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.
If you have questions, we’re happy to talk with you on our chat line or helpline, 1-800-672-2296.
Want to Know More?
- How to Get Pregnant
- Can You Get Pregnant on Your Period?
- What is Ovulation?
Can you get pregnant from pre-ejaculation fluid?
Answer From Yvonne Butler Tobah, M.D.
Yes. Pre-ejaculation fluid may contain sperm, which means pregnancy can occur even when full ejaculation doesn't occur within the vagina.
Withdrawal of the penis from the vagina before ejaculation is one of the oldest methods of birth control. It's free, readily available and has no side effects. Still, withdrawal is unreliable at best — and it offers no protection from sexually transmitted infections.
If you're trying to prevent pregnancy, choose a more reliable type of birth control. There are a variety of short- and long-acting forms of birth control. Ask your doctor to help you understand the options.
With
Yvonne Butler Tobah, M.D.
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Oct. 20, 2020
- Birth control methods. Office on Women's Health. //www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/birth-control-methods. Accessed Aug. 9, 2017.
- Hatcher RA, et al. Coitus interruptus (withdrawal). In: Managing Contraception 2017-2018. 14th ed. Tiger, Ga.: Bridging the Gap Foundation; 2017.
See more Expert Answers
See also
- Birth control options
- Breastfeeding and medications
- Ovulation signs
- Sperm life span
- Teens and sex
.
Can pre-cum get you pregnant?
The chances of getting pregnant from pre-cum are pretty low — but it is possible.
Pre-cum (also known as pre-ejaculate) is a small amount of fluid that comes out of your penis when you’re turned on, but before you ejaculate (cum). Oozing pre-cum is involuntary — you can’t control when it comes out.
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.
There’s no way to know when there is or isn’t sperm in pre-cum — that’s one reason why the withdrawal method (pulling out) isn’t the best at preventing pregnancy, even if they pull out before ejaculation (cumming).
If you want to prevent pregnancy, put on a condom before your penis and vagina touch. Even better, use both condoms and another kind of birth control together.
Tags: pre-cum, pre-ejaculate, pregnancy