Some women complain and are worried about semen leaking out from their vagina after sexual intercourse. This has been erroneously associated with infertility, as the complaint often comes from women having challenge with fertility. They have possibly heard some myths about semen leaking out of the vagina being the reason they have not been able to get pregnant.

Why does semen leak out after intercourse?

Both the shape of the vaginal (anatomy) and gravity contribute to why semen leak out of the vagina after sexual intercourse.

Is it normal for semen to leak out after intercourse?

Yes; it is normal for semen to leak out of the vagina after sexual intercourse due to the shape of the vagina and the influence of gravity. Semen is liquid, and, therefore, will follow the path of least resistance, which is towards gravity. 

Is fertility impaired when semen leaks out?

No. Fertility is not affected by semen leaking out of the vagina after sexual intercourse. As a matter of fact, the healthiest and fastest sperm cells (which are capable of fertilizing eggs) usually leave the seminal fluid and enter the cervix, on their way to fertilize any available egg, within few seconds to minutes after ejaculation.

The fluid leaking out of the vagina therefore contains mostly seminal fluid and dead or near dead sperm cells that are not useful for fertilization.

Is there any concern as to the timing of the leakage?

Leakage of semen out of the vagina may occur within few minutes to several hours after sexual intercourse. The timing of the leakage is not a cause for concern because useful sperm cells swim up as fast as possible after ejaculation and before any leakage occurs.

Is there any position to adopt to prevent leakage of semen?

Some women have suggested raising both legs up after ejaculation in order to prevent semen from leaking out of the vagina. It is important to note that this is not necessary, as raising legs does not increase the chance of pregnancy.

Is there any quantity of leakage that should cause worry?

The quantity of semen that leaks out of the vagina after sexual intercourse depends on the volume of ejaculate. High volume of ejaculate results in high volume of semen leaking out. The volume therefore is nothing to worry about.

Is there a way to prevent semen leaking out?

As long as fertility is not affected by semen leaking out of the vagina after sexual intercourse, there is no need to attempt to prevent it by any means.