If you’re not familiar with the term retrograde ejaculation, don’t be surprised. You might know it by another term. Retrograde ejaculation is also called “dry orgasm.” It got its name because with retrograde ejaculation, men still reach orgasm, but they don’t expel semen. Retrograde ejaculation is a very interesting medical condition, so keep reading, and we will tell you everything you need to know about it. We will also tell you about its symptoms, how to diagnose it and the various methods used to treat it.
What is retrograde ejaculation?
As was briefly explained, retrograde ejaculation is a medical condition wherein a man manages to reach orgasm without expelling semen. There are also instances when men with retrograde ejaculation might manage to ejaculate, but the amount of semen is too little or not the usual amount. Although determining the exact figures can be challenging, an article published by the National Institutes of Health estimates that between 14 to 18% of men with ejaculatory disorders suffer from retrograde ejaculation.
Retrograde ejaculation is a cause of concern, especially for couples trying to form a family, because it can make it difficult to conceive naturally. According to an article published by the European Association of Urology, RE is reported in up to 2% of men attending fertility clinics.
So, how does retrograde ejaculation happen? When a man ejaculates, the muscles in the neck of the bladder contract to prevent semen from entering the bladder. While this happens, the muscles at the base of the penis contract to help propel or expel the semen as ejaculate. When a man has retrograde ejaculation, the muscles at the neck of the bladder remain relaxed. This allows semen to flow back into the bladder.
What are its symptoms?
If you feel that you have retrograde ejaculation, meaning you’re experiencing dry orgasms, here are some symptoms you should watch out for:
- Dry orgasms – this is the most common and noticeable symptom of retrograde ejaculation. When you have RE, you will notice that you are not expelling semen when you reach orgasm. There is also the possibility of experiencing a noticeable reduction in the amount of semen that you expel. Note that the reduction of semen mentioned here is during normal ejaculation and not during successive ejaculations, wherein a reduced amount of semen is considered normal.
- Cloudy urine – if you have retrograde ejaculation, your urine might appear cloudy after an orgasm. This difference in colour and appearance is due to the presence of semen in the urine. This applies only after an orgasm. The urine should appear normal throughout the course of the day.
- Fertility issues – retrograde ejaculation can make it difficult to conceive because you are not expelling sperm during ejaculation. Although RE can make conceiving challenging, it is still possible to conceive, especially if you are still expelling sperm even in reduced volume. It will be best to consult a fertility expert if you suspect that you have RE and are trying to conceive. A proper consultation can help rule out all possible fertility issues aside from retrograde ejaculation.
- Reduced sexual sensation – although this is not a universal symptom, some men have reported a decrease in the intensity of their orgasms because of retrograde ejaculation. The reported reduction in sexual sensation might be psychological in nature. The absence of visible semen during orgasm might cause distress or anxiety in some men. Some might find it embarrassing, especially if a man is unaware of his condition. A dry orgasm might cause a woman to question if her partner is faking it, which might lead to relationship issues.
- Painful ejaculations – retrograde ejaculations are generally not painful. However, some have reported experiencing pain during dry orgasms. This might indicate an underlying medical condition that might be causing retrograde ejaculation. If you are experiencing painful dry orgasms, it is best to consult a doctor immediately to find out what is causing painful ejaculations and to receive proper treatment.
What causes retrograde ejaculation?
How do you get retrograde ejaculation? Let’s check out some of the most common causes of this sexual dysfunction:
- Prostate surgery – surgical procedures such as those to treat BPH or an enlarged prostate can cause retrograde ejaculation. It is also possible to develop RE after an operation to treat cancer. There are also cases of retrograde ejaculation after a surgery for treating medical conditions involving the abdomen or the pelvic region.
- Medications – according to an article published by the Cleveland Clinic, medications for treating BPH, depression, and high blood pressure can lead to retrograde ejaculation. If you feel that your retrograde ejaculation is caused by one of the medications you are taking, call your doctor immediately. Your doctor can prescribe an alternative medication that won’t cause RE.
- Nerve damage – retrograde ejaculation can be caused by damage to the sympathetic nerves. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for controlling the internal urethral sphincter or the neck of the bladder. When these nerves are damaged, the neck of the bladder won’t close properly. Semen then flows back to the bladder during ejaculation.
- Structural issues – structural issues of the urethra can lead to retrograde ejaculation. Structural issues can be infections, scars, fibroids, or malformations that prevent the urethra from functioning properly.
- Medical conditions – underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis can lead to RE.
How is it diagnosed?
To find out if you have retrograde ejaculation, your doctor would need to conduct a thorough physical examination. Your doctor would also need to thoroughly review your medical history to find out if you have a medical condition that might be causing your RE. You should also make sure that you provide your doctor with a complete list of the medications you are taking to rule out possible pharmaceutical causes.
A urine analysis is another test to help diagnose RE. The most important diagnostic test is a post-ejaculatory urinalysis. This means that you need to provide a urine sample immediately after ejaculating. A lab technician can analyse your urine sample to check for the presence of sperm. Some technicians might test for fructose during urinalysis since fructose is a type of sugar found in sperm and not in urine.
If you are trying to conceive, a semen analysis might be needed. This test can help assess sperm count and motility to rule out retrograde ejaculation as the cause of fertility issues.
How do you treat retrograde ejaculation?
Can you treat retrograde ejaculation? Yes, you can. Here are some retrograde ejaculation treatment options you can explore.
The most common course of action is to take medications to treat RE. Your doctor might prescribe Imipramine, a type of antidepressant. Another possible medication is Midodrine, a medication for treating low blood pressure, but it works as a RE treatment. Your doctor might also prescribe an antihistamine such as pseudoephedrine or chlorpheniramine. However, medications won’t help with RE if the issue is because of nerve damage, such as those caused by MS, diabetes, or surgery.
Surgical correction might help in cases wherein the cause of the RE is damage to the urethra or bladder neck. However, surgery is always the last option for treating RE, especially if the patient is not trying to conceive.
Another option is to reach out to a medical professional specialising in male sexual health issues, such as those who provide ED and PE custom treatment in Australia. This is your best option if you are experiencing multiple male sexual health issues because custom treatment targets all sexual health issues simultaneously.
ED and PE custom treatment in Australia
Men’s Health Clinic (MHC) Australia specialises in providing tailored treatment solutions for erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE). Unlike traditional clinics that simply prescribe medication, we focus on identifying and targeting the underlying causes of these issues, ensuring a more effective and personalised approach. Our team of experts understands that each man’s condition is unique, and we take the time to assess your specific needs.
MHC Australia offers compounded medications, allowing us to create personalised formulas that cater to your specific health requirements. This method ensures that you receive the most effective treatment tailored to your unique situation. Furthermore, we work in close partnership with allied medical professionals (including licensed doctors, nutritionists, dietitians, mental health experts, and even sex and relationship counsellors) to provide you with comprehensive care that encompasses all aspects of your health.
If you want to regain your confidence and enhance your overall well-being through a holistic approach to men’s health, book a FREE consultation with Men’s Health Clinic Australia today.
Final Thoughts
Although it is not a serious or life-threatening condition, retrograde ejaculation should not be ignored. It might not cause complications, but it can be a roadblock to couples trying to conceive. The good news is that there are ways to treat RE, such as taking medications or undergoing surgery if needed. However, proper diagnosis is the first step to treating RE. Make sure that you see a licensed doctor to receive proper guidance on what to do next to successfully treat your retrograde ejaculation.
