February 12th, 2015
In a normal situation, the semen ejects out of the urethra and penis when a man has an orgasm. But when the semen travels backward into the bladder instead of flowing out of the urethral opening, the condition is known as retrograde ejaculation.
The tiny sphincter muscle that lies at the bladder entrance closes the opening to prevent flow of semen back at the time of ejaculation. However, in retrograde cases, this muscle does not function normally, and as a result, part of the semen flows backward into the bladder and less semen leaves the penis.
The condition may occur partially or fully. The backward flow of semen into the bladder doesn’t cause any harm, as it mixes with the urine and is eliminated with normal urination.
Retrograde ejaculation isn’t directly related to impotence, but it can still cause infertility, as the condition interferes with a man’s ability to have normal ejaculation. As a result, the sperm does not reach the woman’s uterus, thus preventing pregnancy.
Ideally the best way to diagnose the problem is a urine test obtained shortly after ejaculation. If the urine analysis finds large amount of sperm in the urine, then the problem is diagnosed as retrograde ejaculation.
If the condition is a side effect of certain drugs you are taking, then it is best advised to discontinue the use of that specific medication after consulting your doctor. For people with diabetes experiencing retrograde ejaculation, it will help to talk to your doctor. Often epinephrine-like drugs are prescribed to treat the condition caused by diabetes or genitourinary tract surgery.