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What to Do if Sperm Is Not Coming Out: An In-Depth Look into Male Fertility Issues

By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more

Key Highlights: 

  • Learn about symptoms related to male infertility 
  • Understand when it’s necessary to visit a doctor regarding male fertility issues 
  • Recognize common causes of ejaculation issues. 
  • Discover how male fertility issues are diagnosed and  managed 
  • Find ways to cope with fertility problems in men 

Introduction 

Male infertility is a complex condition. It affects many men worldwide. A lot of people feel shy or embarrassed to discuss their reproductive health. One such problem is when sperm doesn’t exit during an orgasm, known in simpler terms as “dry orgasms.” The causes range from physical to mental factors. Understanding the underlying causes and available management options may make a big difference in resolving these problems. It may also help you maintain a satisfying sexual life. 

In this article, we’ll talk about the signs of fertility problems for men. We’ll look at what to do if sperm is not coming out, different types of ejaculation issues. We’ll discuss when a visit to the doctor might be needed. We’ll delve into the possible causes of ejaculation problems. We’ll explore how these conditions are diagnosed and managed. We’ll also talk about ways to cope with these issues. Lastly, we’ll answer some common questions about male fertility. 

what to do if sperm is not coming out

Did you know?

  • Endocrine factors, including thyroid hormone levels and testosterone levels, can affect ejaculation. Hyperthyroidism is associated with shorter ejaculatory time, while hypothyroidism is associated with delayed ejaculation. source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  • Psychosocial factors, including relationship stress and conflict, can contribute to delayed ejaculation. source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  • Damage to pelvic nerves or spinal cord injuries can result in delayed ejaculation. source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  • Obesity is associated with male infertility, as it can negatively impact sperm quality and hormone levels. source: NIDDK
  • Treatment options for male infertility include lifestyle changes, medication, surgery, and assisted reproductive techniques. source: American Pregnancy Association
  • Smoking tobacco can significantly reduce sperm count and motility, leading to male infertility. source: National Institute on Drug Abuse

Symptoms of Fertility Issues 

The main sign of infertility crops up when a man has trouble ejaculating or when ejaculation happens, but sperm doesn’t come out. Let’s understand the different signs and symptoms of ejaculation problems. 

Signs of ejaculatory problems 

Ejaculatory problems may present in a variety of ways. This includes dry orgasms and low semen volume. 

  • Dry orgasm 

Dry orgasms happen when a man reaches climax but doesn’t ejaculate any semen. This may cause stress for men who experience it, especially if they’re trying to have a baby. 

  • Low semen volume 

Low semen volume is another common problem related to ejaculation. Here, a man may release a much smaller amount of semen than normal during orgasm. This may make it hard to conceive a baby. 

In my opinion, if you’re experiencing a partial or total lack of sperm ejaculation, it’s advisable to determine the underlying cause and consult with a fertility specialist for more effective management. If the issue is linked to medication side effects, considering a switch to an alternative medication might be beneficial.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD

Other indications of fertility problems 

In addition to conditions related to ejaculation, other signs may indicate fertility problems as follows. 

  • Pain during ejaculation 

Pain during ejaculation is when a man feels pain or discomfort while ejaculating. This calls for a detailed examination by a healthcare professional. 

  • Blood in semen 

If you see blood in your semen, it could signal a serious issue. This might be causing fertility problems or other health concerns. If this happens to you, see a doctor right away to identify the cause. 

When to See a Doctor 

It’s important to know when to seek help for fertility concerns. 

Identifying the right time to seek professional help 

If you have constant or worrisome symptoms, you should see a healthcare professional. 

Persistent symptoms 

If you’re having dry orgasms, low semen volume, pain during ejaculation, or blood in your semen, on one or more occasions, see a healthcare provider right away. 

Trying to conceive without success 

If you and your partner have been trying to have a baby for over a year with no luck, see an infertility specialist or a gynecologist. 

Prior surgeries or medical conditions 

If you’ve had surgeries or have health conditions that might affect fertility, see a healthcare provider. 

Common Causes of Ejaculation Issues 

There are several factors behind ejaculation issues in men. This includes things like retrograde ejaculation and medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes. 

  • Retrograde ejaculation 

Retrograde ejaculation is when the semen travels backward into the bladder instead of forward through the penis during orgasm. This is usually harmless but can cause infertility in men. 

Studies indicate that for less severe cases of sperm ejaculation issues resulting from muscle tone problems, treatment options like modifying medications or using drugs to improve muscle tone may be considered. However, in more serious cases involving significant nerve or muscle damage, finding a solution may be challenging. In such situations, seeking guidance from a fertility specialist may offer hope for individuals desiring to become fathers.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Definition and understanding 

In a normal climax, the urinary bladder muscles contract to stop semen from entering the bladder. If these muscles don’t work right, semen can go backward into the bladder. This results in little or no semen getting ejected during sexual climax. 

