Retrograde Ejaculation

What Is Retrograde Ejaculation?

Retrograde Ejaculation occurs when semen enters the bladder instead of emerging through the penis during orgasm. Although men can still reach sexual climax, they may ejaculate little or no semen (sometimes called a ‘dry orgasm’). While this is not harmful, it can cause infertility.

Retrograde ejaculation refers to cases wherein the semen does not exit the body through the penis but instead enters the bladder. In such cases, when a man ejaculates, he releases little or no semen. The semen in the bladder may be later released along with urine. This may also be known as a dry orgasm. It isn’t harmful to a man’s health but it may lead to infertility.

What can Cause Retrograde Ejaculation?

Retrograde ejaculation is a relatively rare condition. It may be partial or complete. Normally, sperms from the testicles are transported through the vas deferens to the prostate gland where it is mixed with other fluids. A muscle at the neck of the bladder keeps this semen from flowing into the bladder by remaining tightly shut as it passes into the penis. In cases of retrograde ejaculation, this muscle is unable to close properly and hence allows the semen to flow into the bladder.

This may be caused by

Earlier prostate or urethral surgery
Radiation treatment for cancer in the pelvic area
Diabetes
Certain types of medication
Drugs
Nerve damage caused by Parkinson’s
multiple sclerosis etc

Symptoms of Retrogade Ejaculation

This condition does not affect a man’s ability to have an erection or orgasm. Some of the signs associated with include:

Dry orgasms or orgasm where very little semen is released
Cloudy urine after an orgasm
Inability to conceive a baby

Treatments

Treatment is usually suggested only if it causes infertility issues. If the condition is caused by side effects to certain medicines, stopping the medication or changing them may help correct the condition.

In other cases, medication may be prescribed to strengthen the bladder neck muscles. If retrograde ejaculation is caused by conditions like diabetes or previous surgery, treatment may not help. In such cases, the couple may seek IVF treatment to conceive.