Overview

Retrograde ejaculation (which can also present with Anejaculation as its name implies, is a condition that describes backward flow of seminal fluid into the urinary bladder instead of forward, as is the norm during orgasm. This usually occurs because the neck or opening of the urinary bladder, which normally closes to block such retrograde flow, is unable to do so. Such inability usually results from medications (Flomax), neurological (caused by diabetes) or physical damage to the bladder neck (caused by prostate surgery). Patients with retrograde ejaculation usually achieve orgasm normally and feel the sensation of having an ejaculation. However, little or no seminal fluid emerges from the penis. Instead the patient often notices that the post ejaculatory urine, i.e. the urine passed after sexual intercourse, is cloudy with semen. Note, this condition should be distinguished from anejaculation, which is the total absence of an ejaculate during orgasm. The later occurs following radical prostatectomy or complete resection of the prostate.

Treatment

If the retrograde ejaculation was caused by medications, discontinuation will usually restore normal function. Surgery of the bladder neck is irreversible and cannot be corrected. Neurological injuries are also permanent in most cases.