If you’re sexually active, you may have asked yourself this once or twice: Can I get pregnant with pre-ejaculatory fluid? To answer this question, you first need to know what pre-ejaculation is and what is it for.
Pre-ejaculate, also referred to as pre-ejaculatory fluid, pre-seminal fluid, is a fluid that’s released by the Cowper’s glands, two small glands located in the male reproductive/urinary tract. The fluid is clear and typically noticeable at the tip of the penis during an erection, although this isn’t the case for all men. The purpose of the fluid is to help neutralize the acidic environment of the urethra and also to offer protection to sperm that travels through.
The pre-seminal fluid does not contain any sperm, meaning the fluid itself cannot get you pregnant. However, if sperm is “left behind” in the urethra from a previous ejaculation, it can come in contact with the fluid. The leftover sperm comes forth to the tip of the penis during arousal, possibly causing some sperm to be carried in this fluid, and into the partner’s body.
This is where pre-seminal fluid and unprotected vaginal sex can lead to pregnancy. Once the sperm in pre-ejaculate enters the vagina, it can fertilize the egg, even if a man pulls out before ejaculation. “The chance of getting pregnant from pre-cum is much less than the chance of getting pregnant from semen, but it still might be possible,” says Planned Parenthood.
So, can you get pregnant from pre-ejaculate? Yes, but rarely.
ANSWERS TO COMMON CUM QUESTIONS
What is Precum and When Does It Occur?
Precum is more accurately known as pre-ejaculate fluid. This is a bodily fluid that is released from the penis during intercourse. Most men don’t even notice discharging precum when it happens. More importantly, men do not have any control over it.
Are There Sperm in the Precum?
Studies indicate the majority of pre-ejaculate fluid has dead or no sperm at all. But, it is possible for small amounts of sperm to exit his reproductive system and make its way into the precum or pre-ejaculate.
What are the Chances of Getting Pregnant from Precum?
The common answer is your chances are very low. However, there are rare cases where living sperm can be present in the precum and conception subsequently possible. Precum is one reason that we suggest that all couples who are not trying to get pregnant use a condom the whole time there is penetration (when the penis enters the vagina).
Can You Get Pregnant Without Penetration?
For all practical purposes, you cannot get pregnant without penetration. However, if ejaculate fluid/semen comes in contact with the vagina even without penetration, it is possible that sperm could enter and fertilize an egg.
Can I Get Pregnant if He Pulls Out?
Anytime there is a possibility of sperm in the vagina there is a risk of sperm fertilizing an egg. That’s why it’s wise to wear a condom the whole time there is genital contact.
How Long Does Sperm Survive?
Sperm will live 3-5 days in the vagina. That’s why, whether you want to get pregnant or avoid pregnancy, it’s important to know your ovulation cycle and your fertility window.
Should I Take Plan B?
Plan B is similar to birth control pills. Its single tablet delivers 1.5 mg of levonorgestrel to delay or prevent the release of an egg from the ovary. Because it uses such a high dosage, Plan B is not meant to be used as a regular birth control method. From pills to patches and IUDs, there are many choices when considering types of birth control.