Post Ejaculatory Urinalysis

What is post-ejaculatory urinalysis?

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.

How is the test completed?

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.

What is the test result interpretation?

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.