Understanding nocturnal emission scientifically and mastering basic knowledge of male reproductive health.

Nocturnal emission and related disorders. Nocturnal emission is a common physiological phenomenon in unmarried men, referring to ejaculation that occurs without sexual intercourse. Semen leakage during sleep is called nocturnal emission or "wet dream," while leakage during conscious awareness is called "spermatorrhea."

The time required for spermatogenesis in each animal species is unique and constant. In humans, spermatogenesis takes 74±4 days, and maturation in the epididymis takes 16 days, for a total process of about 3 months. Sperm generally survive in the reproductive tract for about 28 days; prolonged storage leads to aging and loss of vitality. Males begin producing sperm around age 14, reaching sexual maturity at 16-17, at which point spontaneous ejaculation occurs, typically 2-3 times per month or slightly more, approximately once every 10 days, which is within the normal physiological range. Most men cease nocturnal emission after marriage. Frequent nocturnal emissions during regular sexual activity, excessively frequent nocturnal emissions, or nocturnal emissions occurring during non-sexual activities or when thinking about or interacting with the opposite sex are considered pathological phenomena. Approximately 70% of women also experience nocturnal emissions, characterized by increased vaginal discharge accompanied by pleasure, averaging 3-4 times per year. The frequency peaks around age 40, consistent with sexual physiological needs. Nocturnal emissions can be seen as a form of compensation for abstinence.

Some observations suggest a correlation between nocturnal emissions and years of education; the higher the level of education, the higher the incidence. Surveys show that the incidence is 75% for those with less than 8 years of education, 85% for those with 12 years of education, and a staggering 99% for those with 13 years or more of education. Why is this? Sexologist Kinsey believed that those with less education have a weaker response to sexual stimulation, resulting in fewer nocturnal emissions. Dreaming ability is related to imagination; therefore, those with more education tend to experience more nocturnal emissions.

Nocturnal emission is mainly influenced by the following factors:

① The nervous control function is not fully developed during puberty, making it easily stimulated and triggering nocturnal emission;

② Lack of correct sexual knowledge, excessive focus on sexual issues, or influence from the opposite sex, stimulating reading materials, and films can keep the cerebral cortex in a state of sexual arousal, thus inducing nocturnal emission at any time;

③ Excessive exercise accelerates blood circulation, activates the spermatogenic function of the sexual organs, increases semen production, and consequently increases the frequency of nocturnal emission;

④ Inflammation of the external genitalia and accessory glands, such as balanitis, urethritis, and prostatitis, can easily lead to nocturnal emission due to inflammatory stimulation;

⑤ Tight underwear or pressure and friction from bedding can stimulate the external genitalia or cause penile erection, leading to nocturnal emission;

⑥ Physical weakness, overwork, and other systemic diseases that cause physical weakness can all cause nocturnal emission due to dysfunction of various organs.

Due to the influence of traditional beliefs, some people have a fear of losing semen, believing that it will affect their vitality. In fact, throughout history and across cultures, semen has been considered a man's most precious resource. There's a saying that "one drop of semen is equivalent to ten drops of blood." A famous French doctor even believed that "one drop of semen is equivalent to 40 drops of blood," further fueling fear about semen depletion and leading to the belief that "a person's essence and blood are inherited from their parents and are finite; once emptied, they will age or die." Modern research shows that seminal plasma mainly contains proteins, various enzymes, and inorganic salts, which can be replenished through daily dietary nutrition. Seminal plasma secretion and replenishment are rapid, but sperm replenishment takes longer, approximately 3-5 days to recover. Clinical observations show that during continuous ejaculation, only the first 1-2 ejaculations contain a significant number of sperm; thereafter, the sperm count decreases significantly, sometimes reaching a point where only prostatic fluid and urethral secretions are present, with no sperm expelled. Finally, there may be only the act of ejaculation without any semen being expelled. This is a self-regulating mechanism and a self-protective phenomenon.

However, excessive nocturnal emissions, such as more than five times a month or spermatorrhea, often cause severe psychological stress and mental fatigue, anxiety, and tension, leading to neurasthenia, manifested as insomnia, headaches, dizziness, lethargy, poor appetite, general fatigue, and weakness. This forms what is known as "nocturnal emission disorder."

The methods for preventing and treating this condition are:

① Strengthen education to correctly understand that nocturnal emission is a normal physiological phenomenon, relieve mental burden, actively participate in cultural and sports activities, maintain a regular lifestyle, and strengthen the nervous system that controls sexual function;

② Learn and master some necessary sexual knowledge, do not view normal physiological phenomena as mysterious, and do not indulge in sexual fantasies;

③ Pay attention to the hygiene of sexual organs, bathe frequently, and seek timely treatment for any systemic diseases or local infections;

④ Avoid sleeping in a supine position, do not use excessively thick blankets, do not wear overly tight underwear, and avoid various forms of stimulation;

When a man is sexually stimulated and his penis becomes erect, a white, viscous fluid may flow from the urethra, which helps lubricate the glans penis during intercourse. This clear, white secretion does not contain sperm, so the discharge of this secretion is not spermatorrhea.