Dry orgasm or Retrograde Ejaculation is when the semen accumulates in the bladder instead of getting excreted from the body.

Problems with semen ejaculation can cause infertility and the inability to become a biological father. 

Retrograde Ejaculation is the reason for approximately 1% of all male infertility cases in the US.

RE does not cause any difficulty in achieving an orgasm.

The main concern of this disorder is ejaculating semen in a minuscule amount or not ejaculating at all.

Retrograde Ejaculation is harmless, although infertility treatment may sometimes be necessary.

This article shares information about Retrograde Ejaculation symptoms and the diagnosis process.

Symptoms of Retrograde Ejaculation

Before getting a proper diagnosis, one should be certain about the Retrograde Ejaculation symptoms if they suspect of having the condition.

The number of symptoms of this condition is very few and has been explained below.

Three major symptoms of Retrograde Ejaculation are reduced ejaculation, cloudy urine, and infertility.

Escape to pure pleasure

Dry orgasms

The most common Retrograde Ejaculation symptom is dry orgasm, which means there is almost nil to no semen ejaculation during an orgasm.

A dry orgasm happens due to the semen going to the bladder instead of out of the urethra.

Normally, like urine, semen too passes through the urethra and exits the body through the penis.

The sphincter muscle holds the urine in till an individual wants to urinate. 

This muscle contracts during ejaculation to stop semen from going into the bladder and make it pass through the urethra.  

A person with Retrograde Ejaculation experiences dry orgasm because the sphincter stops contracting, allowing the semen to flow to the bladder.

Fact:
Retrograde Ejaculation belongs to a group of conditions known as Aspermia, characterized by the absence of semen during ejaculation.

Cloudy urine

Cloudy Urine
Cloudy urine

An individual with PE may find their urine to be cloudy.

This happens due to the semen mixing with the urine entering the bladder.

Cloudy urine provides hope to those who did not succeed with infertility treatments.

During ejaculation, by regulating pH correctly and osmolality (concentration of Urea, Chloride etc.) of the urine, the sperm cells can be isolated from the urine.

If the retrieved sperm cells are of good quality, they can be used for insemination.

Male infertility

Though not very common, infertility is one of the symptoms of Retrograde Ejaculation.

It may cause problems with someone wanting to become a biological parent by impregnating the female partner. 

RE causes infertility because semen cannot enter the other partner’s body as there is hardly any ejaculation.

Therefore, the egg of the female partner cannot be fertilized.

Warning:
Do not avoid going to a doctor if you are experiencing dry orgasms consistently. It could be the result of Diabetes.

Reduced pleasure

Some may experience diminished sexual pleasure due to the absence of ejaculation.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Retrograde Ejaculation involves a physical exam, a detailed medical history, and a urine test. 

In addition to medical history, a doctor will ask about previous surgery, sexual history, and current medications. 

A thorough physical examination is usually done after that.

Finally, a post-ejaculation urine test or urinalysis can confirm the presence of semen in the bladder.

In this diagnostic process for dry orgasm, one needs to urinate in a cup just after ejaculating.

If a good amount of sperm is visible in the urine, then Retrograde Ejaculation can be confirmed.

Escape to pure pleasure

Conclusion

A dry orgasm is the most common symptom of Retrograde Ejaculation. 

This means there is hardly any or absence of semen being ejaculated during an orgasm.

In this condition, the semen does not get excreted from the body through the penis.

Instead, it enters the bladder, which may cause cloudy urine.

The third of the symptoms of Retrograde Ejaculation is infertility.

A person with RE who wants to become a biological parent may need treatment for fertility issues.

Developing Retrograde Ejaculation may indicate an underlying health condition, such as Diabetes.

Therefore, it is better to go for a doctor’s consultation on experiencing dry orgasms.

But before any treatment, a diagnosis should be made to confirm Retrograde Ejaculation. 

A urinalysis is a test done to check the presence of RE.

However, Retrograde Ejaculation is not a harmful condition.

Recommended Article
Read Male Ejaculation: Exploring Benefits and Common Concerns to discover other ejaculation issues affecting men.

Frequently asked questions

Can Retrograde Ejaculation go away on its own? 

Yes, in some cases, Retrograde Ejaculation goes away on its own. However, it depends on the underlying cause. If mild nerve or muscle damage causes the condition, it can be treated with medication. By treating the underlying cause, RE can go away within a few weeks to months.

Can Retrograde Ejaculation cause infertility?

Yes, Retrograde Ejaculation can cause infertility as sperm doesn’t reach the female partner’s vagina. The muscle at the bladder’s neck does not shut in RE, allowing the semen to travel backward (retrograde) into the bladder during ejaculation. Therefore, the sperm cannot reach the woman’s uterus.

How is Retrograde Ejaculation diagnosed?

To diagnose Retrograde Ejaculation, a doctor typically asks about the medical history and performs a physical exam. They may also order tests, such as a urinalysis, to check for semen in the urine.

What should I do if I suspect I have Retrograde Ejaculation?

If you suspect you have Retrograde Ejaculation, see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment options. Natural remedies like Kegel exercises, acupuncture, and Chinese herbs may help. Keep follow-up appointments with your doctor.

Citations:
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