The Sexual Response - The Male Response

The Response Cycle: An Observed Pattern, not a Norm

3. Orgasm

Retrograde Ejaculation
A special case is presented by a phenomenon known as retrograde ejaculation. In a few men, certain internal muscles operate in such a way that the semen is not ejaculated to the outside, but instead into the bladder from where it then later is passed off with the urine. From all external evidence these men do not seem to ejaculate at all. This condition can result from prostate surgery, but there are also some men who claim to be able to achieve this particular muscular reaction voluntarily and use it as a means of contraception.

Left: For a regular ejaculation, muscle A closes and muscle B opens, making it possible for the semen to be propelled through the urethra to the outside. Right: In a retrograde ejaculation, muscle A opens and muscle B closes, making it impossible for the semen to be propelled through the urethra to the outside. Instead, it is ejaculated into the urinary bladder.