Nocturnal emission

This article is about ejaculation. For urination, see Nocturnal enuresis.

A nocturnal emission or wet dream is the condition in which a person has an orgasm while sleeping. It often leads to ejaculation. Wet dreams can begin after a person goes through puberty. Many young people have their first orgasm this way. They might not understand what has happened to them, if they have not been taught anything about sex.

Nocturnal emissions are called wet dreams in males because of the dampness caused by ejaculation and because the orgasm and ejaculation often happen during a sexually exciting dream. Scientists are not sure what causes them. Most sexual dreams do not cause orgasms.

It is harder for women to tell, because vaginal lubrication is not always associated with orgasm.

Wet dreams are natural and harmless. They do not mean that anything is wrong with you. Many people stop having wet dreams if they masturbate often, or once they begin having sexual intercourse on a regular basis.

If you urinate while asleep, this is called wetting the bed, not a wet dream.