Risk factors 

Several factors may raise the risk of retrograde ejaculation. This includes nerve damage from medical issues like diabetes, surgeries affecting the bladder and neck muscles (like prostate or bladder surgery), and certain medications used to treat high blood pressure, mood disorders, and prostate enlargement. 

Medical conditions 

Several health problems may cause ejaculation issues. This includes diabetes, spinal cord injuries, and complications from surgeries that affect the reproductive system. 

1. Diabetes and ejaculatory problems 

Poorly managed diabetes may damage the nerves in the long run. This affects the bladder muscles and may cause retrograde ejaculation. Studies have found that one-third of men with diabetes aged between 35 and 55 years face challenges with ejaculation. 

2. Spinal cord injury 

Spinal cord injuries may harm nerve roots that control the genitals and urinary tract, leading to retrograde ejaculation or other fertility issues. Between 17% and 29% of men with spinal cord injuries face retrograde ejaculation. 

3. Surgery and fertility issues 

Certain surgeries like transurethral prostate resection (TURP), or prostate removal (prostatectomy), may cause retrograde ejaculation. They may also affect semen production. 

4. Dysautonomia 

Dysautonomia, a condition of the automatic functions, may trigger various ejaculation problems in men. This includes retrograde ejaculation, premature ejaculation, and delayed ejaculation. 

Diagnosing Male Fertility Issues 

Doctors diagnose male infertility in different ways. These include taking a detailed medical history, performing a physical exam, and laboratory tests. 

1. Medical history 

A detailed medical history helps find likely causes of infertility. Details about past surgeries, chronic illnesses, and medications can provide important clues to what might be causing infertility. 

2. Physical examination 

A healthcare provider will do a physical exam to check overall health and reproductive system health. They’ll examine the genitals and check for nerve issues that could affect fertility. 

3. Laboratory tests 

Lab tests may include semen analysis and post-ejaculation urinalysis. These tests help tell if semen is going into the bladder instead of exiting through the penis (retrograde ejaculation). Lab tests may also find other causes that could impact semen formation and ejaculation. 

Management Options for Male Fertility Problems 

Management of male fertility issues may include drugs, surgery, deflux injections, and techniques like in-vitro fertilization (IVF), etc. 

1. Medications 

Medications may help manage fertility problems. These include drugs used to tighten bladder neck muscles or treat underlying medical conditions causing the problems. 

  • Types of drugs used 

Examples of medications used to treat retrograde ejaculation and other fertility issues include imipramine (an antidepressant), pseudoephedrine (a nose unblocker), and ephedrine (a drug for low blood pressure). These medications may help promote forward ejaculation by tightening the bladder neck muscles. These drugs are always prescribed by a healthcare professional and are to be always taken only under their guidance. 

  • Side effects and precautions 

Some medications may cause side effects like sleepiness, dizziness, and blurry vision. Make sure to discuss any possible side effects and needed precautions with your healthcare provider. 

2. Surgery 

In some cases, surgery might help with fertility issues. This could include reversing surgical procedures that affect fertility or it could involve assisting sperm extraction straight from the testicles. 

  • Reversing prior surgical procedures 

Some surgeries, like vasectomy reversal, aim to restore fertility. They do this by undoing the effects of past procedures. 

  • Assisting sperm extraction 

When other options don’t work, surgical methods may be used. These include testicular sperm aspiration (TESA), percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA), and testicular sperm extraction (TESE). These techniques retrieve sperm straight from the testicles or epididymis (the tube where sperm mature). This may then support assisted reproductive techniques (ART) like IVF or intrauterine insemination (IUI). 

3. Deflux injections 

Though still experimental, there is some evidence that deflux may help. Deflux is an injectable gel used to treat backflow into the bladder. It could help reverse retrograde ejaculation in some men. More research regarding this is needed. 

4. Infertility management methods 

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART), like IVF and IUI, may assist couples trying to conceive. They are useful when male fertility issues, like retrograde ejaculation or other ejaculatory problems, are present. 

5. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) 

IVF involves extracting an egg from the female partner, fertilizing it in a lab, and then placing the embryo into the womb. 

6. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) 

IUI involves injecting sperm straight into the female partner’s womb when she’s ovulating. This may boost the chances of getting pregnant. 

How to Keep Risk Factors for  Male Fertility Issues Under Check 

While not all fertility issues may be stoppable, certain measures may help keep your reproductive health in check. 

Factors to consider 

Getting regular check-ups, living a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding risky behaviors all may help maintain reproductive health. 

1. Regular check-ups 

Getting regular physical exams may help identify any health problems that could affect fertility early. 

2. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle 

Eating right, regular exercise, and stress management all may contribute to overall health and that may in turn help your reproductive health. 

3. Avoiding high-risk behaviors 

Keeping away from smoking, heavy drinking, and drug use lowers your risk of fertility problems. It also may promote overall health. 

4. Coping with Male Fertility Issues 

Dealing with fertility issues may impact men and their partners emotionally and psychologically. It’s crucial to seek support and counseling when needed. 

