One of the top medical centres in the US has revealed how retrograde ejaculation can have a major impact on your life.
Before we get into it, retrograde ejaculation is different from premature ejaculation and delayed ejaculation, both of which are pretty self-explanatory.
In this instance, it's where, during orgasm, semen is redirected into the bladder instead of being expelled through the urethra.
It happens when the bladder neck, which normally closes to prevent semen from entering the bladder, fails to do so.
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As a result, semen travels backwards into the bladder.
This health condition is often referred to as a 'dry orgasm' because little to no semen is ejaculated externally.
"Retrograde ejaculation is somewhat common," says Cleveland Clinic, who note that it isn't 'painful or harmful'.
"For instance, it occurs after most transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) surgeries."
They state that 'conditions like diabetes and medications that treat high blood pressure (hypertension) or depression can also cause it'.
Symptoms of retrograde ejaculation
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• Producing little to no semen when orgasming
• Cloudy pee after orgasming
How can retrograde ejaculation impact life?
While retrograde ejaculation tends not to be painful, it can have important implications concerning fertility.
Since semen is not expelled externally, conception through natural intercourse becomes challenging.
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However, sperm can be retrieved from the urine and used in assisted reproductive techniques such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
Treatment options for retrograde ejaculation
Treatment for retrograde ejaculation really depends on what the cause is.
If the condition is due to medications, adjusting or discontinuing them under supervision may work.
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For cases like nerve damage or surgery, medications such as alpha-agonists can help tighten the bladder neck muscle, allowing for normal ejaculation.
When it comes to fertility, sperm retrieval from urine followed by assisted reproductive techniques can be effective.
Can retrograde ejaculation be prevented?
Cleveland Clinic says retrograde ejaculation isn't always preventable.
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The non-profit suggests that a healthcare provider will weigh up your risk level and whether or not medications are needed.
"If you have benign prostatic hyperplasia, newer minimally invasive surgical approaches, such as a prostatic urethral lift [a procedure that pulls aside enlarged prostate tissue to help urine flow better] and the Rezūm procedure [uses steam to shrink an enlarged prostate, improving urine flow and reducing bathroom problems], may reduce your chances of developing retrograde ejaculation," they said.
"Talk to a healthcare provider about whether these approaches may be appropriate for you.
"If you require surgery that increases your risk of retrograde ejaculation and are thinking of having biological children in the future, it’s a good idea to talk to a provider about banking your sperm."
Topics: Health, Sex and Relationships
Anish Vij