Retrograde Ejaculation
What is Retrograde Ejaculation?
Retrograde ejaculation is when the ejaculate goes backward into the bladder instead of moving forward through the tip of the penis. Ejaculate that enters the bladder is not harmful and will eventually come out in the urine. Men with retrograde ejaculation may notice that they have cloudy urine after orgasm. This condition can often be diagnosed with a simple test known as a post-ejaculatory urinalysis. The patient is asked to provide a semen sample through masturbation followed by a urine sample to check for the presence of semen in the urine. If sperm is found, it can be frozen and stored for future use in assisted reproduction.
Causes of Retrograde Ejaculation
The condition is caused by a dysfunction of the neck of the bladder.
- Surgery (e.g. transurethral resection of prostate, pelvic surgery)
- Medications to help with urination (e.g. Flomax)
- Neurological disease
- Spinal cord injury
- Diabetes
Treatment for Retrograde Ejaculation
Particularly in cases where the condition is a result of surgery, retrograde ejaculation can be difficult to treat. However, there are some medications such as Sudafed, that can help propel the ejaculate forward. If the cause of retrograde ejaculation is a medication, the condition normally stops after the medication is discontinued.