Semen leakage typically happens in response to sexual arousal, whether conscious or not. Leaks that happen in the night during sleep are some of the most common, and are usually harmless. In some cases emissions happen as a result of nerve problems or issues with the prostate, an organ that sits just behind the testes. Injury and simple old age are sometimes to blame, as well as certain prescription medications. In more serious cases prostate growths or cancer might be the explanation. Men who are worried about semen leakage should normally talk to a healthcare expert to rule out these conditions and get advice on how to minimize spills.
Nocturnal Emissions
Nocturnal emissions, sometimes called “wet dreams,” are basically ejaculations that happen during sleep. These most often happen in response to a sexually arousing dream, but not always; particularly in boys going through puberty, the penis sometimes ejects semen involuntarily in the night as something of a “practice” or “warm-up,” and this is generally considered a normal part of young adult development.
Most of the time men grow out of these sorts of emissions by their mid-20s, but not always. Rare or infrequent leaks are not usually anything to be concerned about, but if a man finds himself waking each day to semen-soaked sheets, he may want to talk to his doctor about ways to control the issue.
Sexual Arousal
Some men find that they leak a bit of seminal fluid during they day, usually while having sexual thoughts or talking with or about someone they find to be sexually attractive. Like nocturnal emissions, these leaks tend to be most common in young men, but they can happen at any age. While potentially embarrassing, this isn’t usually a medical problem.
Unless a man is leaking a lot during sexual thoughts, his emissions may not actually be semen at all. The male body typically releases a clear, tacky fluid from the tip of the penis just before sexual intercourse that can serve to lubricate the shaft and make penetration easier. This is often known as a “natural lubricant,” and doesn’t usually contain sperm. Sexual thoughts often trigger its release, which is normally harmless.
Prescription Drugs
Some medications cause semen leakage as a side effect, though the intensity and frequency can vary from man to man. Antidepressants are some of the most common, but other mood stabilizers and certain hormone therapies can also have this result. Most of the time this is simply a factor of the way the drugs interact with the pleasure and sexual activity centers of the brain. This effect may wear off on its own, but if not getting another prescription or switching medications may be the best course for men troubled by the occasional leak.
Parasympathetic Nerve Problems
A weak parasympathetic nerve may also be a cause. The parasympathetic nervous system is quite extensive and controls many different sensations in the body, but sexual feelings and reproductive functions are included. When nerve endings in the penis, testicles, or prostate are weak leaks can sometimes result. Men with this problem often drip seminal fluid after urination, during bowel movements, or shortly after sexual intercourse.
Understanding a bit about male anatomy can sometimes make the nervous system’s role in leakage a little bit easier to understand. The urethra, which transports urine from the bladder through the penis, is a passageway that both sperm and semen flow through, too. The parasympathetic nerve acts a control to the valve that closes this passageway and retains all fluids. When the nerve becomes weak, the valve can also become weak, and semen may escape prematurely and involuntarily.
A weak parasympathetic nerve can be caused by a number of different things. Sometimes it’s genetic, but it can also be caused by injury to the groin or old age. Excessive masturbation or sex can also be to blame. Medical professionals can sometimes repair serious nerve damage with surgery, and often recommend specialized exercises and stretches to improve strength and control.
Prostate Issues
Men who have swollen, enlarged, or infected prostate glands may also leak from time to time. The prostate is a small organ that helps nourish and protect sperm by secreting a number of different fluids; when it functions properly these fluids stay put until ejaculation, but when there are problems they can be released early.
Prostatitis, or unnatural swelling and inflammation of the prostate, is one of the most common causes of this sort of leaking. Some men are predisposed to this condition genetically, but many experts also think it’s most common in men who have frequent ejaculations, which can lead to an overactive prostate.
Prostate congestion can also contribute. This usually happens when a man goes from frequent ejaculations to few or none, which can lead to clogs and swelling. Congested semen is sometimes involuntarily released when the man is in certain positions, particularly squatting or sitting.
Prostate cancer, a very serious condition, might also be to blame. Growths or cysts anywhere on the gland or along the urinary tract could be a cause as well. Cancers and benign growths often require surgery or other invasive treatments to cure, and leaks are usually just one of many symptoms.
