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Fertility journal · reviewed by a doctor
Post-Ejaculation Urine Test: Why and How
A post-ejaculation urine test checks a urine sample passed straight after orgasm for sperm. Finding sperm confirms retrograde ejaculation, where semen flows back into the bladder. At Jananam Fertility Centre, Chennai, it is done when a semen analysis shows low or no volume, and sperm found in urine can sometimes be used for IUI or ICSI.
Key takeaways
- A post-ejaculation urine test looks for sperm in urine passed straight after orgasm.
- Sperm in that urine confirms retrograde ejaculation, where semen goes back into the bladder instead of out.
- The test is usually asked for when a semen analysis shows very low volume or no semen.
- Retrograde ejaculation is treatable, and sperm recovered from urine can sometimes be used for IUI or ICSI.
How is a post-ejaculation urine test done?
You pass urine first, then produce a semen sample by masturbation into a clean container. Straight after, you pass urine into a second container. The lab spins the urine down and looks at it under a microscope for sperm. The test is private, painless and takes a few minutes of your time. [CONFIRM: preparation instructions, for example a medicine to make the urine less acidic or drinking water beforehand]
What are the signs of retrograde ejaculation?
The orgasm feels normal, but little or no semen comes out. Urine passed afterwards may look cloudy. Common causes include diabetes, prostate or bladder neck surgery, some medicines for the prostate, blood pressure or mood, and nerve injury. Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own; ask the doctor who prescribed it.
What happens after the result?
If sperm are found, the doctor looks for the cause and checks for diabetes. A medicine can sometimes help the bladder neck close so semen comes out normally. If not, sperm can be recovered from urine for IUI or ICSI. If no sperm are found in semen or urine, further tests look at sperm production and the tubes that carry sperm.
When to call us
- Your semen report shows very low volume, or no semen at all.
- You have orgasms with little or no semen, or cloudy urine afterwards.
- You have diabetes or have had prostate or bladder surgery and you are trying for a baby.
- You have been told to have ICSI or surgery before anyone has checked your urine.
Low volume on your report? Let's find out why.
Men are seen privately, and the first message can come from you alone. A real person from our team replies on WhatsApp during clinic hours (Mon to Sat, 9am to 5pm. Sunday closed.).