Men with long-term, uncontrolled diabetes can suffer nerve damage that causes a condition known as retrograde ejaculation — where semen is deposited into the urinary bladder instead of being ejaculated out the head of the penis. This happens because the small muscle that controls the passageway into the bladder becomes damaged and doesn't close as it should during climax, so sperm is rerouted into the bladder.

Some men may have reduced ejaculate as a result of this condition, while others may not ejaculate at all. The latter is referred to as dry climax. Retrograde ejaculation can be a cause of male infertility, and if it is caused by neuropathy it cannot be surgically corrected at this point in time.

If you have symptoms of the condition, you should talk to your doctor about a referral to a urologist. Couples who have trouble conceiving due to retrograde ejaculation should see a fertility specialist. Assisted reproduction may be a possibility by retrieving sperm through a bladder-washing procedure and using it to inseminate your partner artificially.