RETROGRADE EJACULATION

WHAT IS RETROGRADE EJACULATION

Retrograde ejaculation refers to a condition when semen enters the bladder instead of going out through the urethra during ejaculation. It is a relatively harmless condition and doesn’t need to be treated unless it is to restore fertility. The presence of semen in the bladder is harmless. It mixes with the urine and leaves the body with urination.

SYMPTOMS

Retrograde ejaculation doesn’t affect your ability to get an erection, maintain an erection, or have an orgasm. But when you climax, semen goes into your bladder instead of coming out of your penis.

Main symptoms of retrograde ejaculation include:

• Orgasms in which very little or no semen is ejaculated through the penis; also called dry orgasms
• Urine that is cloudy after orgasm because it contains semen
• Male infertility

WHAT CAUSES RETROGRADE EJACULATION

The causes of the condition may be the following:

• autonomic nervous system dysfunction (autonomic nervous system is responsible for maintaining heart rate, digestion, respiration rate etc.)
• operation of the prostate
• trans-urethral resection of the prostate, a procedure in which prostate tissue is removed, slice by slice, through a resectoscope passed along the urethra
• Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection for testicular cancer
• side-effect of medications such as Tamsulosin that are used to relax the muscles of the urinary tract, for various reasons including enlarged prostate
• anti-depressant and anti-psychotic medications
• diabetes

PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF THE CONDITION

Men with this condition are fully capable of having orgasm and providing and receiving sexual gratification. The only difference is that they are not able to ejaculate through the penis.

Even though retrograde ejaculation is not a harmful condition and doesn’t have any direct health effects, it can be emotionally hard on men especially if they intend to have children. Even men who are older, or are not looking to start a family can be traumatized by this condition, especially at its onset. This can cause them to emotionally retract and distance themselves from their partner. It can also cause them to be irritable and lose self-confidence.

This is where their partners need to step in and provide the much-needed support and love. Help them believe that it doesn’t take away from the relationship in anyway. If you want to reproduce, you can seek external intervention. This can be costly and require stressful medical procedures for both you and your partner. This is why talking to each other, and talking to a counselor and your healthcare practitioner is a good idea.

In most cases, the condition is temporary and proper care will reverse it entirely, so treat it as a rough patch you can overcome, instead of something that cripples you.

TREATMENTS

Retrograde ejaculation doesn’t typically require treatment unless it interferes with fertility. In such cases, usually fertility treatments are sought out.

That being said, there are medications available to help reverse the condition. Most medications used to treat it have known side effects of raising blood pressure and heart rate.

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS

There are certain remedies in the domain of alternative medicine which have been found to be beneficial in the treatment of retrograde ejaculation. Retrograde Ejaculation is a complex problem and it is always prudent to take advice of your physician or surgeon before trying out any of the home remedies.

Herbs

Following herbs have been found to be effective in the treatment of retrograde ejaculation. These herbs are a part of the Ayurvedic system of Medicine and it is important to consult a trained naturopath, herbalist or ayurvedic doctor before using these herbs.

• Perennail
• Shatawari
• Gokharu
• Musli
• Shankhpushpi
• Aswagandha

Homeopathy

Homeopathy also provides so drugs for the treatment of retrograde ejaculation. Some of the drugs that can help in strengthening the contraction of muscles on the neck of the bladder and treat the condition include Gelsimium, Rhus Tox, and Bryonia.

There are certain drugs that help strengthen the nerves like Argentium Nitrium and Arsenic Album which can also help treat the condition.

Stress & Depression

Stress and depression is often associated with retrograde ejaculation. Meditation and yoga are very beneficial in reducing stress and aid in improving the condition.