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A Comprehensive Guide to Retrograde Ejaculation Causes

Julian Carter
Published

LAST UPDATED:

retrograde ejaculation causes

Retrograde Ejaculation is one of the Ejaculatory Dysfunctions that men encounter. 

During normal orgasm, the semen exits the testicles through the penis. 

In Retrograde Ejaculation, the sperm enters the bladder but does not exit the penis. 

This is also known as Dry Orgasm. 

Though not hazardous, Retrograde Ejaculation causes infertility in men. 

Because no sperm or sperm comes out of the penis. Hence, impregnating your partner may be impossible.

This article will guide you about Retrograde Ejaculation causes and possible treatment options.

What is Retrograde Ejaculation

A majority of men faces several ejaculation issues that may hinder their sex life. 

Retrograde Ejaculation being one of them.

Retrograde Ejaculation is a health condition in which sperm is diverted into the urinary bladder. 

Thus, the sperm is not ejected from the penis during ejaculation. 

The primary symptom of Retrograde Ejaculation is a lack of or inability to produce semen during orgasm, and the urine may look hazy following ejaculation. 

While Retrograde Ejaculation is not harmful in and of itself, it can lead to infertility problems since the sperm cannot reach the cervix for fertilization. 

In certain circumstances, however, the underlying cause of Retrograde Ejaculation might require treatment.

Suggestion
If you think you have Retrograde Ejaculation, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional.

Retrograde Ejaculation causes

Semen usually travels from the testicles through the vas deferens (tubes that carry sperm). 

Then it combines with fluids from the seminal vesicles and prostate gland to create semen during ejaculation. 

This semen is subsequently expelled from the body via the urethra.

The muscles that ordinarily close the bladder neck during ejaculation do not work correctly in Retrograde Ejaculation. 

As a result, instead of being released externally, the sperm is pushed back into the bladder. 

This can happen for several reasons, including specific medical conditions such as Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, surgical operations, or certain medications.

Let’s learn about the various causes of Retrograde Ejaculation below:

Medications

Certain medications used to treat high blood pressure (Alpha-blockers), prostate enlargement (5-Alpha-reductase inhibitors), or psychiatric disorders (antidepressants) can impair the normal functioning of the muscles that close the bladder and neck during ejaculation.

These medications function by relaxing smooth muscles, such as those in the bladder neck, and those that assist in closing the bladder neck after ejaculation.

As a result of this, semen may flow backward into the bladder instead of being ejected externally.

Surgery

Surgery going on for retrograde ejaculationSource: in_future_from_Getty_Images
Surgery for damaged nerve

Certain surgical operations, including prostate surgery, bladder neck surgery, or lower spine surgery, might injure or disrupt the nerves and muscles that control ejaculation.

Damaged nerve can impede the blood flow and hence result in Retrograde Ejaculation.

Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the most common Retrograde Ejaculation causes. It can damage the nerves of the muscles involved in ejaculation.

Autonomic Neuropathy, a kind of nerve disease frequently linked with Diabetes, can disrupt the nerves that regulate the regular functioning of the bladder and neck muscles during ejaculation.

When nerves are injured, the contraction and relaxation of the muscles involved in ejaculation may not be correctly coordinated.

This might cause the muscles that close the bladder and neck during ejaculation to become dysfunctional.

As a result, during orgasm, semen might be diverted into the bladder rather than released through the penis.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disorder that, due to its effect on the nerves involved in the ejaculation process, can result in Retrograde Ejaculation. 

MS is defined by inflammation and damage to the nerve fibers’ protective coverings in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

The specific processes by which MS can cause Retrograde Ejaculation are unknown.

However, nerve injury can impair the usual coordination of the muscles involved in ejaculation. 

This can cause the muscles that close the bladder and neck during ejaculation to malfunction.

As a result, semen flows backward into the bladder rather than being ejected outside.

Warning:
Retrograde Ejaculation can result in male infertiily. Consult a sexologist for proper guidance and treatment.

Spinal cord injury

A spinal cord injury can cause Retrograde Ejaculation because nerve impulses that regulate the muscles involved in ejaculation get impaired. 

The impact on sexual function, particularly ejaculation, will be determined by the degree and extent of the damage.

Ejaculatory nerves originate in the spinal cord, specifically in the sacral area. 

When the spinal cord is damaged, such as during trauma or spinal cord disorders, nerve signal transmission can be stopped or impaired. 

This might disrupt the natural synchronization of the muscles used in ejaculation.

If you’re having Retrograde Ejaculation or are concerned about your reproductive health, speaking with a healthcare expert is essential. 

A doctor can assess your unique case, do required tests, and give appropriate counseling and treatment choices.

Also read:
To know more about Retrograde Ejaculation read- A Beginner’s Guide to Retrograde Ejaculation

Treatment for Retrograde Ejaculation

Since Retrograde Ejaculation isn’t harmful and poses no risk to your health, most men with Retrograde Ejaculation do not require treatment.

Retrograde Ejaculation necessitates treatment in some men when it interferes with their fertility.

Treatment of Retrograde Ejaculation varies according to the cause.

If your Retrograde Ejaculation is a medicine side effect, your doctor will likely switch you to a prescription that does not impact ejaculation.

Suppose your Retrograde Ejaculation appears to be caused by a minor nerve or muscle issue involving the bladder. 

In that case, your doctor may suggest you take Pseudoephedrine or Imipramine to increase muscle tone where the bladder and urethra meet.

If your Retrograde Ejaculation is the result of severe damage to your bladder’s nerves or muscles, consult your doctor immediately to recover normal ejaculation. 

If this is the case, and you want to have a child, a fertility expert can assist you.

Conclusion

Retrograde Ejaculation is a medical condition in which semen enters the bladder rather than being ejaculated out through the penis during orgasm. 

While Retrograde Ejaculation is not usually harmful or uncomfortable, it can lead to infertility because sperm cannot reach the cervix during sexual intercourse.

Retrograde Ejaculation causes include certain medications, surgical operations, or underlying health issues affecting the nerves or muscles involved in ejaculation. 

Consult a healthcare expert for an accurate diagnosis and suitable treatment suitable for your specific condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes Retrograde Ejaculation?

Retrograde Ejaculation could result from side effects of certain medications, spinal cord injury, and some health conditions such as Diabetes and Multipla Sclerosis.

Is Retrograde Ejaculation harmful?

Retrograde Ejaculation is not commonly seen as harmful to one’s physical health. 

It is a harmless disorder that causes no pain or discomfort. However, it may lead to infertility since sperm cannot reach the cervix during sexual intercourse during Retrograde Ejaculation, making pregnancy challenging.

What are the risks associated with Retrograde Ejaculation?

Retrograde Ejaculation is usually considered a harmless illness with no significant health risks. 
However, it can impact fertility and make it difficult for your partner to be pregnant.. 

It’s also worth mentioning that Retrograde Ejaculation might be a sign of an underlying medical problem or a side effect of some medications.

Is Retrograde Ejaculation permanent?

It is not always possible to reverse Retrograde Ejaculation.

However, the infertility induced by it can be cured. 

Even if a man cannot ejaculate at all, a fertility specialist may be able to assist.

Does Retrograde Ejaculation affect sperm count?

Yes. Retrograde Ejaculation is caused by a failure of the bladder neck to shut, resulting in semen reflux into the bladder. 

This leads to a low-volume ejaculation and a low or non-existent sperm count.

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