A post-ejaculation urinalysis or PEU is a test performed to check the presence of sperm in the urine, which is caused by a condition called retrograde ejaculation. In retrograde ejaculation, the semen flows back to the bladder instead of flowing out through the urinary meatus at the moment of ejaculation.

Ejaculation is the ejection of semen out of the urethra. Under normal circumstances, ejaculation propels semen forward through a man’s urethra and out the tip of his penis. This is caused by the contraction of the sphincter at the entrance to the bladder. However, retrograde ejaculation refers to the condition wherein the semen travels backwards into the bladder because of the dysfunction of the sphincter mentioned above.

For the test, the individual is required to abstain from ejaculation for 2-7 days before the procedure – and the specimen of the semen is collected at the hospital. The individual must urinate without emptying the bladder fully and wait for 30 minutes post urination to provide the specimen. Once the ejaculation is completed, another urine sample ought to be collected in a sterile container with the culture medium.

The urine and seminal samples are sent out for chemical, physical, and microscopic examination. Should the urine sample show signs of sperms, it is concluded to be retrograde ejaculation.

Retrograde ejaculation is not required to be treated unless it is causing a challenge with childbearing. Firstly, the condition’s cause is to be determined, following which the doctor will prescribe the necessary course of treatment. Medical management should be sufficient if the patient suffers from nerve damage caused by diabetes, multiple sclerosis, certain surgeries, and other conditions and treatments.