What is Retrograde Ejaculation?
Ejaculation is the ejection of semen out of the urethra. Under normal circumstances, ejaculation propels semen forward through a man’s urethra and out the tip of his penis. This is caused by the contraction of the sphincter at the entrance to the bladder. However, retrograde ejaculation refers to the condition wherein the semen travels backwards into the bladder because of the dysfunction of the aforementioned sphincter. Because the sphincter stays relaxed, the ejaculate ends up in the bladder and the individual will experience what is known as a dry orgasm.
What causes Retrograde Ejaculation?
There are several causes associated with retrograde ejaculation, this includes – surgery or injury to the muscles of the bladder. Some of the common surgical procedures that may induce retrograde ejaculation include – prostate surgery, extensive pelvic surgery, staging surgeries for cancers, and certain surgeries to the spinal column/discs.
Some of the other causes associated with retrograde ejaculation include – nerve damage, side-effects of certain drugs, amongst others.
What are the symptoms of Retrograde Ejaculation?
The symptoms associated with retrograde ejaculation can be enumerated as below:
- Little or no seminal fluid at orgasm
- Cloudy urine after orgasm
- Infertility
What are the risk factors for Retrograde Ejaculation?
The risk factors associated with retrograde ejaculation would be pre-existing diabetes or multiple sclerosis, a history of prostate cancer and surgery, usage of drugs for blood pressure treatment, previous spinal surgery.
How is Retrograde Ejaculation diagnosed?
For diagnosing a patient with retrograde ejaculation, doctors will study the patient’s medical history, present ailments, and undertake some blood & urine tests. A thorough physical examination of the penis, testicles and rectum is also necessary.
How is Retrograde Ejaculation treated?
Retrograde ejaculation is not required to be treated unless it is causing a challenge with childbearing. Firstly, the cause of the condition is to be determined, following which the doctor will prescribe the necessary course of treatment. Medical management should be sufficient if the patient is suffering from nerve damage caused by diabetes, multiple sclerosis, certain surgeries, and other conditions and treatments.
