Retrograde Ejaculation: Diagnosis and Treatment at Fertilite
Retrograde ejaculation is a lesser-known but important cause of male infertility. At Fertilite, we have the expertise and technology to diagnose it and offer personalized treatment options.
What Is Retrograde Ejaculation?
In a healthy male, semen travels outward through the urethra during ejaculation. In retrograde ejaculation, however, semen is redirected “inward” into the urinary bladder instead of being expelled outside. This is why, after orgasm, men may notice little or no semen coming out, even though the sensation of orgasm feels normal.
Retrograde ejaculation does not endanger overall health, but it can make conception difficult, because sperm do not reach the outside to fertilize the egg.
Common Causes
- Long-standing diabetes mellitus with autonomic neuropathy
- Previous prostate, bladder, or urethral surgery
- Spinal cord or neurological injuries
- Certain medications (alpha-blockers, antidepressants, antihypertensives)
- Congenital anatomical abnormalities
Identifying the underlying cause is important because in some cases normal ejaculation can be restored.
How It Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis typically involves:
- Detailed medical history: symptoms, past medical conditions, medications, and surgeries
- Observation of semen volume: “dry” ejaculations or very low volume
- Post-ejaculatory urine test: the patient urinates immediately after orgasm to check for sperm in the urine. Additional urological studies when indicated
At Fertilite, we follow specific protocols to perform this evaluation discreetly and professionally.
Treatment Options
Management depends on the cause and the couple’s reproductive goals:
1. Medical Therapy
Certain medications (such as imipramine, pseudoephedrine, or midodrine) can improve bladder-neck closure and redirect semen outward. This approach works best when retrograde ejaculation is due to drugs or mild neuropathy.
2. Sperm Retrieval for Assisted Reproduction
If normal ejaculation cannot be restored, sperm can be recovered directly from the post-ejaculatory urine or through testicular/epididymal aspiration. These sperm can then be used for:
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) in selected cases
In vitro fertilization (IVF) with or without intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), which greatly increases the chance of pregnancy
3. Adjusting Medications and Managing Health Conditions
Tight control of diabetes, reviewing medications that may cause the problem, and improving overall health can enhance ejaculatory function.
Fertilite Can Help You
If you suspect retrograde ejaculation or are experiencing difficulty conceiving, Fertilite offers:
- Specialized urological and andrological evaluation
- Discreet and reliable diagnostic testing
- Medical treatments and assisted-reproduction options tailored to each couple
Our goal is to support you ethically and compassionately on your journey to building a family.
Contact us for an informative appointment:
📞 Mexico: +52 (664) 316 6488
📞 USA: +1 (619) 586 7830