- With Mayo Clinic endocrinologist
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Dr. Todd Nippoldt is a board-certified specialist in internal medicine and endocrinology and metabolism. He has special expertise in the area of hormone disorders affecting the pituitary and adrenal glands as well as the testes and ovaries. He has been a member of the Mayo Clinic staff since 1988.
Dr. Nippoldt is a consultant in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition and works with patients who have disorders of the hormone-producing glands. Common disorders include diabetes, thyroid problems, osteoporosis and elevated cholesterol levels.
He also is involved in andrology, the study of male hormonal disorders, male infertility and sexual dysfunction and is an assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.
Dr. Nippoldt, a St. Paul, Minn., native, has also contributed to "Mayo Clinic Health Letter," a Mayo Clinic CD-ROM and the "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book." He is a fellow in the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Andrology, The Endocrine Society, The Pituitary Society and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.
"I have found that those patients who have gone to the Internet and obtained accurate medical information come to their appointment with me very well informed, and the discussions regarding the evaluation and management of their condition are very productive and satisfying," he says.
"The key, however, is obtaining accurate medical information. As a medical editor for MayoClinic.com, I hope to be able to ensure that accurate, relevant and up-to-date information is available for patients and their families."
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Question
Dry orgasm: What causes orgasm without ejaculation?
I often have dry orgasms with no discharge of semen. Should I be concerned?
Answer
from Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
A dry orgasm — an orgasm with no discharge of semen — can have many causes. It is typically not a health concern, although it can impair fertility.
Causes of dry orgasm include:
- Retrograde ejaculation. In this condition, semen is forced back into the bladder instead of out through the penis. Causes of retrograde ejaculation include diabetes, damage or injury to the prostate such as due to prostate surgery, and certain medications, such as alpha blockers used to treat enlarged prostate.
- Surgical removal of the prostate (prostatectomy).
- Surgical removal of the bladder (cystectomy).
- Radiation therapy directed at the pelvic area, such as for prostate cancer.
If you're concerned about having dry orgasms or if you are experiencing pain associated with dry orgasms, consult a urologist for an evaluation. When possible, treatment is directed at the underlying cause. If the cause of dry orgasm is retrograde ejaculation and infertility is an issue, it may be possible to retrieve sperm from the urine following orgasm for use in artificial insemination.
