What is retrograde ejaculation?

Retrograde ejaculation refers to a condition where semen is directed into the bladder instead of the urethra during ejaculation. This occurs when the bladder neck does not close properly, allowing sperm to flow backward into the bladder instead of being expelled through the penis. As a result, when a urine sample is collected after such an event, it may contain sperm that originated from the recent ejaculation, but the patient may not be aware of this happening.

This condition can lead to various concerns, including fertility issues, as the sperm does not exit the body in the typical manner. The other options do not accurately describe retrograde ejaculation; they point to different aspects of ejaculation or ejaculation volume but do not encapsulate the unique physiological process involved in retrograde ejaculation itself.