What to know about semen leakage

Medically reviewed by Kevin Martinez, M.D. — Written by Jayne Leonard on September 19, 2019

Semen leakage, which occurs when semen seeps out of the

penis, is a common occurrence. Semen is a whitish fluid that
contains sperm. It often leaks out during sexual activity,
regardless of whether ejaculation occurs.

Some people may also experience semen leakage while asleep or after
urination. Occasionally, it can signal an underlying health condition that
requires treatment.

In this article, we discuss common causes of semen leakage, potential

treatment options, and when to see a doctor.

Causes

Semen leakage may occur at certain times or as a result of an underlying

medical condition.

In the sections below, we list some potential causes.

During sexual arousal

Semen leakage may occur during sexual arousal, after urination, and during
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sleep.

Some semen may leak out during periods of sexual arousal.

For example, semen leakage may occur during any type of sexual activity or
while having sexual thoughts. Leakage may also occur just before or just after
ejaculation.

Another fluid, called pre-ejaculatory fluid, may also leak during sexual activity.
Pre-ejaculatory fluid is also known as precum.

This fluid may sometimes contain sperm, which is why it is important to use a
condom or another form of contraception to prevent unintended pregnancy.

Learn more about precum and pregnancy here

After urination

Leakage after urination may occur if semen remains in the urethra after
ejaculation. Sometimes, this can mix with the urine, which causes the urine to
appear cloudy.

Semen leakage after ejaculation is not a cause for concern. However, not all
discharge from the penis is semen.

Discharge may indicate the presence of a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

It may also indicate urinary incontinence, or unintentional urine loss.

During sleep

Adolescents and younger adults commonly experience semen leakage during

sleep, although it can affect males of any age.

Known as nocturnal emissions, or wet dreams, these nighttime leakages

occur when dreams cause sexual arousal. Contact with bedding or clothing
may also cause arousal and subsequent ejaculation of semen.

Learn more about wet dreams here.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis refers to inflammation of the prostate gland, which is a small gland

between the bladder and the penis. The prostate produces semen.

Prostatitis is the most common urinary tract issue for males under 50, and the
third most common for those over 50. It can cause the following symptoms:

 discharge from the penis that can look like semen

 pain in the genital area, lower abdomen, or lower back
 painful, urgent, or frequent urination
 flu-like symptoms

If prostatitis lasts for at least 3 months or recurs frequently, it is known as

chronic prostatitis. It can cause erectile dysfunction, painful ejaculation, and
other sexual problems.

Nervous system injury

The nervous system is the complex network of nerves and cells that transmits
messages between the brain and other parts of the body. It controls all of the
body’s functions, including ejaculation.

Damage to the nervous system may cause semen leakage or other changes
in ejaculation.

Injuries and serious medical conditions that can cause nervous system
damage include:

 injury to the head or spinal cord

 brain tumor
 exposure to poisons, such as carbon monoxide or heavy metals
 degenerative conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple
sclerosis
 infections in the brain or around the brain and spinal cord
  drug or alcohol misuse
 diabetes
 Guillain–Barré syndrome
 nutritional deficiencies, such as a vitamin B-12 deficiency

A side effect of medication

Taking certain medications can cause changes to ejaculation. For example,

some drugs can result in semen leakage, a lack of sexual desire, or erectile
dysfunction.

Examples of such medications include:

 selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which are a class

of antidepressants
 mood stabilizers
 hormone treatments

Prostate cancer

Cancer is another condition that affects the prostate gland. After skin

cancer and lung cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among
males. It affects approximately 1 in every 9 males at some point in their lives.

In the early stages, prostate cancer may not cause any symptoms. As it
progresses, however, symptoms may include:

 changes in semen and ejaculation

 difficulty urinating
 blood in the semen
 pelvic discomfort
 erectile dysfunction
Although prostate cancer is a serious condition that requires medical
treatment, the American Cancer Society report that most males with prostate
cancer do not die from it.

It is important for people to seek treatment if they experience any of the

symptoms listed above.

When to see a doctor

A person should speak to their doctor if they experience pain during

ejaculation or urination.

Semen leakage during certain activities is normal. However, frequent or

excessive leakage may cause distress. People who have concerns about
semen leakage, or other aspects of sexual functioning, can speak to their
doctor.

They will be able to provide reassurance and support. They can also
investigate any concerns a person may have and prescribe treatments where
necessary.

If semen leakage is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, it is a

good idea to see a doctor for further investigation:

 pain during ejaculation or urination

 semen that is bloody or smelly or has an unusual appearance
 changes in ejaculation or sexual functioning

Treatment options

Treatment for semen leakage depends on the underlying cause.

During sexual arousal

Semen leakage during sexual arousal is normal and common. It does not
require any treatment.

If excessive amounts of fluid leak out and this causes discomfort or

embarrassment, a doctor may recommend medication.

After urination

Semen leakage after urination is common for some males. If the leakage is as
a result of an STI or urinary incontinence, however, treatment can help.

A doctor will typically treat an STI with antibiotics or other medications. People

should not attempt to treat an STI with home remedies, nor should they avoid
seeking treatment. Without treatment, STIs can cause serious complications.

Treatment for urinary incontinence includes:

 pelvic floor exercises

 bladder training techniques
 medications

Learn more about how to cope with urinary incontinence here.

During sleep

No treatment is necessary for wet dreams, as they are a natural occurrence.

They typically become less frequent after adolescence.

If wet dreams are causing distress or discomfort, the following tips may reduce
or prevent them from occurring:

 practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation, before bed

 discussing dreams with a psychotherapist
 masturbating before going to sleep
Prostatitis

The treatment options for prostatitis depend on the underlying cause.

If prostatitis is due to a bacterial infection, a doctor will prescribe antibiotics.

Other medications for prostatitis include muscle relaxants and anti-
inflammatory drugs.

Home remedies can also relieve some discomfort from prostatitis. Examples
include:

 drinking plenty of water

 taking warm baths
 avoiding prolonged periods of sitting
 not consuming things that may irritate the bladder, such as citrus fruits,
alcohol, and caffeine

Nervous system injury

Treatment for semen leakage resulting from a nervous system injury depends
on the cause of the damage.

In most cases, people will require a combination of medicine, lifestyle

changes, and other interventions.

A side effect of medication

People who experience changes in sexual function as a result of taking

prescription medications should speak to their doctor. There may be
alternative treatments available that do not cause semen leakage.

However, it is important to balance the benefits of medication with any

adverse reactions that occur. Never stop taking a prescription medication
without first seeking medical advice.
Prostate cancer

To reduce the risk of prostate cancer, a person can follow a healthful diet.

The treatment options for cancer of the prostate depend on how fast the
cancer is growing, how much it has spread, and the person’s general health.

Treatment options for prostate cancer include:

 active monitoring of the condition to see how much it progresses

 chemotherapy
 hormone treatment
 radiation therapy
 surgery

Article Link: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326393#treatment