Retrograde Ejaculation—a Commonly Unspoken Aspect of Prostatectomy for Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

Abstract

The vast majority of men undergoing prostatectomy experience permanent retrograde ejaculation (RE). While newer, selective techniques of prostatectomy result in lower rates of RE by preserving the innervation to the urethra, the vast majority of men undergoing the classical techniques experience permanent RE due to destruction of the natural mechanisms preventing backflow of the ejaculate into the urinary bladder. A review of online information available to men reveals a lack of information on the importance of RE and explanation of the methods used for prostatectomy. This review provides evidence that the true effects of RE in men can be serious. With the lack of studies aiming at the psychological effects of RE on men’s response, it is important for practicing family physicians and urologists to present RE as a serious adverse effect and not to trivialize it.