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.
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
Share on Pinterest Semen leakage may occur during sexual arousal, after urination, and during 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.
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.
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.