How Do You Know If Sperm Is in You? Is It Normal For It to Leak Out?
Medically reviewed by Soma Mandal, MDMedically reviewed by Soma Mandal, MDWhile often used interchangeably, semen and sperm are not the same thing.Semen is a thick, whitish fluid that is expelled from the penis during ejaculation. Semen contains seminal fluid and sperm.Sperm are microscopic cells which combine with fluids to make semen. There are millions of sperm in each ejaculation of semen. Conception happens when one sperm fertilizes an egg, which leads to pregnancy if the fertilized egg implants in the uterine wall.It is not possible to feel sperm entering the vagina or moving within the uterus and fallopian tubes, but it is often noticeable when semen has entered the vagina.This article will discuss what semen looks like when it released (ejaculated), signs there may be sperm inside you, and other issues concerning semen leakage, discharge, and pregnancy.
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Gendering LanguageThis article is discussing penis-in-vagina intercourse. Much of the research on this subject uses binary, cisgender male and cisgender female language.Verywell Health recognizes that reproductive organs and functions are not the same as gender, and that this anatomy and these functions, including penis-in-vagina intercourse, can be experienced by individuals of any gender.
What Semen Looks Like When It Comes Out of a PersonSemen is typically whitish, gray, or off-white at the time of ejaculation. This color comes from the fluid made by the prostate gland and seminal vesicles, rather than from its sperm contents.At ejaculation, semen forms a gel-like consistency to help protect the sperm from the environment in the vagina, which is acidic, and to help sperm travel to the fallopian tubes. Within 20 to 30 minutes, the enzymes in the semen from the prostate gland cause the semen to liquefy. This process happens whether the semen is inside the vagina or outside the body.The fluid that exits the penis before ejaculation, called pre-ejaculatory fluid (sometimes referred to as "precum") is colorless and mucus-like.Sexually explicit entertainment material (such as pornographic movies) often uses camera angles and other strategies to make it seem like a lot of semen is present with an ejaculation. In reality, the average volume of semen expelled with each ejaculation is between 1.25 to 5 milliliters (mL), equal to one-quarter of a teaspoon to 1 teaspoon.Signs You May Have Sperm Inside YouSperm are much too small to be felt in the body or seen without a microscope. Semen is more noticeable. Some people can feel the sensation of semen entering their vagina.If semen has entered your vagina, you may notice a sticky liquid leaking out of the vaginal opening. The fluid may be more watery than semen that has just been ejaculated as it gradually begins to liquefy. Most of this seminal fluid leaves the vagina within 12 to 14 hours after intercourse.Semen looks the same at ejaculation and with liquefaction, whether or not sperm is present. Unless viewed under a microscope, semen from a person who has had a vasectomy (a procedure that blocks sperm from combining with the seminal fluid and being ejaculated) is not distinguishable from semen that contains sperm.It is not always obvious that semen has entered your vagina, particularly if it is a small amount. Generally, if you have had a penis-in-vagina intercourse without a condom, and your partner ejaculated (usually with an orgasm), semen has entered your vagina.Semen (and by extension, sperm) can also enter your vagina in situations such as:Leaking from a condom: Typically this happens when the penis is removed from the vagina after it has gone soft from ejaculation and the condom becomes loose.Condom hole, tear, or breakage: Semen or precum can leak through a condom that is not fully intact. Condoms may break in situations such as the condom getting caught on something like nails or teeth (which should not be used to open condom wrappers), friction from not enough lubrication, or using oil-based lube (like coconut oil), which can break down the condom material.The withdrawal (or the "pull-out" method) is used: The idea behind this is to remove the unprotected penis from the vagina before ejaculation. Sometimes, the timing is off and ejaculation begins before the penis is fully removed. Precum, which is released during arousal before ejaculation, can also contain small amounts of sperm, which can lead to pregnancy. Precum is released without an orgasm, so it isn't obvious it has come out of the penis.Unprotected anal sex: Penis-in-anus sex does not directly lead to pregnancy, but if semen leaks out of the anus and enters the vagina, pregnancy is possible.Vaginal exposure to semen: Semen that is on hands, objects, etc., can be transferred into the vagina upon contact. If You Have Experienced a Sexual AssaultIf you have experienced a sexual assault, go to the hospital emergency room as soon as possible, where you can receive medication to help prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and unwanted pregnancy, and where evidence of the assault can be collected.If you are unsure where to go or what to do, or if you want some support, the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) can help.
