because of prostatic disease. Anejaculation is the condition of being unable to ejaculate. Ejaculation is normally intensely pleasurable for men; dysejaculation is an ejaculation that is painful or uncomfortable. Retrograde ejaculation is the condition where semen travels backwards into the bladder rather than out of the urethra.

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<span title="Chinese-language text"><i lang="zh-Latn">Huanjing bunao</i></span> Retrograde ejaculation in Daoism

Huanjing bunao is a Daoist sexual practice and yangsheng method aimed at maintaining arousal for an extended plateau phase while avoiding orgasm. According to this practice, retaining unejaculated jing supposedly allows it to rise through the spine to nourish the brain and enhance overall well-being. Daoist adepts have been exploring various methods to avoid ejaculation for more than two thousand years. These range from meditative approaches involving breath-control or visualization to manual techniques such as pressing the perineum or squeezing the urethra.

References

  1. Zhang, L.; Yu, H.; Li, D.; Qian, H.; Chen, Y. (2021). "Spermatorrhea in a Chinese patient with temporal lobe epilepsy: a case report". The Journal of International Medical Research. 49 (1). doi:10.1177/0300060520982814. PMC   7812405 . PMID   33445995.
  2. Darby R (July 2005). "Pathologizing male sexuality: Lallemand, spermatorrhea, and the rise of circumcision". J Hist Med Allied Sci. 60 (3): 283–319. doi:10.1093/jhmas/jri042. PMID   15917258. S2CID   29249045.
  3. Keane JR (June 1994). "The neurological complications of spermatorrhoea". Arch. Neurol. 51 (6): 600–3. doi:10.1001/archneur.1994.00540180078017. PMID   8198472.
  4. 1 2 Moscucci, Ornella (1996). "Male masturbation and the offending prepuce". In Miller, Andrew H. (ed.). Sexualities in Victorian Britain. James Eli Adams. Bloomington: Indiana University Press. pp. 63–64. ISBN   0-253-33066-1 . Retrieved April 7, 2011.
  5. William Acton. "Victorian London - Disease - Spermatorrhoea." From Prostitution, considered in its Moral, Social, and Sanitary Aspects. 2nd edition, 1870. Compiled in Lee Jackson's The Victorian Dictionary.
  6. "Acupuncture . acuxo . Library". www.acuxo.com. Archived from the original on 2006-03-21.
  7. "New Treatments - Kratom, CBD, Kratom Reviews & Many More..." Archived from the original on June 12, 2008.
  8. "Bala - Medicine Buddha Healing Center - Ayurveda Healing Arts Institute - Nalanda University - Indian Tibetan Ayurvedic Chinese Medicine Distance Learning Buddhist Correspondence Courses". Archived from the original on 2011-07-07. Retrieved 2009-12-13.
  9. William Acton. "Victorian London – Disease – Spermatorrhoea." From Prostitution, considered in its Moral, Social, and Sanitary Aspects. 2nd edition, 1870. Compiled in Lee Jackson's The Victorian Dictionary.
  10. Darby, Robert J. L. (2005). A Surgical Temptation: The Demonization Of The Foreskin And The Rise Of Circumcision In Britain. Chicago: University of Chicago press. p. 198. ISBN   0-226-13645-0 . Retrieved 29 July 2012.