Retrograde ejaculation

Retrograde ejaculation - Symptom, Cause and Treatment

Retrograde ejaculation refers to the entry of semen into the bladder instead of going out through the urethra during ejaculation.

In retrograde ejaculation, the part of the bladder that normally closes during ejaculation (the bladder neck) remains open, causing the ejaculatory fluid to travel backward into the bladder.

Symptoms of Retrograde ejaculation

Normally, a healthy adult male ejaculates one-half to one teaspoonful of semen during orgasm, but the amount varies widely. In men with retrograde ejaculation, the amount of semen is decreased dramatically or there is a dry climax (orgasm without semen).

A diagnosis can be made if sperm are found in the urine after intercourse. If the urine after intercourse or masturbation appears cloudy, it is usually an indication of retrograde ejaculation, since the semen in the bladder will be emptied with the urine.

Causes of Retrograde ejaculation

Retrograde ejaculation may be caused by prior prostate or urethral surgery, diabetes, some medications, including some drugs used to treat hypertension and some mood altering drugs.

The condition is relatively uncommon and may occur either partially or completely. The presence of semen into the bladder is harmless. It mixes into the urine and leaves the body with normal urination. Men with diabetes and those who have had genitourinary tract surgery are at increased risk of developing the condition.

Treatment of Retrograde ejaculation

If retrograde ejaculation is caused by drugs, removal of the specific drug may resolve the condition. Retrograde ejaculation caused by diabetes or following genitourinary tract surgery may be responsive to the use of epinephrine-like drugs (such as pseudoephedrine or imipramine).

Common cold medications can sometimes be used to correct the problem. In addition, your physician may put you on medication to decrease the acidic quality of your urine, preventing the urine from killing the sperm may be prescribed. After ejaculation, the sperm is removed from the urine and may then be used with IUI or an IVF procedure.

If retrograde ejaculation is due to severe nerve or muscle damage, it may not be possible to restore normal ejaculation. For men who want to father a child, it may be possible to retrieve sperm from the urine following orgasm for use in artificial insemination.

Prevention of Retrograde ejaculation

Maintaining good blood sugar control in diabetic men may be helpful in preventing the development of this condition. Avoiding drugs that cause retrograde ejaculation will prevent the condition developing as a result of their use.

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Site last updated: March 4, 2008