5. Emotional and psychological assistance 

Things like support groups, counseling services, and partner support may help deal with the emotional impact of fertility issues. 

6. Support groups 

Joining a support group may be a great resource. It lets you share experiences, talk about worries, and hear from others facing similar challenges. 

7. Counseling 

Getting professional counseling may help individuals and couples handle the emotional stress tied to fertility issues. It may also help them build effective coping strategies. 

8. Partner support 

Open and honest communication with your partner may offer vital emotional support. It may help both of you work together to deal with fertility issues. 

Also Read: Does Boric Acid Kill Sperm? Unraveling the Facts and Myths

Conclusion 

Spotting and tackling male fertility issues early on is key to managing issues like lack of sperm during orgasm. Being aware of the symptoms, causes, investigations, and management options is a great first step. It’s also crucial to take care of your overall health and well-being. Seek help when needed. This will help you deal with the complex world of male fertility issues in a better manner. It may also help you find a solution that fits your preferences and lifestyle. 

Grasping the value of early action, sharing symptoms with your healthcare provider, and making use of the many checks and management methods may greatly improve fertility. It may also boost the overall quality of life. Armed with this knowledge, individuals and couples affected by reproductive problems may find comfort, hope, and eventually, success on their journey to parenthood. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Why isn’t sperm coming out during ejaculation? 

Sperm might not come out during ejaculation due to multiple reasons. One possible condition is called retrograde ejaculation. Other factors could be specific medical conditions, surgeries, or medications. 

What is retrograde ejaculation and how is it treated? 

Retrograde ejaculation occurs when semen travels to the bladder instead of exiting from the penis during orgasm. This causes a dry orgasm. The management may include drugs to strengthen the bladder neck muscles. For couples hoping to get pregnant, options like IUI or IVF might be offered. 

How does diabetes affect male fertility? 

Poorly controlled diabetes can damage nerves. This affects the bladder neck muscles that stop semen from entering the bladder. This may lead to retrograde ejaculation, which in turn affects male fertility. 

What surgical procedures can cause male fertility problems? 

Procedures that might affect male fertility include transurethral prostate resection (TURP), prostate removal (prostatectomy), and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (used to treat testicular cancer). 

Can medications lead to ejaculation issues? 

Yes, some drugs may cause ejaculation problems like retrograde ejaculation. They include drugs used for high blood pressure, mood disorders, and prostate enlargement. 

How do assisted reproductive technologies help with fertility problems? 

Assisted reproductive technologies like IVF and IUI may assist couples looking to become parents. These techniques come into play when male fertility issues like retrograde ejaculation or other ejaculation problems exist. In these procedures, sperm is collected and then injected directly into the womb (IUI), or an egg is fertilized in a lab environment and implanted into the womb (IVF). 

Is it normal for sperm not to come out?

It’s not unusual for some men to experience situations where sperm doesn’t come out during ejaculation, which could be due to factors like retrograde ejaculation or blockages. However, consistent absence of ejaculation may indicate underlying medical concerns and should be discussed with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and guidance.

Does sperm come out after vasectomy?

After a vasectomy, sperm production continues but they are blocked from exiting the body through the vas deferens. Any sperm that were already present in the reproductive tract can be reabsorbed by the body over time, but no new sperm are released during ejaculation after the procedure.


Does smoking weed affect sperm?


Research suggests that smoking weed can have adverse effects on sperm health, potentially reducing sperm count, motility, and morphology. Chronic marijuana use may also impact fertility by disrupting hormone levels and affecting reproductive function.

Does coughing push sperm out?

Coughing generally doesn’t push sperm out, as sperm is located deeper in the reproductive tract. However, vigorous coughing might create some pressure in the pelvic region, potentially affecting semen retention temporarily.

Does alcohol affect sperm?

Yes, alcohol consumption can adversely affect sperm quality by reducing sperm count, motility, and morphology. Excessive or chronic alcohol intake may disrupt hormonal balance and impair reproductive function.

Why is sperm not coming out during intercourse?

There could be various reasons for this, including erectile dysfunction, low sperm count, hormonal imbalances, or blockages in the reproductive tract. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment

References: 

  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Retrograde ejaculation, painful ejaculation, and hematospermia [Internet]. [cited 2023 Sep 19]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5002007 
  1. ScienceDirect. ! There was a problem providing the content you requested [Internet]. [cited 2023 Sep 19]. Available from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214442016301759 
  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Transurethral microwave thermotherapy: how does it work? [Internet]. [cited 2023 Sep 19]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11083402 
  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Long-term evaluation of transurethral needle ablation of the prostate (TUNA) for treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia: clinical outcome up to five years from three centers [Internet]. [cited 2023 Sep 19]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12814680 
  1. National Health Service (NHS). Risks – Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) [Internet]. [cited 2023 Sep 19]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/transurethral-resection-of-the-prostate-turp/risks 

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