Can You Get Pregnant From Precum?

Precum, or pre-ejaculate fluid, is fluid that comes out of the penis when sexually aroused before ejaculation and orgasm. Precum contains little to no viable sperm. You can get pregnant from precum, but what are the chances? It's unlikely to get pregnant from precum, but it only takes one viable sperm to fertilize an egg.

There are several ways to prevent pregnancy if you are worried about precum. Condoms, birth control pills, and emergency contraception are effective methods. Read on to learn if you can get pregnant from precum and the likelihood of it.

What Is Precum?

Precum is the substance that comes out of a person's penis when they are sexually aroused before an orgasm. The bulbourethral glands (Cowper's glands) release precum. These are two pea-sized glands located between the prostate and the base of the penis. The prostate creates fluid in semen. The glands of Littre also contribute fluid.

The amount of precum released varies from person to person. Some people do not produce any precum, while others produce as much as 5 milliliters (mL). It's unclear how much if any, viable sperm is in precum. The reason for precum is not for carrying sperm.

Precum is a basic fluid that protects sperm from the acidic environment of the urethra and vagina and aids in lubrication. It's important to note that precum may also transmit sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Is It Possible To Get Pregnant From Precum?

Precum contains little to no sperm. The amount of sperm that may be in the precum is typically poorly formed and immobile. Pregnancy is highly unlikely, but it's not impossible. It only takes one viable sperm in precum to travel past the cervix and fertilize an egg.

How Likely Is It To Get Pregnant From Precum?

Although it's unlikely, you can get pregnant from precum. Here's how likely pregnancy is in different scenarios:

Is the Pull-Out Method Effective?

The "pull-out" method is a poor form of birth control. This method, if used perfectly, has a failure rate of about 4%. Precum itself likely does not contain sperm, but sperm may be present in the urethra. Urinate before vaginal penetration if you produce precum and plan to use the withdrawal method.

It's important to note that the timing of an orgasm and ejaculation is not always coordinated. Your partner may ejaculate before they orgasm. What they release is semen (which contains sperm) rather than precum.

It's best to use an effective method of birth control if you want to prevent pregnancy. These methods include condoms, birth control pills, injections, an implant, or an IUD. Condoms also help prevent STIs, which precum may transmit.

Should I Take Plan B?

Plan B is an over-the-counter (OTC) emergency contraceptive that prevents pregnancy if you have unprotected sex and are concerned about pregnancy. Plan B is most effective if you take it within 24 hours of unprotected sex, but you can take it up to five days after.

Ella is another option that requires a prescription from a healthcare provider. This type of emergency contraception is effective up to five days after unprotected sex. A copper IUD is a long-acting form of birth control that you may also use as emergency contraception. A healthcare provider must insert a copper IUD into the uterus.

When To Take a Home Pregnancy Test

You could take an at-home pregnancy test if you are beyond the timeframe for emergency contraception and are concerned about pregnancy. Early pregnancy symptoms include fatigue, morning sickness (nausea and vomiting), and tender breasts.

You can take the test as soon as the first day of a missed menstrual period. Test four weeks from when you last had sex if you have irregular periods.

A positive result means you might be pregnant. It's important to contact a healthcare provider to confirm the result and receive prenatal care. Prenatal care ensures that you and the fetus are healthy throughout pregnancy.

A Quick Review

Precum itself likely does not contain much viable sperm, if any. It only takes one viable sperm, however, to fertilize an egg.

The best course of action is to talk to a healthcare provider about the birth control options if you want to prevent pregnancy. Plan B is available over the counter if you have unprotected sex and are worried about pregnancy. You can also reach out to a healthcare provider about prescription options, such as Ella or a copper IUD.