Although often used interchangeably, semen and sperm are not the same thing.
semen It is a thick, white fluid that is expelled from the penis during ejaculation. Semen contains semen and sperm.
semen These are microscopic cells that combine with body fluids to make semen. Each time semen is ejaculated, there are millions of sperm. Fertilization occurs when a sperm fertilizes an egg and the fertilized egg implants in the uterine wall, resulting in pregnancy.
Although you cannot feel sperm entering the vagina or moving within the uterus and fallopian tubes, it is often noticeable when semen enters the vagina.
In this article, we discuss what semen looks like when it is expelled (ejaculate), signs that there may be sperm inside, semen leakage, discharge, and other issues related to pregnancy.
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gender language
This article discusses penile-vaginal intercourse. Most of the research on this topic uses binary, cisgender male and cisgender female language.
Verywell Health recognizes that reproductive organs and functions are not identical across genders and that these anatomy and functions (including penile-vaginal intercourse) may be experienced by individuals of all genders.
What semen looks like when it comes out of a person
Semen is usually whitish, gray, or white when ejaculated. This color comes not from sperm content but from fluid produced in the prostate and seminal vesicles.
During ejaculation, semen forms a gel-like consistency that protects sperm from the acidic vaginal environment and helps sperm move into the fallopian tubes. Within 20 to 30 minutes, enzymes in the semen from the prostate liquefy the semen. This process occurs when semen is inside the vagina or outside the body.
The fluid that comes out of the penis before ejaculation, called pre-ejaculate fluid (sometimes called “precum”), is colorless and mucus-like.
Sexually explicit entertainment material (such as pornographic films) often uses camera angles and other strategies to make it appear that an ejaculation produces a lot of semen. In fact, the average amount of semen released with each ejaculation is 1.25 to 5 milliliters (mL), which is equivalent to 1/4 to 1 teaspoon.
Signs that there may be sperm inside you
Sperm are so small that they cannot be felt inside the body or seen without a microscope. Semen is more noticeable. Some people may feel semen entering the vagina.
If semen has entered the vagina, you may see sticky fluid leaking from the vaginal opening. This fluid gradually begins to liquefy and may be thinner than freshly ejaculated semen. Most of this semen is expelled from the vagina within 12 to 14 hours after intercourse.
Semen looks the same when ejaculated and when liquefied, regardless of whether semen is present. Unless viewed under a microscope, the semen of someone who has had a vasectomy (a procedure that prevents sperm from combining with semen and being ejaculated) is indistinguishable from semen containing sperm.
It is not always obvious that semen has entered the vagina, especially if it is a small amount. Typically, if you have penile-vaginal intercourse without a condom and your partner ejaculates (usually with orgasm), semen has entered the vagina.
Semen (and, by extension, sperm) can also enter the vagina in the following situations:
- condom leaking: This usually occurs when the penis is removed from the vagina after ejaculation has softened the penis and the condom has become loose.
- Condom holes, tears, or breaks: Semen or semen may leak through a condom that is not completely damaged. Condoms may break in situations such as getting caught in your fingernails or teeth (which should not be used to open the condom package), friction due to insufficient lubrication, or use of oil-based lubricants (such as coconut oil). Slide the condom material down.
- A withdrawal (or “pull-out” method) is used.: The basic idea of this is to remove the unprotected penis from the vagina before ejaculation. Sometimes, the timing is off and ejaculation begins before the penis is completely removed. Precum, which is released during arousal before ejaculation, also contains small amounts of sperm and can lead to pregnancy. Precum is released without orgasm, so it is unclear whether it came from the penis.
- unprotected anal sex: Sex inserted into the anus does not directly lead to pregnancy, but pregnancy is possible if semen leaks from the anus and enters the vagina.
- Vaginal exposure to semen: Semen on hands or objects may enter the vagina when touched.
If you have experienced sexual assault
If you have experienced sexual assault, go to a hospital emergency room as soon as possible. There you can get medicine to help prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and unwanted pregnancies, and you can collect evidence of the assault.
If you're not sure where to go or what to do or want help, National Sexual Assault Hotline In ~ 800-656-HOPE (4673) can help
Is sperm leakage after sex normal?
It is very normal for semen to leak from the vagina after vaginal penile insertion. Some sperm swim up through the cervix into the uterus and fallopian tubes. Semen, including some sperm, is usually expelled through the vaginal opening within 12 to 14 hours after intercourse.
What exactly leaks after sex?
About 90% of semen is made up of the following fluids:
Sperm makes up a very small portion of the semen composition.
