though results in INFERTILITYwhen all semen enters
the bladder. Analysis of the first urine after ejacu-
lation shows the presence of SPERM. That first
urine after ejaculation may also appear cloudy.
BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA (BPH), a non-
cancerous enlargement of the PROSTATE GLAND, is
the most common cause of retrograde ejaculation.
The prostate gland surrounds the neck of the blad-
der; in BPH the gland may compress the urethra
in such a way as to prevent the valve from prop-
erly functioning. Surgery to treat BPH or PROSTATE
CANCERmay permanently damage or remove the
valve. Retrograde ejaculation may also occur in
men who have DIABETES, particularly when BLOOD
GLUCOSE(sugar) regulation is poor. Some medica-
tions that affect smooth MUSCLEfunction may also
cause retrograde ejaculation. When the cause is a
medication SIDE EFFECT, ejaculation returns to nor-
mal when the man stops taking the medication.
When the cause is a health condition such as BPH
or diabetes, retrograde ejaculation is likely not
reversible.
See also FERTILITY; PROSTATE HEALTH; SEXUAL
HEALTH; URINARY TRACT INFECTION(UTI).336 The Reproductive System