Is Sperm Leakage Normal After Sex?Semen leakage from the vagina after penis-in-vagina sex is very normal. Some of the sperm swim up through the cervix into the uterus and fallopian tubes. The seminal fluid, including some sperm, that is leftover makes its way out of the vaginal opening, typically within 12 to 14 hours after sex.What Exactly Leaks Out After Sex?About 90% of semen is composed of fluid from the:Seminal vesiclesProstateBulbourethral glandsSperm accounts for a small fraction of the semen composition.Semen is a complex mixture of components such as:CarbohydratesImmune and glandular cellsLipidsMineralsMucusNucleic acidsOrganic acidsPeptide and steroid hormonesProteins (over 2,000)SaltsUrogenital microbial floraVitaminsAfter ejaculation in the vagina, the sperm with the greatest motility travel through the cervix, into the uterus, and towards the fallopian tubes to search for the egg. The seminal plasma (the combination of seminal fluids in semen) is left behind in the vagina, and works its way out through the vaginal opening.Could Semen Leakage Make It More Difficult to Get Pregnant?Sperm begins to enter the fallopian tubes minutes after ejaculation. Healthy sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days.Semen leaking after sex does not prevent pregnancy.Some people consider douching after sex to try to remove sperm and prevent pregnancy, but this is not advised because:It does not prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).It can increase the risk of STIs, including HIV.It can lead to infection.It can increase the risk of damaged fallopian tubes and ectopic pregnancy.If you have had unprotected penis-in-vagina sex, and you want to prevent pregnancy, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about emergency contraception within 72 hours of sex. Normal Vaginal DischargeIt is normal to experience vaginal discharge before, during, and after sex. These fluids may include:Cervical fluid helps protect and move sperm toward the uterus and fallopian tubes. Its consistency changes depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle, from dry/not present during and after your period, then sticky and rubbery, then very wet/creamy/white (fertile), and then slippery/stretchy/clear/like uncooked egg whites (very fertile).Arousal fluid is clear, wet, moist, slippery fluid produced by glands in and around the vagina in response to sexual stimulation. It helps lubricate the vagina for intercourse. It usually dissipates within an hour.Female ejaculate is a few milliliters of thick fluid from the paraurethral glands.Squirting liquid is a transurethral expulsion of about 10 mL or more of transparent fluid, similar to urine, and expelled by the urinary bladder.
How to Tell If Your Discharge Could Point to an STISome STIs can cause vaginal discharge.ChlamydiaChlamydia is a bacterial infection, treated with antibiotics.It can cause symptoms such as:Yellow or green discharge from the vaginaPain while urinatingItching around the vaginaPain in the lower abdomenBleeding between periodsGonorrheaGonorrhea is a bacterial infection, treated with antibiotics.It can cause symptoms such as:More discharge than usualWhite, yellow, green, or bloody vaginal dischargePain when urinatingHeavy bleeding during periodBleeding between periodsFeverSore throatTrichomoniasisTrichomoniasis is a parasitic infection, treated with antibiotics.It can cause symptoms such as:Heavy, greenish-yellow, frothy/bubbly vaginal dischargePain when urinating or having sexRedness, itching, and/or burning in the genital areaSome infections that are not sexually transmitted can also cause vaginal discharge.Bacterial Vaginosis (Gardnerella)Bacterial vaginosis is an overgrowth of certain bacteria in the vagina.Can cause symptoms such as:Thin, white vaginal dischargeA foul/fishy-smelling vaginal dischargeMay or may not cause itching or painDoes not always have symptomsYeast Infection (Vaginal Yeast)A yeast infection is an overgrowth of Candida albicans.It can cause symptoms such as:Vaginal discharge that is often thick and whiteItching, redness, and/or pain in the vaginal areaSometimes, pain while urinatingWhen to Contact a Healthcare ProviderContact a healthcare provider if you have:Symptoms of an STI (such as vaginal discharge, itching, or pain)Pain or burning while urinatingRectal discharge or pusPainful tiny blisters in the genital areaHad oral, vaginal, or anal sex with someone who has or is suspected of having an STINo symptoms, but are worried you might have an STIA need for emergency contraception pillsMissed your period and/or think you may be pregnantAny questions or concernsWhen to Consider Taking a Pregnancy TestPregnancy is considered to start when a fertilized egg implants in the uterine lining (up to two to three weeks after sex).You can use emergency contraception medication up to five days after sex.If you have missed your period, you should consider taking a pregnancy test.You may also want to test if you have early pregnancy symptoms, such as:Tender and/or swollen breastsTirednessNausea and/or vomitingPeeing more oftenBloatingConstipationSummarySemen is a thick, whitish fluid that is expelled from the penis during ejaculation. It is mostly composed of seminal fluids, and contains sperm.Semen can enter the vagina through unprotected penis-in-vagina sex, or any other activity that introduces semen to the vagina (such as a broken condom or semen transferred from fingers). Precum may contain some sperm, making pregnancy possible even without ejaculation during unprotected sex.It is normal for semen to leak out of the vagina after sex, and this does not prevent pregnancy.Some STIs can cause vaginal discharge. Contact your healthcare provider if you have unusual discharge or other symptoms.Emergency contraception can be used up to five days after sex.Consider taking a pregnancy test after a missed period, if you have early pregnancy symptoms, or two to three weeks after unprotected sex. Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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