There are doubts as to whether it is possible to get pregnant from pre-seminal fluid since it does not contain sperm. However, in some cases it could lead to an unwanted pregnancy in couples using the so-called “pull-out” method of birth control. More detailed answers to the question “Is it possible to get pregnant from pre-cum or pre-seminal fluid? “in this article.

Pre-seminal fluid: What is it?

Pre-seminal fluid is also known as a pre-ejaculatory fluid or pre-cum. It consists of small amounts of fluid that are released by an aroused man before his ejaculation is complete.

A fluid that prepares the way for the final ejaculation

Pre-seminal fluid, or Cowper’s fluid, is ejaculated before the seminal fluid or semen. Its function is to prepare the passage of the final ejaculation by reducing the acid levels in the urethra and vagina.

It should be noted that the quantity of Cowper’s fluid emitted varies from one subject to another. Some men don’t produce any, while others can produce up to 5 ml.

The difference between pre-seminal fluid and semen

Often confused by people, Cowper’s fluid and semen are not the same thing. Cowper’s fluid is a clear, liquid substance with an alkaline composition. As its name suggests, it is secreted by the Cowper’s glands and contains no sperm in its original composition.

Semen, on the other hand, is a liquid secreted by the seminal vesicles. It contains spermatozoa. Moreover, this final ejaculation is made up of a substance that is much thicker and more abundant than the pre-seminal fluid. It is usually white in color, with some yellow or grey tones.

Penetration and pre-seminal fluid

Pre-ejaculation is a kind of response to sexual arousal in men. The secreted liquid gradually drips through the meatus. It then covers the glans and the corona of the glans, and begins to spread over the wall of the vagina in the form of a lubricating film. This liquid reinforces the lubrication of the vagina to facilitate a more comfortable penetration.

Sexual desire and pre-seminal fluid

Numerous studies show that pre-ejaculation depends entirely on cerebral stimulation and not on mechanical stimulation, as in the case of masturbation. In fact, the emission of the pre-seminal fluid indicates a cerebral sexual desire in men.

It is also possible to emit pre-seminal fluid with a visual stimulus. In all cases, the amount of this secretion is variable. Couples will be able to notice it throughout their marital life.

Risk of pregnancy with pre-seminal fluid

Here are some facts about the risk of pregnancy involving pre-seminal fluid:

No risk of pregnancy if there is sexual abstinence

Various studies have already shown that the pre-seminal fluid does not contain spermatozoa per se. For instance, a group of researchers have analyzed this secretion in 25 different men who had not had sex for two full days. The conclusion they reached confirmed the total absence of sperm in the pre-ejaculatory fluid of each individual.

Bearing in mind that the composition of Cowper’s fluid does not contain any spermatozoa, it is in fact impossible to become pregnant from this substance emitted before the ejaculation. This is particularly the case for women having sex with abstinent men.

Risk of imminent pregnancy if you have repeated sexual intercourse

Similar studies have indicated the presence of spermatozoa in Cowper’s fluid in cases of a lack of sexual abstinence of at least two days. In fact, during previous ejaculations an accumulation of semen would have occurred at the tip of the penis.

The pre-seminal fluid released during the following sexual intercourse, within two days, could therefore be carrying the remaining semen. Now containing spermatozoa, it will be transported along the usual route of the sperm and eventually reach the fallopian tube where the fertilization takes place. In this context, the risk of an unwanted pregnancy involving the pre-ejaculatory fluid is imminent.

How high is the risk of pregnancy with the pre-ejaculatory fluid?

We know that the risk of pregnancy with seminal fluid is about 25%. It is lower with pre-seminal fluid, approximately 4%. This is a rate that also corresponds to the risk of pregnancy associated with the natural contraceptive method called “coitus interruptus”.

The high survival level of sperm

Be aware that semen is able to remain immobile and survive for 3 to 4 days in the urethra or on the tip of the penis. In fact, when intercourse takes place within 3 successive days, the pre-seminal fluid is likely to bring with it the remaining semen from the last sexual intercourse. It may therefore contain spermatozoa that are still alive.

Pre-seminal fluid: additional information you should know

Some additional information that may help you better understand the role of pre-seminal fluid in the reproductive process.

Contraception and pre-seminal fluid

The pre-seminal fluid could therefore be released into the vagina in combination with the sperm that has accumulated in the penile urethra during the last sexual intercourse. The man must therefore use a condom from the beginning of his erection in order to be sure that he can avoid the risk of unwanted pregnancy.

Excessive secretion of pre-seminal fluid

The secretion of pre-seminal fluid in some men may be unintentionally abundant. This hypersecretion can be triggered by simple stimulation, such as dancing with or kissing a woman. The man in question would therefore be very sensitive to sexual arousal.

Excessive secretion of the pre-seminal fluid should however be distinguished from Prostatorrhea. This is an emission of prostatic fluid in men who do not have frequent sexual activities.

The risk of infections caused by pre-seminal fluid

The pre-ejaculatory substance is a biological fluid, just like semen. It can therefore be a carrier of infectious agents (sexually transmitted diseases or sexually transmitted infections).

An infected man emitting pre-seminal fluid can transmit an STI or STD to his partner by simply rubbing his penis against the vagina. His partner may not even be able to conceive a child if the disease is untreated and worsens.

The glands that produce the pre-seminal fluid

The pre-seminal fluid is produced by two kinds of glands: the bulbo-urethral glands or Cowper glands and the mucus-secreting glands of the urethra or Littre glands. These actually secrete a clear, alkaline substance composed of several elements (methyl-pentose and sialic acid, galactosamine, galacturonic acid and galactose).

These same glands also secrete a fluid that is essential for the formation of semen. On top of this are fluids secreted by the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland. This further distinguishes seminal fluid from pre-seminal fluid.

There are certainly some men who do not release pre-seminal fluid when they are aroused, even before ejaculation. This could prevent fertilization because the urethra and vagina may be too acidic without lubrication. Such an environment could kill sperm immediately. 

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