Retrograde ejaculation occurs when semen enters the bladder instead of going out through penis during ejaculation. This means the semen which normally comes out during orgasm is redirected to the urinary bladder. Sometimes called as dry orgasm, retrograde ejaculation is harmless, but is one of the factors of male infertility. Retrograde ejaculation is also one of the causes of semen in urine.
Normally during ejaculation, the muscle between the prostate and the bladder (the internal sphincter muscle) contracts, that prevents urine outflow and backflow of semen to the bladder. However, due to some pathological or anatomical condition this muscle relaxes or unable to close tightly, this may allow some semen flow backward to the bladder. When this occurs you will still have good orgasm but may ejaculate very little or no semen.
What causes retrograde ejaculation?
Retrograde ejaculation (RE) which is not frequently encountered in hospitals and clinics can be either partial or total. Several factors are associated with it, some of which are listed below:
- Prostate or urethral surgery
- Medications used to treat hypertension, prostate condition and some mood altering drugs.
- Chronic disease like diabetes and multiple sclerosis can cause impairment of the nerve surrounding the prostate and bladder resulting in muscle dysfunction and back-flow of semen.
In short, any anatomical or pathological abnormalities that affect the muscles and nerve that control the prostate and the bladder can result in retrograde ejaculation. RE caused by diabetes or surgery is often not correctable.
Symptoms of Retrograde Ejaculation
Men can still have intense contraction and orgasmic pleasure with no pain or no any other abnormal sensation. The only thing that might look odd is the absence of burst of semen coming out of the penis during orgasm. Individual with RE may experience cloudy urine after orgasm or what people say as “semen in urine”.
Diagnosis and Tests
Usually analysis of urine that is obtained after ejaculation will confirm the diagnosis. The urine is usually cloudy and on lab examination large amount of sperm can be seen in the urine.
Treatment of Retrograde Ejaculation
Treatment and outcome of retrograde ejaculation may vary depending upon the causative factor. Although the condition is harmless, it may often result in infertility. Treatment is tailored towards closing the bladder neck so as to prevent semen backflow. If RE was due to drugs, removal of specific drugs might solve the problem. RE caused by surgical procedure or diabetes might improve with the drugs that help close the neck of the bladder, such drugs may include pseudoephedrine or imipramine. However, these drugs may increase heart rate and blood pressure that might be harmful if you already have high blood pressure or cardiac diseases.
How can I prevent RE
Avoiding drugs that causes retrograde ejaculation and controlling blood sugar level will help prevent retrograde ejaculation.
Retrograde Ejaculation and Pregnancy
Although this condition may cause infertility, men can still produce enough sperm. Sperm can be retrieved from the bladder or immediate urine after ejaculation and used for artificial insemination to achieve pregnancy.