TMC Puchong: What are the Symptoms of Retrograde Ejaculation

Introduction

Retrograde ejaculation (RE) is a medical condition that can significantly impact male fertility by preventing semen from exiting the body during orgasm. In typical ejaculation, semen is propelled forward through the urethra and out of the body, enabling the release of sperm necessary for conception. However, with retrograde ejaculation, semen flows backward into the bladder instead of out through the penis, making conception challenging or even impossible without intervention. Surprisingly, many men with retrograde ejaculation may not even be aware of their condition, as it’s often mistaken for other issues like erectile dysfunction or low libido. However, it’s entirely possible to have normal erectile function and a strong libido while still experiencing retrograde ejaculation.

At Golden Gate TMC Puchong, we specialize in diagnosing and treating male subfertility to support fertility outcomes. This article will delve into the causes, symptoms, and diagnostic process of retrograde ejaculation. We will also explore related medical conditions, effective treatment options, and how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can complement conventional treatments to help men regain a healthy ejaculation process and improve their chances of fatherhood.

Types of Retrograde Ejaculation:

1. Partial Retrograde Ejaculation: Some semen is released normally, while the rest flows into the bladder.
2. Complete Retrograde Ejaculation: All semen is redirected to the bladder, resulting in a completely “dry” ejaculation.

Understanding the type and severity of retrograde ejaculation is crucial to identifying the most effective treatment plan, which is where Golden Gate TMC Puchong’s expertise becomes invaluable.

What Are the Symptoms of Retrograde Ejaculation?

A. Understanding Retrograde Ejaculation

Retrograde ejaculation occurs when the internal sphincter muscle at the base of the bladder fails to close properly during orgasm. This dysfunction allows semen to flow backward into the bladder rather than exiting through the urethra (Dohle & Colpi, 2022). Although the amount of semen released during orgasm may decrease or disappear, the individual can still experience the sensation of climax.

B. Common Symptoms of Retrograde Ejaculation

1. Dry Ejaculation: A key indicator of retrograde ejaculation is producing little to no semen during orgasm.
2. Cloudy Urine After Ejaculation: Since the semen flows into the bladder, men with RE often notice their urine appears cloudy after orgasm.
3. Fertility Issues: Couples struggling to conceive may discover retrograde ejaculation during fertility assessments.

C. Physical Signs and Diagnosis

Men experiencing dry orgasms are often recommended to undergo a urine analysis post-ejaculation. The presence of sperm in the urine confirms retrograde ejaculation (Niederberger, 2017). Other diagnostic tools include a physical examination of the prostate and sphincter muscles and hormone level assessments to determine underlying causes.

Medical Conditions Linked to Retrograde Ejaculation

Several medical conditions and factors can contribute to retrograde ejaculation:

• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage nerves, leading to sphincter dysfunction (Kaplan et al., 2019).
• Prostate Surgery: Procedures like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) can affect the muscles involved in ejaculation.
• Medications: Some drugs for hypertension and psychiatric conditions can impair the internal sphincter, increasing the risk of retrograde ejaculation.

Treatment Options and Next Steps

A. Medical Treatments

Treatment options for RE depend on the underlying cause. Medications such as pseudoephedrine or imipramine may help strengthen the internal sphincter and improve ejaculation. In cases where medication isn’t effective, sperm retrieval techniques like electroejaculation or testicular sperm extraction (TESE) are used in conjunction with assisted reproduction methods (e.g., IVF).

B. TCM Solutions for Retrograde Ejaculation

Traditional Chinese Medicine offers holistic solutions by addressing imbalances in the body’s energy flow. TCM practices like acupuncture can improve nerve function and sphincter control, while herbal remedies such as ginseng and epimedium are believed to enhance reproductive health and semen production and improve muscle/sphincter function

At Golden Gate TMC Puchong, our specialists have seen positive results using TCM alongside conventional treatments. Men struggling with ejaculation disorders have reported improvements in semen volume and overall reproductive health after just a few months of treatment. At the same time, those men also reported improved erection function and libido. 

C. Can Strong Erections Rule Out Retrograde Ejaculation?

It’s a common misconception that strong erections guarantee normal ejaculation. In reality, a man can have excellent erectile function but still experience retrograde ejaculation, as the two processes involve different physiological mechanisms. If you suspect you have RE despite normal sexual performance, consulting a fertility expert is essential.