Precum is a bodily fluid in men that is discharged before the release of semen during the intercourse. Although the chances of getting pregnant from this pre-ejaculate fluid are very low, it is still possible. There are many conflicting studies on this subject, but the final conclusion is that pregnancy can occur from precum.
How it happens?
Precum is controlled by Cowper’s glands and its release is involuntary. Its purpose is to act as a lubricant for intercourse and to clear men’s urethra tract before semen ejaculation. Urethra serves both as a tract for passage of urine, as well as for releasing semen. The chemical acidity from urine can damage sperms and this is why precum is passed through the urethra tract first, so as to create a balanced state for the smooth passage of semen. Since it cannot be controlled, most men may not notice precum when it is released.
Precum is a clear fluid which does not contain any sperm by itself, but there is a chance of sperm getting into precum. It could happen when there are any leftover sperm cells in the urethra from previous release or they may be leaked into the precum fluid. The sperm count in this pre-ejaculate fluid is very low, but if it comes into contact with vagina during the act of intercourse, then there is a possibility of live sperm reaching the egg and fertilizing it. In other words, you can get pregnant.
Studies indicate that the possibility of getting pregnant from precum is four for every 100 women. Some studies say that precum does not contain any sperm, but a sample of precum collected from 27 men showed that sperm was present in 41% of these samples. So if you are not planning to get pregnant and trying the pullout method of having intercourse, you should be aware of the slightest possibility of sperm getting into your body.
Precautionary Measures
Even if you are not ovulating when you have intercourse, there is still a chance of getting pregnant, because sperm can survive inside your body for up to five days. It is very important to know about ovulation cycle and fertile days if you are trying to avoid pregnancy. You can opt for emergency contraceptive pills within five days to avoid the risk of getting pregnant, in case you have unprotected intercourse. Copper-T is another contraception that works best in avoiding pregnancy risk. It is a device which can be inserted into your vagina up to five days after intercourse.
Withdrawal method can work for some couples in preventing pregnancy and may not for others. For better birth control, you should adopt other effective methods.
