(See also Overview of Sexual Dysfunction in Men.)
In retrograde ejaculation, the part of the bladder that normally closes during ejaculation (the bladder neck) remains open, causing the semen to travel backward into the bladder. One of the most common causes is prostate surgery for noncancerous prostate enlargement. Other common causes of retrograde ejaculation include diabetes, spinal cord injuries, certain drugs, and some surgical operations (including major abdominal or pelvic surgery).
Men with retrograde ejaculation can still have orgasms. However, retrograde ejaculation decreases the amount of semen ejaculated out of the penis. Sometimes, no semen comes out. The condition can cause infertility but is otherwise not harmful.
A doctor makes the diagnosis of retrograde ejaculation by finding a large amount of sperm in a urine sample taken shortly after orgasm.
Treatment
Men usually need no treatment unless infertility is a concern. About one third of men with retrograde ejaculation improve after treatment with drugs that close the bladder neck (such as pseudoephedrine or imipramine). However, men who use these drugs should be alert and periodically checked by their doctor for increases in heart rate and blood pressure. Use of these drugs is limited to men seeking fertility.
If infertility requires treatment and drugs do not help, doctors can sometimes collect a man’s sperm for insemination.
