Can a woman get pregnant from pre ejaculation fluid

If you’re trying to get pregnant — or avoid pregnancy — "pre-ejaculate" is an important word to know. Here's what you need to understand about its role in conception.

What is pre-ejaculate (precum)?

Pre-ejaculate, also sometimes called precum, is a clear, thick fluid that comes out of a man's penis when he is aroused. This usually happens right before he ejaculates.

Unlike actual semen, pre-ejaculate doesn't come from the testes but instead from the Cowper's gland — two pea-sized glands located right beneath the prostate gland. Pre-ejaculate may act like as a lubricant during sex, and it also makes semen less watery, creating a conducive living environment for sperm.

Can you get pregnant from pre-ejaculate?

In a word, yes. Pre-ejaculate may contain sperm, which means you could get pregnant even if your partner doesn't fully ejaculate into your vagina.

There hasn't been a lot of research on this, but one small study found that over 40 percent of men had some sperm in their pre-ejaculate.[1]

It's thought that this is "cross-contamination" from semen that may be present in the urethra (the tube that transports urine from the bladder to the tip of the penis) from a past sexual encounter, since both pre-ejaculate fluid and semen pass through the urethra.

Can you get pregnant if the man "pulls out" before orgasm?

Again, yes. Most men can't tell when they've pre-ejaculated, and withdrawal itself takes a lot of self-control, which can be quite difficult when you're in the heat of the moment. And if even a few drops of semen land on the outside of your vagina, sperm may still swim in, which can lead to pregnancy.

It's also important to remember that "pulling out" doesn't protect you against STDs. Some STDs, like genital warts and herpes, are spread through skin-to-skin contact, while others, such as chlamydia, syphilis or gonorrhea, can be carried in precum. So if you're worried about any STD, make sure that you use a condom.

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If you're actively trying to avoid pregnancy, the main argument for withdrawal is that it keeps some semen out of the vagina. Other forms of birth control, like condoms, are more effective (but not foolproof). You can combine the two for a more potent pregnancy protection, or consider a more reliable method, such as the birth control pill or the IUD.

What are your odds of getting pregnant from pre-ejaculate?

It's impossible to know for sure, as it can vary from person to person and with each sexual encounter. The best data available are studies that look at the withdrawal method. If your partner "perfects" the pull-out method, then your chances are relatively low: only about 4 percent.

But the reality is that doesn't always happen, which is why the "real life" effectiveness is only about 22 percent.[2] That means about 22 out of 100 people who use the withdrawal method get pregnant every year, or roughly one in five.

By comparison, the IUD has a failure rate of less than 1 percent, while methods like the pill or patch are under 10 percent, and condoms are under 20.

Bottom line? Pre-ejaculate is still ejaculate, which means it most likely contains sperm. If you're currently trying to avoid pregnancy, your best bet is to use a more reliable method of birth control.

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You're Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.

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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).

What is Precum?

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.

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. Our free Ovulation Calendar can help you discover your most fertile days.

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.
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What are the chances of getting pregnant from Precum?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the chance of conceiving from pre-cum is about 20% if you're using the withdrawal method. So, while it's low risk, it's not impossible.

Can pre seminal liquid get you pregnant?

Pre-cum doesn't usually have any sperm in it. But some people may have a small amount of sperm in their pre-cum. If there is sperm in someone's pre-cum, and that pre-cum gets into your vagina, it could possibly fertilize an egg and lead to pregnancy.

How much sperm is in pre ejaculatory fluid?

The secretion from the Cowper's gland does not contain any sperm. However, the pre-ejaculate collected at the tip of the penis shows the presence of sperm. Some studies have shown that more than 40% of men have sperm in their pre-ejaculate fluid.