About this topic
Normally, a mans semen leaves the body during an orgasm. Semen flows through a small tube in the penis called the urethra. This process is called ejaculation. The urethra also connects to the bladder. Most often, tiny muscles close off this tube when you ejaculate. The action of closing the urethra forces the semen out of your body. If the urethra does not close off, your semen may flow backwards. Backwards flowing semen is called retrograde ejaculation or RE. ‚
RE is harmless. Semen does not hurt your bladder. You move the semen out when you pass urine. RE becomes a problem if you want to father a child. Your semen is where your sperm are. If your sperm does not flow out of your body, your partner will likely have trouble getting pregnant. Treatment for RE will be based on the cause. ‚
What are the causes?
You may have this condition after surgery on your prostate or bladder. RE may also be caused by certain drugs. Nerve damage may cause RE. So can diabetes or a spinal cord injury. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Little or no semen during orgasm. An abnormally low amount of semen upon ejaculation is called a dry orgasm.
- Problems having children
- Cloudy urine after orgasm
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor may check your penis, testes, and rectum. Your doctor will ask you to take a urine sample right after you have sex. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Treatment will depend on the cause. Your doctor may change or stop your drugs to try and help your RE. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
You may not be able to make a woman pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you want to father a child. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Tighten the bladder muscles
- Prevent semen from going back into the bladder
- Treat nerve damage
- Control blood sugar
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- If you need treatment for bladder problems, ask if there is a noninvasive procedure available. Noninvasive procedures can help lower the chance of developing RE.
- Keep your blood sugar levels in control if you have diabetes. Good blood sugar control will help prevent nerve damage.
- If you are taking drugs to treat high blood pressure or mood disorders, ask your doctor if your drugs cause RE. You can ask your doctor to change or take other drugs.
Where can I learn more?
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Ejaculation-problems/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