Disturbing dripping
Question
I masturbated last night and when I woke up this morning there was semen that had seeped out onto my boxers. It's still leaking a bit, is this normal or should I worry? Do I need to go to a doctor about it?
Answer
Masturbation often leads to ejaculation, when semen is released, and this is normal. In addition, sometimes boys and men also ejaculate when they're asleep (this is sometimes called having a 'wet' dream), this is also totally normal and nothing to worry about.
It is also normal for a crystal-clear lubricating mucus to seep from the urethra (at the tip of the penis) following sexual arousal, but any unusual discharge should be checked out as it can be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
There are many different types of STIs and they can be spread in different ways, not just through penetrative sex. There are also some infections that are not necessarily sexually transmitted at all. If you are worried that you may have an infection, you can get free, confidential advice and testing at a genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic.
The tests for infections vary: some involve taking swabs from the tip of the penis and others involve taking a urine or blood sample. Before being tested it's usual to see a health adviser who will discuss any concerns you have, and reassure you about what the tests will involve.
To reduce the risk of getting an STI in the future, always use a condom during sex. Dental dams (small squares of latex) can also be used as a barrier during sex involving contact between the mouth and the vagina, or the mouth and the anus.
If you would like to discuss your situation further you can call the Brook helpline on 0800 0185 023.
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