Retrograde ejaculation

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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

Retrograde ejaculation doesn't affect your ability to get an erection or have an orgasm — but when you climax, semen goes into your bladder instead of coming out of your penis. Retrograde ejaculation symptoms include:

  • Dry orgasms, orgasms in which you ejaculate very little or no semen out of your penis
  • Urine that is cloudy after orgasm because it contains semen
  • Male infertility

When to see a doctor
Retrograde ejaculation isn't harmful and requires treatment only if you're attempting to father a child. However, if you have dry orgasms, see your doctor to be sure your condition isn't caused by an underlying problem that needs attention.

If you and your partner have had regular, unprotected intercourse for a year or longer and have been unable to conceive, see your doctor. Retrograde ejaculation may be the cause of your problem if you ejaculate very little or no semen.

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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