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. Mehta A, et al. Ejaculation disorders. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2011: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2011. 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 Nov. 13, 2010.
  2. Sigman M, et al. Male infertility. In: Wein AJ, et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: 2007; Saunders Elsevier. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/225940633-10/1080977255/1445/22.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-0798-6..50021-2--cesec105_1623. Accessed Nov. 13, 2010.
  3. Ohl DA, et al. Anejaculation and retrograde ejaculation. Urologic Clinics of North America. 2008;35:211.
  4. Kaiser FE. Retrograde ejaculation. The Merck Manuals: Home Edition for Patients and Caregivers. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec21/ch240/ch240f.html. Accessed Nov. 13, 2010.
  5. Male infertility. American Urological Association. http://www.urologyhealth.org/adult/index.cfm?cat=11&topic=38. Accessed Nov. 13, 2010.
  6. Nippoldt TB (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 16, 2010.
DS00913 Feb. 17, 2011

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