Condition & Treatments
/ Ejaculation problems
Ejaculation problems: sperm can usually still be collected
Some men make sperm normally but can't deliver it. Semen may go backwards into the bladder (retrograde ejaculation), or there may be no ejaculation at all. With the right treatment, sperm can almost always be collected for pregnancy.
I N S H O R T
Retrograde ejaculation is often linked to diabetes, prostate or bladder surgery, or some medicines.
Medicines can sometimes restore normal ejaculation.
If not, sperm can be collected from the urine, with a vibrator or electroejaculation, or surgically.
Types and causes
Retrograde ejaculation. Semen goes into the bladder, so little or none comes out. Causes include diabetes, prostate surgery, some blood pressure and prostate medicines, and surgery near the spine or abdomen.
Anejaculation. No ejaculation at all, from nerve damage, spinal cord injury, diabetes, medicines or psychological reasons.
Delayed ejaculation. Taking a very long time, or being unable to ejaculate during sex.
Painful ejaculation or low volume, which can point to a blockage or infection.
Treatment options
Changing or stopping medicines, where possible.
Medicines that tighten the bladder neck, to restore forward ejaculation in some men with retrograde ejaculation.
Sperm retrieval from the urine, for use in IUI or ICSI
Penile vibratory stimulation or electroejaculation, for men who can't ejaculate
Surgical sperm retrieval, if other methods don't work.
Psychosexual support, for delayed ejaculation or performance pressure.
Why this matters to your care
Prof Raheem offers every method of sperm collection, from medicines to electroejaculation and microsurgical retrieval, so the approach matches the cause.
Common questions
Is retrograde ejaculation harmful?
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No. It isn't dangerous, but it can make conceiving harder.
Can we conceive naturally?
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Sometimes, if medicines restore forward ejaculation. Otherwise, collected sperm is used for IUI or ICSI.
Is electroejaculation painful?
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It is done under anaesthetic if you have normal sensation.