When to Get Help
Occasional leaks aren’t usually any cause for great concern, but men who are worried about the amount or frequency of their discharges should usually get medical help. Leaking that is accompanied by pain, blood, or foul-smelling liquid or puss is often a sign of infection or other serious condition, and discharges accompanied by erections that last an unusually long time should also be evaluated in most cases. Most doctors recommend that men keep track of their leaks and get examined if the frequency or timing changes dramatically.
Leakage During Urination
Some men are prone to having semen leakage while they urinate. In cases where this happens soon after ejaculating, it is no reason to be concerned as it is a typical occurrence in men.
However, the presence of semen in urine may be a sign of retrograde ejaculation. Retrograde ejaculation is when semen enters the bladder instead of exiting the penis during ejaculation. The severity of this condition ranges as it can be completely harmless or a sign of fertility issues.
Semen leakage during urination can be startling. The best initial action is to remain calm and keep notes of when it occurs for a physician to review.
How To Prevent Semen Leakage
There are ways to prevent semen leakage from occurring. They are majority at-home practices. Someone may choose not to take preventative measures. In this case, it is up to what makes them content in their own body.
Among the things that people can try include:
- Maintain Healthy Weight
- Masturbation Before Bed
- Regular Doctor Check-Ups
- Healthy Diet
- Track Medication Side Effects
How To Treat Semen Leakage
While semen leakage is typically harmless, a remedy is often desirable. Depending on the cause of the leakage, there are routes available to fix the issue. Here is a list of the most popular treatments:
Nocturnal Emissions
There is no professional treatment for semen leakage that happens when sleeping because it is a common and natural occurrence. However, there are steps that one can take at home to reduce the chances of it happening.
A few examples include:
- Masturbation Before Sleeping
- Meditating / Relaxing Before Bedtime
- Discussing the Issue with a Mental Health Professional
Sexual Arousal
Just like semen leakage during sleep, semen leakage during sexual arousal is not an alarming symptom of a serious issue and therefore rarely requires professional treatment.
However, individuals may seek treatment from their physician if it impacts their sex life. Doctors may recommend medication to reduce the amount of semen leakage.
Prescription Drugs
Someone experiencing semen leakage as a side effect of a prescription drug should address the concern with their primary care doctor or the physician who prescribed the medication. There may be alternative medications that work better for their body chemistry.
There are pros and cons to most prescription medications. It is necessary to evaluate whether the good outweighs the bad.
Parasympathetic Nerve Problems
Nerve injuries can vary in severity. Because of this variance, it is difficult to come to a remedy without knowing the extent of the issue. Symptoms related to nerve injuries need to be alerted to a physician.
Common treatments include lifestyle changes, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter medications. These can often improve issues drastically if not remedy it completely.
Prostate Issues
Semen leakage caused by prostate issues is typically resolved by first addressing the prostate concern that is causing the symptom of semen leakage. This strategy applies to cases of prostatitis and prostate cancer.
Leakage During Urination
Because of the potential severity of having semen leakage during urination, it needs to be alerted to a physician. However, there are tips that someone can try under medical supervision that reduce the chance. These include:
- Bladder Training Techniques
- Pelvic Floor Exercises
- Over-The-Counter Medications
- Prescription Medications
Semen Leakage Misconceptions
In popular cultures, people believe semen has mythical energy properties and that losing it can be dangerous to the individual. While these beliefs are culturally significant and should be respected, it can be anxiety-inducing to hear this from an outsider's perspective. It is vital to know that these are not scientifically-backed beliefs and do not extend into the realm of reality for most people.
Takeaway
Take note whenever changes occur in your body, including instances of semen leakage increase. Being familiar with your body is the best way to catch problems early and prevent further damage.
Semen leakage is not an immediate reason to worry. However, it should be mentioned to a doctor if it comes as a surprise. Young men typically grow out of having semen leakage problems, while older men are less susceptible.
Some being embarrassed and uncomfortable in their body needs to be taken seriously. Even if there are no hazardous health concerns, semen leakage can damage self-confidence, indirectly impacting one's physical health.