While often used interchangeably, semen and sperm are not the same thing.
Semenis a thick, whitish fluid that is expelled from the penis duringejaculation.
Semen contains seminal fluid and sperm.
PhotoAlto/Frederic Cirou / Getty Images
Spermare microscopic cells which combine with fluids to make semen.
PhotoAlto/Frederic Cirou / Getty Images
Gendering Language
This article is discussing penis-in-vagina intercourse.
Much of the research on this subject uses binary, cisgender male and cisgender female language.
This process happens whether the semen is inside the vagina or outside the body.
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.
It is not always obvious that semen has entered your vagina, particularly if it is a small amount.
Is Sperm Leakage Normal After Sex?
Semen leakage from the vagina afterpenis-in-vagina sex is very normal.
Some of the sperm swim up through the cervix into the uterus and fallopian tubes.
What Exactly Leaks Out After Sex?
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 notprevent pregnancy.
Normal Vaginal Discharge
It is normal to experience vaginal discharge before, during, and after sex.
Chlamydia
Chlamydiais a bacterial infection, treated with antibiotics.
It can cause symptoms such as:
Gonorrhea
Gonorrheais a bacterial infection, treated with antibiotics.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasisis a parasitic infection, treated with antibiotics.
Some infections that are not sexually transmitted can also cause vaginal discharge.
Bacterial Vaginosis (Gardnerella)
Bacterial vaginosisis an overgrowth of certain bacteria in the vagina.
Can cause symptoms such as:
Yeast Infection (Vaginal Yeast)
Ayeast infectionis an overgrowth ofCandida albicans.
you’ve got the option to useemergency contraceptionmedication up to five days after sex.
If you have missed your period, you should considertaking a pregnancy test.
It is mostly composed of seminal fluids, and contains sperm.
Precum may contain some sperm, makingpregnancypossible even without ejaculation during unprotected sex.
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.
International Society for Sexual Medicine.Should men be concerned about watery semen?
Does it affect their fertility?
Planned Parenthood.How pregnancy happens.
International Society for Sexual Medicine.What factors determine semen volume?
UNC School of Medicine.Cervical mucus monitoring.
I’m worried some semen leaked out of the base of the condom and into my vagina.
Planned Parenthood.Is it possible for sperm to leak through a condom?
Nemours KidsHealth.Can you get pregnant from pre-ejaculate?
University of New Mexico.Can I get pregnant from…?
Office on Women’s Health.Douching.
MedlinePlus.Pregnancy - identifying fertile days.
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American Academy of Family Physicians.Common sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Seattle Childrens Hospital.STI exposure.
