Why Does Semen Remain in the Urethra After Ejaculation?

Q: Why Does Semen Remain in the Urethra After Ejaculation?

Hello： This is a normal phenomenon. <br>If you still have questions, you can consult the urology outpatient clinic.

After ejaculation, why is there still semen in the corpus cavernosum?

After ejaculation, why is there still semen in the urethra that I have to squeeze out with my hand and wipe away with tissue? Is this normal? Thank you.

Sidéwàng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/10/18

Dr. Sun Hongshun reply Urology

Hello: This is a normal phenomenon.
If you still have questions, you can consult the urology outpatient clinic.

Reply Date: 2016/10/18

More Info

After ejaculation, it is common for some semen to remain in the urethra. This phenomenon can be attributed to several anatomical and physiological factors.

Firstly, the urethra is a tube that runs through the penis and serves as a passage for both urine and semen. During ejaculation, semen is expelled from the seminal vesicles and prostate gland, and it travels through the urethra to exit the body. However, the urethra can retain some residual semen due to its structure. The urethra has a certain volume capacity, and it is not uncommon for some fluid to remain in it after the main ejaculate has been expelled.

Secondly, the process of ejaculation involves a series of muscular contractions that help propel semen out of the body. These contractions are powerful but may not completely clear the urethra of all semen. Additionally, the sphincter muscles at the base of the bladder close during ejaculation to prevent urine from mixing with semen, which can also contribute to the retention of some fluid in the urethra.

It is also worth noting that the sensation of needing to expel remaining semen is quite normal. Many men may feel the urge to squeeze or push to remove any residual fluid, and this is a natural response. Using a tissue to clean up afterward is also a common practice for hygiene purposes.

From a medical perspective, there is generally no cause for concern if you notice some semen remaining in the urethra after ejaculation. It is a normal occurrence and does not indicate any underlying health issues. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms, such as pain, discomfort, or changes in urination, it would be advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

In summary, the presence of semen in the urethra after ejaculation is a normal physiological occurrence due to the anatomy of the urethra and the mechanics of ejaculation. If you find it bothersome, gently squeezing to expel the remaining fluid is a common practice, and using tissue for cleanliness is perfectly acceptable. If you have further concerns or experience any discomfort, seeking medical advice is always a good option.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Semen Retention in the Urethra: Causes and Solutions

Doctor, sometimes when I ejaculate, I feel like there is residual semen that hasn't been expelled, and it feels like it's stuck in the middle of what seems to be the urethra. However, this happens infrequently. I would like to know what might be causing this condition a...

Dr. Xu Wencang reply Urology
Hello! 1. After ejaculation, how much semen remains can vary, but it is advisable to take a short rest and rinse off, then urinate later to expel any residual semen. 2. Based on your description, this seems to be normal and there is no need for concern. However, since individual ...

Does Holding Back During Masturbation Affect Sperm Retention?

During masturbation, if one holds back from ejaculation at the point of climax, the sperm will typically remain in the urethra rather than flowing back into the reproductive system. However, some sperm may be reabsorbed by the body over time.

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Hello, semen is generally stored in the seminal vesicles and flows into the urethra during ejaculation. If ejaculation does not occur, it remains in the seminal vesicles, with a small amount potentially flowing into the urethra or the bladder. Once semen has been expelled, it doe...

Understanding Post-Ejaculation Discharge: Is It Semen or Something Else?

Hello, Dr. Hsu. After ejaculation, I notice that a clear, somewhat viscous fluid continues to leak from the urethra for a while. Is this also semen? Does it contain sperm? Thank you!

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
There are sperm.

Understanding Prostate Fluid and Bulbourethral Fluid: Myths and Facts

Hello, doctor. I often see online discussions stating that there may be a small amount of sperm in prostatic fluid or in the bulbourethral gland fluid, with various explanations for the presence of sperm. Some say it could be due to incomplete ejaculation from the last orgasm, wh...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: Sperm is transported to the seminal vesicles, where it is then expelled; the seminal vesicles also contribute to a portion of the semen. Therefore, the situations you mentioned can vary among different individuals. The fluids that are expelled or secreted from the urethra ...