Retrograde Ejaculation Overview
Learn About Retrograde Ejaculation
Retrograde ejaculation occurs when semen goes backward into the bladder. Normally, it moves forward and out of the penis through the urethra during ejaculation.
Ejaculation retrograde; Dry climax
Retrograde ejaculation is uncommon. It most often occurs when the opening of the bladder (bladder neck) does not close. This causes semen to go backward into the bladder rather than forward out of the penis.
Retrograde ejaculation may be caused by:
- Diabetes
- Some medicines, including medicines used to treat high blood pressure and some mood-altering medicines
- Medicines or surgery to treat prostate or urethra problems
Symptoms include:
- Cloudy urine after orgasm
- Little or no semen is released during ejaculation
Your health care provider may recommend that you stop taking any medicines that may cause retrograde ejaculation. This can make the problem go away.
Retrograde ejaculation that is caused by diabetes or surgery may be treated with medicines such as pseudoephedrine or imipramine.
Tyler Beveridge practices in London, Canada. Mr. Beveridge is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Retrograde Ejaculation. His top areas of expertise are Retrograde Ejaculation, Ganglion Cyst, Uterine Prolapse, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Andrea Tubaro practices in Rome, Italy. Ms. Tubaro is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Retrograde Ejaculation. Her top areas of expertise are Enlarged Prostate (BPH), Bladder Outlet Obstruction, Metabolic Syndrome, Prostatectomy, and Lithotripsy.
Loyola University Medical Center
Kevin Mcvary is an Urologist in Maywood, Illinois. Dr. Mcvary is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Retrograde Ejaculation. His top areas of expertise are Enlarged Prostate (BPH), Erectile Dysfunction (ED), Bladder Outlet Obstruction, Prostatectomy, and Aquablation. Dr. Mcvary is currently accepting new patients.
If the problem is caused by a medicine, normal ejaculation will often come back after the medicine is stopped. Retrograde ejaculation caused by surgery or diabetes often can't be corrected. This is most often not a problem unless you are trying to conceive. Some men do not like how it feels and seek treatment. Otherwise, there is no need for treatment.
The condition may cause infertility. However, semen can often be removed from the bladder and used during assistive reproductive techniques.
Contact your provider if you are worried about this problem or are having trouble conceiving a child.
To avoid this condition:
- If you have diabetes, maintain good control of your blood sugar.
- Avoid medicines that can cause this problem.
Published Date: January 01, 2025
Published By: Kelly L. Stratton, MD, FACS, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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McMahon CG. Disorders of male orgasm and ejaculation. In: Partin AW, Domochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 71.
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