The human reproductive system plays a significant role in a person’s life and society in general. It is a factor for humans to populate and as a means of hormone regulation that helps differentiate a woman and a man. There can be many problems that may affect the reproductive system. With many problems, it also comes with many treatments or solutions. In this article, we will be learning more about electroejaculation and its side effects.
Electroejaculation may seem like a new treatment but it has been around for decades. It is a technique used to stimulate ejaculation in men with neurologic impairments such as from traumatic spinal cord injury or any conditions that affect sperm ejaculation. This is usually done as a result of not responding to penile vibratory stimulation. A penile vibratory stimulation is a procedure initially done to help a man ejaculate by using a mechanical vibrator that is placed at the base of the penis. Both electroejaculation and penile vibratory stimulation can be considered as tool or procedure used by healthcare providers to obtain motile sperm from the ejaculation and is used for conception or assisted reproductive techniques via artificial insemination or in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
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Electroejaculation is typically performed under general anaesthesia but in some cases may not need anaesthesia such as in men with complete spinal cord injury. It is performed by placing a catheter into the bladder to empty the bladder of urine. Then, medication will be injected through the catheter to enter the bladder. This is done to help create a favourable environment for the sperm and avoid the sperm from ejaculating backwards into the bladder. A stimulator device in the shape of a probe that has been lubricated will be inserted in the rectum via the anus. The device is then positioned next to the prostate gland. Finally, an electrical charge is generated to stimulate nerves that are responsible for ejaculation. This may be repeated in cycle with mild to intense electric current until ejaculation is achieved. The seminal fluid and sperm will be collected by using the catheter or in a specimen cub. Last but not least, the catheter and the stimulation device is then removed.
Specimens are evaluated under microscope for presence of the sperm. Immediate semen analysis is performed to check for volume and quality of sperm. In cases of no sperm being obtained from electroejaculation, a person may be recommended to undergo testicular sperm extraction via testicular biopsy to collect sperm directly through the testicles. Since it is a surgery, pain and discomfort may be felt following a successful surgery. Doctors will prescribe pain medication to help alleviate the discomfort. Using ice packs can help to further alleviate symptoms especially the first few days. It is best to protect the genital and buttock area by avoiding taking bath in submerged water, making sure the area is dry by gentle pat with towel, wearing supportive underwear and avoiding heavy lifting plus sexual activity until the next appointment or follow-up.
Although electroejaculation is a procedure that aims to help patients, it does come with potential side effects. Common side effects include rectal mucosal abrasion due to injury by the procedure and minimal autonomic dysreflexia such as sudden spike of blood pressure, slow heart rate, headache, sweating, anxiety and blurred vision. Fret not, healthcare providers will let you know what to do and make sure you are well prepared for the electroejaculation procedure. Any enquiries regarding the procedure should be addressed to the healthcare provider. Should there be any problems occurring before or after the procedure, discuss it with your healthcare provider. In essence, electroejaculation is a safe, effective and simple procedure to obtain sperm with very minimal potential side effects.
