Retrograde ejaculation can affect sexual satisfaction and fertility. If the condition is caused by medication, your doctor may be able to switch you to a different medication or increase the dosage.
Some medications, particularly alpha blockers used to treat enlarged prostate and benign prostatic hyperplasia such as tamsulosin (Flomax), can cause ejaculatory dysfunction. Other causes include diabetes, nerve damage and certain surgeries for the prostate or bladder.
Causes
Flomax, also known as tamsulosin, is an alpha blocker prescribed to treat symptoms of enlarged prostate. In some cases, it can cause retrograde ejaculation or non-ejaculation. This happens when the bladder neck muscles close improperly during ejaculation, causing semen to flow backward into the bladder instead of out through the penis. This can happen for several reasons, including medical conditions and side effects of medications. It may also be a result of surgery or injuries to the muscles and nerves around the bladder and urethra.
If you are experiencing retrograde ejaculation on flomax, you should talk to your doctor right away. He or she will ask questions about your sexual history, medications and medical conditions to make a diagnosis. He or she will also do a physical exam to check the genital area. Your doctor will likely recommend a urine test to see how many sperm are in your urine after an orgasm.
In most cases, retrograde ejaculation is not a serious medical problem and it will resolve on its own. If it is a side effect of your medication, the doctor may be able to switch you to a different drug. If the problem is caused by muscle or nerve damage, it may be permanent. Lifestyle changes, such as drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol or caffeine, can improve the symptoms and help prevent them from getting worse.
Symptoms
Many men with retrograde ejaculation are frustrated and embarrassed by the condition, but there are a variety of treatment options available that can significantly improve symptoms. In addition to medications like Flomax, which has been proven effective in alleviating symptoms and increasing semen flow, other treatments include pelvic floor exercises and biofeedback therapy. These methods can help men learn to control their pelvic muscles more effectively, improving ejaculation and sexual performance.
Other causes of ejaculatory disorders that may require medical attention include certain surgeries for the bladder, such as those performed to stage cancer or remove tumors from the prostate. Other medical conditions, such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis, can also affect the nerves and muscles around the bladder and contribute to ejaculatory problems.
If you have problems ejaculating during sex, your doctor will perform a physical exam of your penis, testicles and rectum, and may ask you to empty your bladder and masturbate to climax. He or she will then examine your urine for the presence of sperm. If your ejaculation problems are related to medications, such as tamsulosin or other alpha blockers, this will usually resolve once you stop taking the medication.
In some cases, ejaculatory disorders can be so severe that they prevent a man from getting pregnant, even with the help of fertility treatments. In such cases, a fertility specialist can recommend medications or surgical options that will help overcome this problem.
Treatment
Flomax can help restore normal semen flow and reduce the symptoms of retrograde ejaculation. It can also improve fertility and sexual satisfaction. However, the condition can still be challenging for men who experience it. Alterations in orgasm can lead to emotional stress and frustration, especially if the man wants to get pregnant with his partner.
Treatment options for retrograde ejaculation depend on the cause of the problem. Medications are most likely to be helpful when the cause is nerve damage, as caused by diabetes, multiple sclerosis and certain surgeries. Drugs can’t usually help if the damage is permanent, as caused by surgery that changes the physical structure of the bladder neck or prostate.
Other medications that may be able to treat retrograde ejaculation include the antidepressant imipramine and the stimulant pseudoephedrine. These drugs may work by relaxing muscles around the bladder and urethra. Medications that increase muscle tone in the bladder can also be effective for some people. Examples include tamsulosin (Flomax), alpha blockers, and some medications used to treat high blood pressure or benign prostatic hyperplasia.
If a man’s condition is preventing him from having children with his female partner, it will need to be treated using infertility procedures such as intrauterine insemination (IUI). Sperm that is trapped in the bladder can be recovered and processed to fertilize a woman’s eggs for pregnancy.
Prevention
Men who have been diagnosed with retrograde ejaculation can get relief from the condition by taking medication. Flomax, also known by the generic name tamsulosin, is an alpha blocker that helps relax the muscles in the bladder and prostate, which improves semen flow and reduces retrograde ejaculation. The medication can be prescribed by a primary care doctor or urologist.
If the problem is caused by certain medications, doctors can usually help by switching you to a different drug. For example, if the problem is related to alpha blockers used for high blood pressure, your doctor may change your medication to another type of drug that does not cause this side effect. Antidepressants, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft), have also been linked to retrograde ejaculation. The same is true for some drugs that treat psychotic disorders, such as thioridazine and chlorpromazine.
Some doctors suggest other treatments, such as pelvic floor exercises and biofeedback therapy, to strengthen the muscle that controls ejaculation. These therapies can also help women who suffer from this problem during orgasm. However, many men find that Flomax is the best option for alleviating symptoms and restoring sexual pleasure. Thousands of men have shared their stories of improved semen flow and increased fertility as a result of using the medication. Some have even successfully become fathers because of Flomax.
