Publish 6 January 2022
Retrograde Ejaculation versus Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction
Low Viscosity
A male may notice a significant reduction in the amount of semen or none at all during climax. People sometimes call this a dry ejaculation. The consistency can also be more liquid with less viscosity, resembling pre-ejaculatory fluid. Some patients report pain or flaccidity during ejaculation.
Typically, thick and whitish, various conditions can change the color and consistency of semen. Frequent ejaculation may lead to watery sperm. A treatable varicocele could also inflame the veins of the testicles in the scrotum. An STI such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia may inflame the epididymitis. [1]
Tumors or hormonal imbalances, such as zinc deficiency, can degrade the quality of sperm. Michael Reitano, MD says that sperm contains vitamin C, B12, ascorbic acid, calcium, citric acid, fructose, lactic acid, magnesium, zinc, potassium, sodium, fat, and hundreds of different proteins. [2] Micronutrient lab tests can detect vitamin or mineral depletion.
The ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO) semen does not contain enough sperm to impregnate. (Less than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen is considered below average.) With EDO, there can also be a reduction in the amount of intercourse pleasure for both partners.
Diagnosing
As you would hope, urology professionals do specific testing before treatment. This can include chemical analysis of ejaculate, urine sample, and ultrasound. Such tests can reveal low fructose in the ejaculate and evidence of obstruction on transrectal ultrasonography.
Specialists will differentiate EDO from retrograde ejaculation. The latter is when semen enters the bladder instead of emerging through the penis during orgasm.
Retrograde ejaculation isn’t harmful, but it can result in male infertility. Treatment for retrograde ejaculation is generally only needed to restore fertility. [3] Causes may be neurological, as a result of surgeries—including prostatectomy—or trauma.
Ejaculatory duct obstruction vs. Retrograde ejaculation comparison chart
| Attributes | Ejaculatory duct obstruction | Retrograde ejaculation |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Ejaculatory duct obstruction is a pathological condition that is characterized by the obstruction of one or both ejaculatory ducts. Thus, the efflux of semen is not possible. It can be congenital or acquired. | Retrograde ejaculation occurs when semen which would be ejaculated via the urethra is redirected to the urinary bladder. |
| Symptom | Watery or dry ejaculate | Dry ejaculate |
| Result | Infertility | Infertility |
| Specialty | Urology | Urology |
Vas deferens radiography using vas deferens aspiration is an alternative effective and safe method for EDO diagnosis. The procedure involving the dilation of the ejaculatory duct using F9 seminal vesicostomy is equally effective but has fewer postoperative complications (urine reflux into the seminal vesicle) than TURED. [4]
Treatment
A urologist will schedule successful treatment of EDO by transurethral resection of the ejaculatory duct (TURED). During this outpatient endoscopic procedure through the penis, the doctor first injects dye into the seminal vesicle. He then resects the duct, removes the obstruction, and reconnects. Although transurethral resection is an effective method for the treatment of ejaculatory duct obstruction, the pregnancy rate is low. [5,6]
Flaccidity or inability to maintain an erection may require additional treatment for erectile dysfunction.
Romance & Health Intertwine. Fall in love with a captivating romance miniseries that explores the essence of well-being. Become a ClinicalNovellas member for heartwarming tales.
To support the writing of scholarly articles about urology, ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online. You may sponsor specific articles or remit a small donation.
ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online to offset expense of the writing useful articles about urology. Slide extra posters into DeuPair Frames without removing from the wall.
Show your support by donating, shopping for ClinicalPins, or leaving an encouraging comment to keep the research going.
To support the writing of useful articles about urology, ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online. You may sponsor specific articles or remit a small donation.
ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online to offset expense of the writing useful articles about urology. Slide extra posters into DeuPair Frames without removing from the wall.
ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online. You may remit a small donation.
You can support the writing of useful articles about urology by sponsoring specific articles or remitting a small donation. Visible content is optimized for device size.
