Retrograde ejaculation: pathophysiologic aspects and report of two successfully treated cases

Abstract

The ejaculatory process consists of two stages. During the first stage the semen is pumped into the posterior urethra and during the second stage the semen is propelled via the urethra through the external meatus. A pathologic second stage may lead to retrograde ejaculation of the semen into the urinary bladder. Attempts to achieve fertility in such patients can be made in two ways; namely through procedures to restore antegrade ejaculation (mainly using alpha-sympathomimetic agents) and procedures to regain viable and fertile sperm from the urinary bladder after sexual intercourse, with subsequent artificial insemination. The latter way of treatment was used in two patients who were referred for infertility and in whom retrograde ejaculation had been diagnosed. Postcoital urinary specimens were obtained by micturition and centrifuged. In one patient the sediment was washed with a nutrient solution; the other patient received alkalizing agents prior to intercourse in order to neutralize the urinary pH. The wives were inseminated on appropriate days and conceived. Both delivered healthy babies after uneventful pregnancies.