What Are the Chances of Getting Pregnant from Precum?

Dr. Mujahid Jammel

MD(AM)BUMS, DAF, CHEF, PGDYT

May 15th, 2024

A 2016 study proves that 16.7% (7/41) of men contain sperm in their precum, and a 2010 study proves 41% (11/27) of men have sperm in their precum. Among them, ten men, which are nearly 37%, have sperm with good motility. During sexual intercourse without a condom or any sexual barrier, precum may enter the vagina before ejaculation. Also, some studies have proved the presence of sperm in precum. 

The answer is yes there are minor possibilities of getting pregnant from precum. This blog post explains the several Factors of getting pregnant from precum and methods used to prevent Pregnancy from precum.

Precum and Pregnancy

Precum is also known as pre-ejaculatory fluid, which is a clear, viscous fluid that is produced by the Cowper’s gland and released from the urethra before ejaculation. This fluid helps to neutralize any acidity in the urethra, creating a more favorable environment for sperm to travel.

The critical question is whether this fluid contains viable sperm that could potentially lead to Pregnancy. Numerous factors influence the answer, and the factors affecting pregnancy from precum are listed below.

What are the chances of getting pregnant from precum while ovulating?

The chances of getting pregnant from precum while ovulating are relatively low but not negligible. Precum can sometimes contain sperm from a previous ejaculation, although the concentration is typically lower than in ejaculation. 

sperm in precum lasts for 3-5 days in the vagina and also after ovulation the egg will be there in the fallopian tube for 12 – 24 hours where it waits to be fertilized by sperm. So the likelihood of getting pregnant from precum is highly possible at the start of ovulation and decreases over time. While the risk is less compared to full ejaculation, it is still possible. Therefore, using contraception or other protective measures is essential to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy if you are sexually active during ovulation.

Factors Influencing Pregnancy Risk from Precum

While the presence of sperm in precum is a concern, other factors can influence the overall risk of Pregnancy.

Timing of Intercourse

The risk of Pregnancy is highest when intercourse occurs during the fertile window (five days before ovulation, the day of ovulation, and the next day of ovulation). If precum is released outside of the fertile window, the chances of Pregnancy are significantly lower.

Amount of Precum

The more pre-ejaculatory fluid that is released, the greater the potential for sperm to be present and increase the risk of Pregnancy.

Recent Ejaculation

If a man has recently ejaculated, the chances of sperm being present in the urethra and potentially present in the precum are reduced, as the sperm reserve has been depleted.

Urination Before Intercourse

Urinating before sexual activity can help flush any remaining sperm from the urethra, reducing the likelihood of sperm being present in the precum.

Use of Contraception

Using condoms or other forms of contraception, such as birth control pills or IUDs (Intrauterine devices), can significantly reduce the risk of Pregnancy from precum or any other form of sexual activity.

How Likely Is It To Get Pregnant From Precum

Given the various factors involved, it’s challenging to provide a precise percentage of the chances of getting pregnant from precum. However, experts generally agree that the risk is relatively low but not negligible.

According to Planned Parenthood, the chances of Pregnancy from precum are about 4% if no other form of contraception is used. This means that for every 100 women whose partners use the withdrawal method (pulling out before ejaculation) as their sole form of birth control, 4 of them may become pregnant.

Overall, we can not say it is definitely impossible to get pregnant from a precum as there are minor chances of getting pregnant from a precum.

Preventing Pregnancy from Precum

To minimize the risk of Pregnancy from precum, it’s crucial to use effective contraception methods. Some of the contraceptive methods are listed below. 

Condoms

Using condoms, both male and female, is one of the most reliable ways to prevent Pregnancy from precum or any other form of sexual activity. If you are using a condom for your birth control, you need to use it every time and also use it correctly.

Birth Control Pills

Oral contraceptives, when used correctly, can provide a high level of protection against Pregnancy, including from precum. The pills are 99.7% effective when used correctly. 

IUDs

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are long-acting reversible contraceptives that can effectively prevent Pregnancy, including from precum.

Withdrawal Method

The withdrawal method can be used in conjunction with other forms of birth control to reduce the risk of Pregnancy from precum further. The withdrawal method is not as reliable as other contraceptive methods because, most of the time, we cannot feel the outcome of the precum from the urethra. For all of the above, both partners should have self-control in pull-out methods.

Takeaway

The chances of getting pregnant from precum are very minor, but not zero. The presence of sperm in the pre-ejaculatory fluid can vary from person to person, and several factors, including the timing of intercourse, the amount of precum, and the use of contraception, influence the overall risk.

To minimize the risk of Pregnancy from precum, it’s crucial to use reliable contraceptive methods, such as condoms, birth control pills, or IUDs. Additionally, the withdrawal method can be used as a supplementary form of birth control, but it should not be relied upon as the sole means of preventing Pregnancy.

Remember, open communication with your partner and a healthcare provider can help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health and ensure that you are taking the necessary precautions to prevent unintended Pregnancy.