Retrograde Ejaculation

Retrograde ejaculation is a term that refers to semen going backward into your bladder instead of out of your body through your urethra and the tip of your penis during sexual climax. The urethra is the tube that lets urine and sperm leave your body.

Retrograde ejaculation is also called dry orgasm. It can be a factor in infertility.

Who does retrograde ejaculation affect?

Retrograde ejaculation often affects individuals who:

• Have had surgery on their prostate and urethra.
• Have diabetes or multiple sclerosis.
• Have injured or had surgery on their spinal cords.
• Have had pelvic or rectal surgery.
• Have structural issues related to their urethra.
• Are taking certain types of medications, such as some prostate medications, high blood pressure medications or antidepressants.

How common is retrograde ejaculation?

Retrograde ejaculation is somewhat common. For instance, it happens after most cases of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) surgeries. TURP is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, also called an enlarged prostate.

Conditions that may cause retrograde ejaculation are also somewhat common, such as diabetes. In terms of medications, individuals who take drugs for high blood pressure or depression may develop retrograde ejaculation.