Can retrograde ejaculation cause infection?

Retrograde ejaculation, though it may sound complex, is a fairly simple condition that can affect some men.

During a male orgasm, a tube called the vas deferens transports sperm to the prostate, where it mixes with other fluids to produce liquid semen (ejaculate). The muscle at the opening of the bladder (bladder neck muscle) tightens to prevent ejaculate from entering the bladder as it passes from the prostate into the tube inside the penis (urethra). This is the same muscle that holds urine in your bladder until you urinate.

In normal ejaculation, known as antegrade ejaculation, semen is expelled through the penis. During retrograde ejaculation, semen travels into the bladder instead of exiting the body through the penis.

With retrograde ejaculation, the bladder neck muscle doesn’t tighten properly. After orgasm, cloudy urine may be noticed due to the presence of semen in the urine. This is sometimes called a “dry orgasm” since little or no semen exits the tip of the penis. Retrograde ejaculation doesn’t affect the sensation of sexual climax.

You can be at increased risk of experiencing retrograde ejaculation if:

• You have a spinal cord injury
• You take drugs to manage high blood pressure or mood disorders like anxiety or depression
• You’ve had recent surgery that involved the bladder or prostate
• You’ve had bladder surgery
• You have diabetes
• You have multiple sclerosis

Surgery involving the bladder or prostate can cause muscle damage or nerve damage, which may lead to retrograde ejaculation. Severe nerve damage from surgery or injury can make retrograde ejaculation more likely and may affect treatment options.

Lower urinary tract symptoms may be present in men with retrograde ejaculation, especially if related to prostate or bladder conditions.

Certain medications, such as alpha blockers used to treat high blood pressure, can also relax the bladder neck muscle and contribute to this condition.

If you notice persistent symptoms of retrograde ejaculation or other changes in your sexual function, it is important to seek medical advice. Early evaluation and treatment can help manage symptoms, address any underlying health concerns, and support your overall sexual well-being.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), often referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infections primarily transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. They are caused by various pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

Common STIs include:

• Chlamydia
• Syphilis
• HIV
• Herpes
• Mycoplasma
• Trichomonas
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C

Most STIs don’t produce any symptoms. It’s possible for you to have an STI and not even know it.

STIs are a serious public health concern. They can cause serious harm to your health, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), certain cancers, and even death in some circumstances. That’s why it’s important to get tested regularly if you’re sexually active.

There’s no direct connection between STIs and retrograde ejaculation. No STIs have been known to cause it.

Some people may worry that retrograde ejaculation may inadvertently spread infections to other parts of their body: for instance, if they have an STI and they ejaculate, spreading the infection to the bladder.

Certain bacterial STIs, like Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, or parasitic STIs like Trichomonas, infect the urinary tract during an infection. While a transfer of bacteria is theoretically possible, such an occurrence would be very unlikely.

If you have concerns about retrograde ejaculation, infection, or notice unusual symptoms, see a doctor for proper evaluation and advice.

Maintaining sexual health is a vital aspect of overall well-being. It’s crucial to seek professional guidance when experiencing any symptoms or concerns related to sexual health.

If you’re worried that you have an STI, you should get tested. Call the number above to speak to one of our Sexual Health Advisors, who can suggest the right clinic and STI test or screen for you.