Retrograde Ejaculation: Details Of The Rare Condition
Retrograde Ejaculation is a rare sexual dysfunction involving an ejaculation problem.
During an orgasm, people with Retrograde Ejaculation (RE) ejaculate almost no semen, i.e., they have a dry orgasm.
In this condition, the semen does not discharge from the penis but goes to the bladder.
Retrograde Ejaculation does not result in harm or hinder the ability to attain an orgasm or sustain an erection.
However, RE can cause male infertility and results in only 0.3-2% of all infertility cases.
Most cases of Retrograde Ejaculation are iatrogenic or secondary to diseases that occur after the reproductive years.
Therefore, Retrograde Ejaculation is a symptom and not a diagnosis.
This article explores the particulars of Retrograde Ejaculation, including the symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
Retrograde Ejaculation symptoms
During an orgasm, a healthy individual typically ejaculates 1.25 and 5.00 ml of semen.
Experiencing a dry orgasm is the most common sign of Retrograde Ejaculation.
Men or Assigned Males at Birth (AMAB) should be aware of the symptoms of Retrograde Ejaculation to look out for.
Knowing the RE symptoms will help them diagnose the cause and seek suitable treatment.
In addition to a dry orgasm, the other Retrograde Ejaculation symptoms are:
- Reduced ejaculation, meaning ejaculating very little semen
- Cloudy urine after orgasm
- Incapacity to impregnate a woman (male infertility)
Although, it should be remembered that Retrograde Ejaculation is not one of the common causes of infertility.
Retrograde Ejaculation causes
A problem with the circular muscle (called the bladder sphincter) causes Retrograde Ejaculation.
The circular muscle normally closes during an orgasm to let semen out and keep urine in the body.
It is good to know about the factors that cause RE before opting for any treatment.
Multiple factors given below can cause RE, like certain medications, surgery, and medical conditions.
Nerve damage
Injuries causing damage to the nerves that control ejaculation can lead to Retrograde Ejaculation.
Various reasons, such as surgery, spinal cord injuries, or medical conditions, can cause nerve damage.
Health conditions
There are a few health issues that can cause RE:
- Medical conditions: Retrograde Ejaculation can be caused by health factors such as Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries. Uncontrolled Diabetes can damage nerves and muscles, increasing the risk of Retrograde Ejaculation
- Congenital Issues: Rarely, some men are born with anatomical abnormalities like prostatic urethra malformation that predispose them to this condition
Surgery
The following surgical procedures can lead to RE.
- Prostate surgery: Men who have had a Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) or a prostatectomy have a higher risk of Retrograde Ejaculation. Such procedures can disrupt the sphincter muscles responsible for directing semen flow
- Surgery on certain parts of the bladder: Pelvic surgery done to treat cancer of the prostate, testicles, colon, or rectum can cause Retrograde Ejaculation
Medications
Certain medications, such as those used to treat High Blood Pressure or certain psychiatric disorders, can lead to Retrograde Ejaculation.
Medications like alpha-blockers and some medicines for depression and prostate enlargement can lead to this condition.
A list of medications that may cause RE has been mentioned below.
- Antidepressants: Sertraline and Fluoxetine, which are both Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), have been linked with Retrograde Ejaculation as a potential side effect
- Alpha-blockers: Alpha-blockers are commonly used to treat High Blood Pressure and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Medications like Tamsulosin (Flomax), which falls into this category, may cause RE in some individuals. It is used to relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, which can affect the normal ejaculation process
- Antipsychotic medications: Some antipsychotic medications, including Thioridazine and Risperidone, have been associated with Retrograde Ejaculation as a potential side effect. These medications for psychotic disorders may affect the nerves and muscles involved in ejaculation
The safety and efficacy of these medications have been tested, and not everyone taking them suffers from Retrograde Ejaculation.
The occurrence of this side effect can vary from person to person.
You may have an underlying condition that needs to be detected and treated.
When to seek Retrograde Ejaculation treatment
Retrograde Ejaculation is not a severe or harmful health condition.
However, if a person with RE wants to have a child with his partner by impregnating her, treatment may be necessary.
In such cases, an individual can visit a doctor for inability to ejaculate or ejaculate negligible semen during an orgasm and not being able to conceive even after multiple trials.
However, since Retrograde Ejaculation is a possible symptom of many diseases, it is better to get a health checkup on experiencing the condition.
Retrograde Ejaculation treatment
Retrograde Ejaculation can be treated in different ways.
Treatment of Retrograde Ejaculation depends on the underlying cause of the condition.
After diagnosis, a doctor may suggest one of the treatments given below.
Medicine adjustment
A person taking alpha-blockers or antidepressants may have Retrograde Ejaculation due to it.
When that happens, their doctor may alter the dosage or prescribe another medicine instead of the one causing Retrograde Ejaculation.
Taking a different dosage or medication may result in better ejaculation.
Infertility treatment
As RE is not a serious condition or sexual dysfunction, it does not need to require treatment in many cases.
However, it causes infertility, so infertility treatment is necessary if one wants to father a child.
There are infertility treatments that are especially helpful when medicines have failed to improve the condition.
Examples of assisted reproductive techniques or sperm retrieval treatment options are in-vitro fertilization, intrauterine insemination, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
Medicines
Some medications can make an individual ejaculate normally.
This is done by enhancing the bladder’s muscle tone.
A disease like Diabetes or treatment like surgery can cause nerve damage.
When a damaged nerve around the urethra or bladder is causing Retrograde Ejaculation, medicines may improve the condition.
Medications such as Imipramine, Midodrine, and some Antihistamines and Decongestants may treat RE by keeping the bladder-neck muscle closed during ejaculation.
Though these medicines are effective Retrograde Ejaculation treatment options, they may cause adverse side effects or interact with other medicines.
Conclusion
Retrograde Ejaculation is a sexual dysfunction.
In this condition, the semen does not come out of the penis but enters the bladder during ejaculation.
Retrograde Ejaculation symptoms include dry orgasm, reduced ejaculation, cloudy urine, and infertility.
The factors causing RE are certain health conditions, medications, surgeries, and nerve damage.
Treating the condition is not necessary, but infertility treatment and medicines may help if a person with RE wants to have a biological child.
Furthermore, having this condition might be a symptom of other underlying health issues.
Therefore, it is better to consult a doctor if one experiences Retrograde Ejaculation.
Frequently asked questions
What are the symptoms of Retrograde Ejaculation?
The main symptom of Retrograde Ejaculation is a dry orgasm, where little or no semen is ejaculated from the penis. Other symptoms may include cloudy urine after ejaculation and infertility.
What is the most common cause of RE?
The most common cause of Retrograde Ejaculation is a bladder-neck dysfunction. The semen enters the bladder when the bladder neck does not close during ejaculation, instead of coming out of the penis.
Are there support groups for individuals with Retrograde Ejaculation?
Yes, support groups and online forums are available for individuals dealing with Retrograde Ejaculation who need emotional support. These groups can provide a safe and confidential space where individuals can share their experiences and seek advice from others facing the same condition.
What are the benefits of Retrograde Ejaculation?
Some people believe retaining sperm will increase their Testosterone levels or will allow them to have more energy and focus. The benefits of this condition may be considered to be Increased Testosterone levels and the absence of pain or harm. However, there is no scientific evidence for this.
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