Nocturnal Emissions and Urinary Symptoms After Gonorrhea - Urology

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Experiencing nocturnal emissions despite engaging in masturbation?


Hello, doctor.
I will be turning 34 this year.
About two months ago, I suspected I had gonorrhea and received treatment; my test results are normal now, and I no longer experience pain or discharge during urination.
However, I still occasionally feel a sharp pain in my urethra and glans, with symptoms fluctuating.
Due to my illness, I have only had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend once and masturbated three times in the past two months.
I have noticed that the frequency and duration of nocturnal erections during sleep have increased.
The first time I masturbated was about a week after treatment, approximately two weeks after the onset of my symptoms.
At that time, I felt slight pain in my urethra during ejaculation, but it did not occur in subsequent instances.
I did not masturbate out of desire but rather to check if my semen appeared normal.
I masturbated again the day before yesterday, and last night I had a wet dream.
Upon waking up, I discovered I had experienced nocturnal emission.
I understand that I may not have expelled semen frequently in the past two months, but I had just masturbated the day before, so I am surprised to have had a wet dream the next day.
Since my underwear is black, I cannot determine the appearance of the semen, but based on the smell, it does not seem thick and appears more watery.
It has been many years since my last wet dream, which occurred when I was around 18 or 19.
Before I fell ill, I had a fairly frequent masturbation routine, about once every one to two days.
I just completed a prostate ultrasound today, and the doctor mentioned slight calcification, advising me not to worry and to have regular follow-ups.
My questions are: Is it normal to have wet dreams at this age? Could it be related to my illness? Is it normal for the semen from a wet dream to be thinner and less viscous? Could untreated gonorrhea cause wet dreams? Thank you.

An Cheng, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/02/08

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology


Hello: Occasional occurrences are normal, while frequent occurrences are less common and are not caused by illness.
Semen can vary based on sexual activity, diet, and overall health, so there’s no need for concern.
Would untreated gonorrhea cause nocturnal emissions? (No.) However, have your tests confirmed that everything is okay? If not, please visit a urologist for an examination.
Additionally, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and spicy foods, and engage in light exercise daily.
Sexual activity should occur naturally without forcing it to be more or less frequent.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2017/02/08

More Info


Nocturnal emissions, commonly referred to as "wet dreams," are a normal physiological occurrence, especially in younger males, but they can happen at any age, including in your thirties. The frequency of these emissions can vary greatly from person to person and can be influenced by various factors, including sexual activity, hormonal levels, and psychological factors.

In your case, it seems that you have recently experienced a gonorrhea infection, which you have treated successfully. The lingering sensations of pain or discomfort in the urethra and glans (the head of the penis) that you describe could be due to a few factors. After an infection, it is not uncommon for some individuals to experience post-infectious urethritis, which can cause discomfort even after the infection has been treated. This could explain the intermittent pain you are feeling.

Regarding the increase in nocturnal erections and the occurrence of a nocturnal emission shortly after you engaged in sexual activity or masturbation, this can be attributed to several factors. The body has a natural rhythm of producing erections during sleep, known as nocturnal penile tumescence, which is a normal part of male physiology. This process can be influenced by sexual arousal, hormonal changes, and even the psychological state of the individual. If you have been less sexually active due to your recent health concerns, your body may be responding to this change by increasing the frequency of nocturnal erections and emissions as a way to maintain normal physiological function.

As for the characteristics of the fluid you experienced during the nocturnal emission, it is not uncommon for the consistency and volume of semen to vary. Factors such as hydration, frequency of ejaculation, and overall health can influence the appearance and viscosity of semen. If you have been less active sexually, it is possible that the fluid may appear less concentrated than usual, which is generally normal.

Regarding your question about whether untreated gonorrhea could lead to nocturnal emissions, it is unlikely that the infection itself would directly cause this phenomenon. However, if the infection were to persist and lead to complications, such as prostatitis or epididymitis, it could potentially affect sexual function and ejaculation. Fortunately, since you have been treated and your follow-up ultrasound showed only mild calcification without significant concerns, it seems that you are on the right track.

In summary, experiencing nocturnal emissions at your age is normal and can be influenced by various factors, including recent health issues. The sensations you are experiencing may be related to post-infectious changes rather than an ongoing infection. If the discomfort persists or worsens, it would be advisable to follow up with a healthcare provider for further evaluation. Regular monitoring and open communication with your healthcare provider about any concerns will help ensure that you maintain good sexual and urinary health moving forward.

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