Retrograde ejaculation

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Retrograde ejaculation occurs when semen enters the bladder instead of emerging through the penis during orgasm. Although you still reach sexual climax, you may ejaculate very little or no semen. This is called a dry orgasm. Retrograde ejaculation isn't harmful, but it can cause male infertility.

Retrograde ejaculation can be caused by medications, health conditions or surgeries that affect the nerves or muscles that control the bladder opening. If retrograde ejaculation is caused by a drug you're taking, stopping the drug may be an effective treatment. For retrograde ejaculation due to a health condition or as a result of surgery, treatment with drugs may restore normal ejaculation and fertility. But treatment for retrograde ejaculation is generally only needed to restore fertility.

Symptoms
References
  1. Kaplon D, et al. Ejaculation disorders. In:  Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/120705265-3/804926975/1701/189.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-04134-8..50008-2--subchapter5_3989. Accessed Feb. 2, 2009.
  2. Sigman M. Surgical management of male infertility. In: Wein AJ, et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: 2007; Saunders Elsevier. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/118643778-10/798827372/1445/23.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-0798-6..50022-4--cesec82_1716. Accessed Feb. 2, 2009.
  3. Ohl DA, et al. Anejaculation and retrograde ejaculation. Urologic Clinics of North America. 2008;35:211.
  4. Bettochi C. Ejaculatory disorders: Pathophysiology and management. Nature Clinical Practice Urology. 2008;5:93.

DS00913

March 25, 2009

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