Retrograde Ejaculation: Causes, Symptoms, Getting Diagnosed

Retrograde ejaculation occurs when semen is directed to the bladder rather than ejaculated normally through the urethra. Typically, the sphincter muscles of the bladder contract just before ejaculation, propelling semen through the urethra. But if the bladder sphincter is dysfunctional (something that can happen from medication, surgery, or an underlying condition), semen can instead travel to the bladder, where it mixes with urine and is expelled during urination. While this condition is not harmful or painful, it can affect fertility and prevent conception.

Causes of Retrograde Ejaculation

When a man orgasms, his testicles release sperm. From there, the epididymis (a tightly-coiled tube attached to the rear of each testicle) transports the sperm to the vas deferens ducts where they mix with fluids before moving into the urethra and out of the body. Because urine also travels through the urethra, the bladder's neck usually constricts during an orgasm to ensure the ejaculate leaves the body and is not misdirected. But if the bladder neck muscles do not properly contract, ejaculate can instead go up and into the bladder.

Several factors can cause dysfunctional bladder neck muscles. These include:

  • Bladder or prostate surgeries
  • Radiation therapy to treat pelvic cancer
  • Nerve damage caused by conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injury
  • Medication side effects: Drugs that treat high blood pressure, mood disorders, and prostate enlargement can relax the muscles of the urinary tract, including the bladder sphincter muscles. If the muscles do not properly constrict during ejaculation, semen can be redirected up into the bladder.

Symptoms of Retrograde Ejaculation

The most common symptom associated with retrograde ejaculation is a dry orgasm, in which little to no semen is expelled. Instead, after sex a man may notice his urine is cloudy, a result of semen being misdirected into the bladder. Another common symptom, infertility, takes longer to notice.

Diagnosing Retrograde Ejaculation

Retrograde ejaculation can be diagnosed by:

  • Asking about the patient's medical history, including previous health problems, surgeries, medications, and current symptoms
  • Physical exam of the penis, testicles and rectum to identify potential abnormalities
  • Post-ejaculation urine sample to determine if semen is present

Treatments for Retrograde Ejaculation

Retrograde ejaculation treatment is not typically required unless a man is concerned about infertility. Treatment, which may include medication and surgery, depends upon the underlying cause.

References

National Institutes of Health. (2012). Retrograde ejaculation. A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia.

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