Retrograde ejaculation
337453
224864811
2008-07-10T19:25:42Z
Legitimus
1667699
/* Retrograde ejaculation and alternative medicine */ reversed items.
{{Infobox_Disease
| Name = Retrograde ejaculation
| Image =
| Caption =
| DiseasesDB = 11438
| ICD10 =
| ICD9 = {{ICD9|608.87}}
| ICDO =
| OMIM =
| MedlinePlus = 001282
| eMedicineSubj =
| eMedicineTopic =
| MeshID =
}}
In [[Male reproductive system (human)|males]], '''retrograde ejaculation''' occurs when the fluid to be [[male ejaculation|ejaculated]], which would normally exit via the [[urethra]], is redirected towards the [[urinary bladder]]. Normally the [[sphincter]] of the bladder contracts and the sperm goes to the urethra towards the area of least pressure. In retrograde ejaculation this sphincter does not function properly.
==Causes==
Causes may be in the [[autonomic nervous system]] or the operation of the [[prostate]]. Retrograde ejaculation is a common complication of trans-urethral resection of the prostate, a procedure in which diseased, or non-diseased (enlarged prostate) tissue is removed, slice by slice, through a resectoscope passed along the urethra.
Retrograde ejaculation is a common side effect of medications such as [[Tamsulosin]] that are used to relax the muscles of the urinary tract for various purposes. These medications may cause the bladder sphincter to relax as well and fail to contract fully.<br>
But the medications that mostly cause it are [[antidepressant]] and [[antipsychotic]] medication, and the patients experiencing that tend to quit them.<ref> [http://www.giovannialei.it/patologie/eiaculazione_retrograda.htm] {{it icon}}</ref><ref>[http://www.psicosessuologia.it/site/index.php?mode=page&pagename=apfemm2&cat=sessuologia] {{it icon}}</ref>
Retrograde ejaculation can also be a complication of [[diabetes]] especially in cases of diabetics with long term poor blood sugar control. This is due to [[neuropathy]] of the bladder sphincter.
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis is usually by way of a [[urinalysis]] performed on a urine specimen that is obtained shortly after ejaculation which will have an abnormal level of [[spermatozoon|sperm]] within it.<br>
[[Anejaculation]] often, especially in case of ''orgasmic anejaculation'', can be confused with retrograde ejaculation, and they share some fundamental aspects of the [[etiology]]. Urinalysis is used also to distinguish between them.
== Potential treatments ==
Retrograde ejaculation may cause a couple to experience problems such as [[infertility]], as most [[spermatozoon|sperm]] do not get to the [[vagina]] and the rest of the [[female reproductive system]]. As a method to induce [[pregnancy]], the retrograde ejaculator's urine is [[centrifuge]]d and the isolated sperm is then injected into the woman.
Around 40% of sufferers from retrograde ejaculation have found that use of [[pseudoephedrine]] (brands names include Sudafed) noticeably improves the quantity of ejaculate.{{Fact|date=October 2007}} The [[tricyclic antidepressant]] [[imipramine]] has also been used as an effective treatment for retrograde ejaculation. It must be noted that both medications have links to [[erectile dysfunction]], [[pseudoephedrine]] being the frontline treatment for [[priapism]]. People with erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation (not uncommon in those with diabetes) are strongly advised to seek medical advice about the best 'dual' treatment methods available to them, i.e. combining [[pseudoephedrine]] or an alternative with an erectile dysfunction treatments such as [[sildenafil]].
In most cases those suffering from retrograde ejaculation are advised that a normal sex life is to be expected, however a significant number of those patients who do have it have reported reduced sensation during [[orgasm]].
== Retrograde ejaculation and alternative medicine ==
[[Taoist sexual practices|Taoists]] and some fields of [[alternative medicine]] actually recommend and teach deliberate retrograde ejaculation as a way of "conserving the body's energy". One manner of achieving this is by applying pressure to the [[perineum]] during orgasm. It is believed the energy is conserved physically by keeping the sperm (and thereby, the "intelligence" that created it) in the body; however, there is no scientific basis for this, as the retrograde-ejaculated sperm are simply lost at the next urination. Others believe the sensation of sperm passing through the urethra causes intense physical sensations that can drain the body of "sexual energy."
Due to its aforementioned effects on fertility, there is a potential misconception that inducing this condition can be used as a method of [[contraception]]. However, it is neither reliable nor effective, due to some sperm still potentially emerging. Many doctors also do not recommend inducing retrograde ejaculation as there is a risk of putting pressure on the [[pudendal nerve]], which can cause numbness in the penis. It is also possible—through repeated use over a long period—that the muscle can become stuck in this configuration. This can be difficult to correct.
== Notes ==
<references/>
== External links ==
*http://www2.rz.hu-berlin.de/sexology/ECE1/retrograde.html
*[http://www.sexhealthmatters.org/index.html Sexual Medicine Society of North America's website: SexHealthMatters.org]
{{Diseases of the pelvis, genitals and breasts}}
[[Category:Orgasm]]
[[de:Retrograde Ejakulation]]
[[es:Eyaculación retrógrada]]
[[fr:Éjaculation rétrograde]]
[[it:eiaculazione retrograda]]
[[pl:Wytrysk wsteczny]]
[[pt:Ejaculação retrógrada]]
[[sv:Retrograd ejakulation]]
[[vi:Hoàn tinh bổ não]]