Is it Normal for Semen to Leak Out of the Vagina?

Sex

Obie Editorial Team

Is sperm leakage from the vagina normal after sex?

Sperm or ejaculate leakage from the vagina after sex is normal and is expected. Sperm leakage can actually be a good thing because it means there is enough of the ejaculate. After semen is released into the vagina, sperm immediately separates from the remaining ejaculate and sperms begin moving into the cervix and up into the uterus for fertilization in the fallopian tubes. Sperm moves into the tubes within minutes after ejaculation in the vagina.

Once the ejaculate is inside the vagina, vaginal secretions start destroying much of the remaining sperm. When they move into the cervix and uterus, they are protected from the hostile vaginal acidic secretions.

It is normal after ejaculation for much of the ejaculate to leak out of the vagina.

What is leaking out of your vagina after sex?

Most women observe some leakage of semen after having had sex. They are concerned that sperm may leak and that there may not be enough sperm left for fertilization. To understand this issue more, it's essential to know exactly what the ejaculate is composed of. Less than 10% of the ejaculate are actual spermatozoa. The ejaculate consists of a mixture of four components:

  • Fluid from the seminal vesicles which contains proteins and enzymes as well as highly bioreactive components such as prostaglandins (200 mg/ml), citrate ions, spermine, and fructose (2 mg/ml).
  • Another component of the ejaculate comes from the prostate gland, which contributes high concentrations of citric acid, as well as spermine, a very basic organic molecule of unknown function.
  • Some of the ejaculate is clear fluid that comes from the bulbourethral (Cowper's) gland and acts as a lubricant and neutralizing agent in the urethra.
  • Less than 10%  of the ejaculate is sperm, or spermatozoa, which come from the testes.

Are you fertile? Get your own personalized fertility report now!

Can semen leakage make it harder for you to get pregnant?

No. Some women notice some discharge immediately after sex and think it's the cause of infertility. The fluid coming out of the vagina after his orgasm is merely a portion of the ejaculate.

Less than 5-10% of the ejaculate is actually sperm — over 90% is made up of other fluids. Leakage of the ejaculate from the vagina is highly unlikely to prevent you from getting pregnant. In fact, it's totally normal for some ejaculate to leak out after intercourse.

What can I do to ensure that more sperm stays inside after sex?

If he ejaculates deeply inside you, then you can be sure that no matter how much of the ejaculate leaks out afterward, enough sperm will reach the cervical mucus. If you stay on your back for the suggested 15-20 minutes after intercourse, with hips slightly elevated, this leakage of the ejaculate is usually not a cause of infertility.

In the end, don't worry too much and consider the fact that it is probably a good sign of health that some ejaculate leaks out because it may mean that he is depositing his semen normally in your vagina and that there is enough of it.

For more tips to overcome fertility roadblocks and get pregnant faster, take our Fertility Course via email!