Retrograde Ejaculation and Infection

[52gt]

Can retrograde ejaculation that is the result of surgery to reduce prostate
lead to chronic infection?  I have had prostate reduction surgery 3 years ago and I have felt ill
for most of that time.  I have been on long courses of antibiotics multiple times
that seem to help for periods of time.  I have no sex partner during this time,
so no STDs, but I notice that periods of frequent masturbation seem to coincide
with symptoms.

Symptoms are feeling sick,  sweating and pain in right side.  My GP says
the pain can be caused by prostate problem referring pain to kidney.

I have been evaluated for gall bladder problems.  A general surgeon that
performed a hiatal  hernia repair  8 years ago (and father of the prostate surgeon)
did ultra sound and says gall bladder is distended , but he is in no  
hurry to surgery to remove unless I want to.  

I am concerned that the gall bladder could well be the problem, but I don't want
surgery for no reason.  So I guess I am asking if this retrograde ejaculation
could be causing a chronic infection as a result of semen someow backing up and not flushing out correctly.

[Dr Smitha Mathews]

Hi,

It would be a good idea to plan and schedule a cholecystectomy (gall bladder surgery) that is elective. The advantages are that the surgery can be done laparoscopically with minimal or no complications.

A gall bladder that is inflammed or infected and has not received adequate attention in time can develop complications such as fibrosis or adhesions to surrounding structures which make it difficult to free the structure during an emergency surgery. There will be associated complications with this and response to the surgery may not be optimal.

A stent would be placed for effective drainage of the bile into the duodenum.

It is also possible that there could be gallstones that are causing the pain especially if the pain is appearing after a heavy meal or is associated with food intake.

Retrograde ejaculation can also be attributable to any prostate-specific medications you might be taking for your prostate and should subside once you stop these medications for a short time.

Undergoing surgery for the gall bladder is your call and your urologist would have no conflict with your choice, if you are in a physical condition to undergo surgery.

Regards

[52gt]

Thanks for the response.  No shoulder pain related to this.  The right side pain just slightly to the back rather than the front where I understand gall bladder pain would be.  I am also having sharp
knife like pain just behind the solar plexus.  The only time in my life
(I'm 51) that I have had this pain was when my stomach had herniated
fully into my chest.  After that repair in 2001 I have had no such problems at all until recently.

The surgeon that did the repair recently did ultra sound and CT and said the hernia was slight again and the gall bladder distended and
a kidney cyst,  Other docs have seen the cyst as well.  Several docs
have told me that none of these things really need attention or are causing my symptoms.  

I m convinced something is wrong and worried it will turn into an emergency if I don't do something.
Only my internist of 15 years believes me, but she is somewhat alternative and believes  in chronic infection as cause of many problems.  Only now do I believe her because of my symptoms.
The urologist  (son of the hernia surgeon) does not think this can be
prostate related.  

I am comfortable with both of these docs because I know the one
repaired a severe hernia that was missed by to GI docs.  And both
have served other family members well also.  

I've become worried that I may have more than one thing going
on and that it won't get figured out.

I think the prostate situation could be source of chronic infection,
but internist has given be so many antibiotics over the last 3 years
that one doc called her a criminal.

I think gall bladder may be causing some problems.

I think the sharp stomach pain may be that the hernia has acted up again.

I am tempted to do the gall bladder surgery just so he than can
have a look around that the hernia repair and the kidney.
Do you think this is a dumb idea to agree to gall bladder surgery so
I can get a look around?  The hernia was done with laproscope
and it was really a very easy recovery.  Mom just had gall bladder removed by same doc with no problems.

Also, what specifically could I say to the son of the team (urologist)
to take me seriously about the potential of prostate infection being the main culprit here.

[Dr Smitha Mathews]

Hi,

Have you noticed whether the pain also spreads to your right shoulder?

It is possible that an infection and inflammation of the gall bladder (cholecystitis) could be causing pain in the right side of the abdomen. The pain might present with a stabbing character on deep inspiration.
Even if the problem is by cholecystitis, it can be managed by conservative medical therapy for a short while.
However, surgical removal of the gall bladder would be the most apt management in the long term. Surgery can be done laparoscopically in the initial stages. Surgical intervention after the development of complications is usually more extensive.

Yes, retrograde ejaculation acn cause repeated infections. If the pain is in the right side of your back, it could also have infected your kidney. This becomes serious especially with the manifestation of systemic symptoms such as feeling sick and sweating.
You can ask your urologist for medications to strengthen the sphincter tone so as to prevent retrograde ejaculation.

Drinking fluids in excess of 2000 ml per day will definitely help avoid infections.
You can also increase intake of citrus juices and avoid caffeine and alcohol.

DO keep us posted on your doubts and progress.
Regards

[helderfilipe]

i am taking prostate medication and i had two Retrograde ejaculation which was very weird,,,but my question is this: what happens happens to the semen that goes to the bladder if you dont have a gall bladder? and does medication for prostate will effect Retrograde ejaculation? thanks dr smitha