“Retrograde ejaculation” means that during ejaculation the semen go into the bladder, instead of out through the penis.

Retrograde ejaculation occurs when the semen enters into the bladder, instead of the penis, during orgasm. Although an orgasm does occur, very little semen is ejaculated. This condition can be caused by medications, health conditions, or surgeries that affect the nerves and muscles controlling the bladder opening. Not considered harmful, retrograde ejaculation is often only treated when associated with male infertility.

Men with retrograde ejaculation often have dry orgasms, so very little semen is ejaculated during climax. After sexual intercourse, the urine appears cloudy because it contains sperm. If these symptoms occur, tell your physician when you meet with the doctor.

Dr. Brown will exam your urine for semen. Usually, the male partner will empty his bladder, masturbate until orgasm is reached, and then leave a urine specimen afterwards. If a high volume of semen is noted in the urine, then you have retrograde ejaculation.

Patients experiencing infertility due to retrograde ejaculation will most likely need IUI or IVF to achieve a pregnancy. In both instances, the male partner will urinate, masturbate until orgasm is reached, and then urinate again. Our laboratory will centrifuge is to separate the sperm and prepare it for insemination via IUI or IVF, depending on your physician’s recommendation.