Semen is a complex mixture of the following components:
- carbohydrate
- Immune cells and glandular cells
- lipids
- sparkling water
- mucus
- nucleic acid
- organic acid
- Peptides and steroid hormones
- Proteins (over 2,000)
- salts
- Urogenital Microbiome
- vitamin
After vaginal ejaculation, the most motile sperm travel through the cervix into the uterus and toward the fallopian tubes to find eggs. Seminal plasma (a combination of semen in the semen) remains in the vagina and is expelled through the vaginal opening.
Can semen leakage make it more difficult to get pregnant?
Sperm begins to enter the fallopian tubes a few minutes after ejaculation. Healthy sperm can live within the female reproductive tract for up to five days.
Leaking semen after intercourse does not prevent pregnancy.
Some people consider douching after sex to remove sperm and prevent pregnancy, but this is not recommended for the following reasons:
- It does not prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- It may increase your risk of STIs, including HIV.
- This may lead to infection.
- It may increase the risk of fallopian tube damage and ectopic pregnancy.
If you have had unprotected vaginal penile sex and want to prevent pregnancy, ask your health care provider or pharmacist about emergency contraception within 72 hours after sex.
Normal vaginal discharge
It is normal to experience vaginal discharge before, during, and after sex. These fluids may include:
- cervical fluid It protects sperm and helps move them towards the uterus and fallopian tubes. Its concentration depends on where you are in your menstrual cycle. Dry/none during and after menstruation, sticky and rubbery, very wet/creamy/white (fertile), slippery/stretchy/transparent or raw-like. Egg whites (very fertile).
- stimulant liquid A 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 1 hour.
- female ejaculation It is a few milliliters of thick fluid that comes from the periurethral glands.
- squirt liquid Approximately 10 mL or more of clear liquid, similar to urine, is expelled through the urethra and into the bladder.
How to Tell If Your Discharge Could Point to an STI
Some STIs can cause vaginal discharge.
chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that is treated with antibiotics.
The following symptoms may occur:
- Yellow or green discharge from the vagina
- pain when urinating
- itching around the vagina
- lower abdomen pain
- Bleeding between menstrual cycles
gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that is treated with antibiotics.
The following symptoms may occur:
- More secretions than usual
- Vaginal discharge that is white, yellow, green, or bloody
- pain when urinating
- Heavy bleeding during menstruation
- bleeding between periods
- Fever
- sore throat
trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection that is treated with antibiotics.
The following symptoms may occur:
- Heavy, greenish-yellow, frothy, foamy vaginal discharge
- Pain when urinating or having sex
- Redness, itching, and/or burning in the genital area
Some 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.
It may cause the following symptoms:
- thin, white vaginal discharge
- Vaginal discharge that is dirty or smells like fish
- It may or may not cause itching or pain.
- There are not always symptoms.
Yeast infection (vaginal yeast)
A yeast infection is an overgrowth of yeast. candida albicans.
The following symptoms may occur:
- Vaginal discharge that is often thick and white
- Itching, redness, and/or pain in the vaginal area
- Sometimes pain when urinating
When to contact your health care provider
Contact your health care provider if:
- Symptoms of an STI (vaginal discharge, itching, pain, etc.)
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Rectal discharge or pus
- Small, painful blisters appear in the genital area
- Have oral, vaginal, or anal sex with someone who has or is suspected of having a sexually transmitted disease.
- I have no symptoms, but I am worried that I may have a sexually transmitted disease.
- The need for emergency contraception
- Missed your period or think you might be pregnant?
- Do you have any questions or concerns?
When to Consider a Pregnancy Test
Pregnancy is considered to begin when a fertilized egg implants in the uterine lining (up to 2-3 weeks after intercourse).
Emergency contraception can be used up to 5 days after unprotected sex.
If you miss your period, you should consider taking a pregnancy test.
You may also want to test for early pregnancy symptoms, such as:
- Tender and/or swollen breasts
- fatigue
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- urinate more often
- bloating
- Constipation
summary
Semen is a thick, white fluid that is expelled from the penis during ejaculation. It consists mostly of semen and contains sperm.
Semen can enter the vagina through unprotected vaginal penile sex or other activities that introduce semen into the vagina (such as a broken condom or semen transferred from a finger). Precum may contain some sperm, so it is possible to get pregnant without ejaculation during unprotected sex.
It is normal for semen to leak from the vagina after sex and does not prevent pregnancy.
Some STIs can cause vaginal discharge. If you have unusual discharge or other symptoms, contact your health care provider.
Emergency contraception can be used up to 5 days after sexual intercourse.
Consider taking a pregnancy test after a missed period, if you have early pregnancy symptoms, or 2 to 3 weeks after unprotected sex.