Table of contents:
- What is reverse ejaculation?
- What are the signs and symptoms of reverse ejaculation?
- Who is at risk for reverse ejaculation?
- Can reverse ejaculation be treated?
When a man reaches orgasm, the penis will usually ejaculate with semen. The rate of shooting semen when a man orgasm is even very fast, up to 45 kilometers per hour. However, some people even experience reverse ejaculation. Is this a danger, and who are the men most at risk?
What is reverse ejaculation?
As the name suggests, reverse ejaculation (retrograde ejaculation) is a condition in which semen does not come out through the penis opening, but instead flows back up into the bladder.
In fact, both semen and male urine come out of the same opening of the penis. But the way it works is different, because it has different stimulation triggers ("urge" and sexual stimulation). That's why when you feel like peeing, semen shouldn't come out. Vice versa. This is also because the "traffic" flow of urine and semen is regulated by a ring of muscle (sphincter) in the bladder tract.
Normally, this muscle closes when the penis is erect to allow semen to leave the penis, while preventing it from leaking into the bladder. Conversely, when you want to urinate, this muscle will close to prevent semen from coming out.
Reverse ejaculation occurs when the ring muscle in the bladder is disturbed or weakened, so that when you are about to ejaculate, the sperm that was about to leave the penis, instead flows or leaks into the bladder.
What are the signs and symptoms of reverse ejaculation?
Sometimes, retrograde ejaculation is also called dry orgasm. This is because you can still get an erection and orgasm, but only secrete little or no semen. This condition does not cause pain, either during urination or during sex, nor does it reduce sexual pleasure.
Another thing that may indicate you have reverse ejaculation is a cloudy urine color that contains sperm, especially if you pee after sex.
Who is at risk for reverse ejaculation?
The cause of retrograde ejaculation is an open or weakened urinary tract muscle, causing it not to close completely when the penis is erect so that sperm enter the bladder.Several conditions can cause problems with these muscles, including:
- Operations, such as bladder surgery and prostate surgery.
- Side effects of certain medications, such as medications for high blood pressure, prostate swelling, and mood disorders (for example, antidepressants or anti-anxiety).
- Nerve damage caused by health conditions such as complications of diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injuries.
Can reverse ejaculation be treated?
Retrograde ejaculation is harmless, painless, and is fine if left untreated. However, this condition can cause infertility in men.
Reverse ejaculation treatment includes surgery to repair the sphincter muscle in the bladder tract, or to remove sperm that has leaked and collected in the bladder. If your condition doesn't need surgery, your doctor may prescribe you certain medications.
If your reverse ejaculation problem is at high risk of infertility, there are two alternatives to having a baby, namely IVF, artificial insemination, or IVF programs specifically for infertile men (ICSI).
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