Regardless of the method of contraception you use, if you have unprotected sex, it is possible to get pregnant. The chances may be low, but still it is not impossible. When a man gets aroused during a sexual activity, his penis releases a clear fluid called precum, which precedes semen. It usually does not have sperm, which plays an important role in a woman's pregnancy. You may think that since precum does not have sperm, it is not possible to get pregnant. And so, you can have unprotected sex or go for the withdrawal method. Well, you are wrong. It is rare, but women can get pregnant from precum too!

What is precum?

Precum or pre-ejaculate is a clear fluid released by the penis during sexual arousal before ejaculation. "It is produced by the Cowper's glands, and its key functions are to lubricate the urethra, and neutralise any acidic residue from urine," says gynaecologist Dr Ritambhara Bhalla. It also helps facilitate the movement of sperm during ejaculation.

Precum may contain sperm. Image courtesy: Freepik

Unlike semen, which is the fluid released during ejaculation that contains sperm, precum typically does not contain sperm. "But it can pick up residual sperm, which can get left behind in the urethra from a previous ejaculation," shares the expert. During a 2010 study published in the Human Fertility journal, 41 percent of the men who participated, had sperm in their precum. About 37 percent of that was healthy sperm.

Can women get pregnant from precum?

The chances of pregnancy from precum are generally lower than from ejaculate, but it is still possible. The risk of pregnancy from precum is influenced by the following factors:

1. Timing

If you have sex during your fertile window, which is the time around ovulation when an egg is released from the ovary, the chances of pregnancy increase. "Even a small number of sperm in precum can lead to fertilisation during this period," says Dr Bhalla. Sperm can survive for at least three days in the reproductive organs of a woman, as per the US Department of Health and Human Services. An egg lives for 12 to 24 hours after ovulation, so pregnancy can happen from exposure to precum at the beginning of ovulation. So, keep an eye on the ovulation signs.

2. Previous ejaculation

The connection between precum and pregnancy is all connected to the presence of sperm. If your man has recently ejaculated and has not peed afterward, his sperm may remain in the urethra and be present in the precum, increasing your chances of getting pregnant.

3. Contraceptive use

The absence of contraceptive methods, such as condoms, significantly increases the risk of pregnancy from precum. To reduce the risk of pregnancy, using a reliable form of contraception is crucial. "Make sure your partner wears condom right from the time you start having sex with him, and not just before ejaculation. This is to make sure that the precum does not come into contact with your vagina," says the expert.

Is the withdrawal method effective?

The withdrawal method, also known as pulling out, involves withdrawing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. It can reduce the risk of getting pregnant, but it is not as effective as other forms of contraception. A 2017 study published in the Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health journal found that the withdrawal method had a 20 percent failure rate compared to condoms (13 percent) and hormonal birth control (6 percent).

Here's why it is less effective:

• Precum can contain sperm, which may result in pregnancy even if withdrawal occurs before ejaculation.
• The method requires precise timing and self-control, which can be difficult during sexual activity.

"If you want a more effective way to prevent unplanned pregnancy, combine withdrawal method with another form of birth control like condoms, and birth control pills," says the expert.

Go for an effective way to prevent pregnancy from precum. Image courtesy: Adobe stock

Should women use emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy due to precum?

Using emergency contraception can be a wise precaution if there is a concern that precum may have led to pregnancy. When to consider emergency contraception:

• If no other contraceptive methods were used and there is concern about the presence of sperm in precum.
• If there was doubt about the timing or effectiveness of the withdrawal method.
• If a condom broke, slipped, or was not used correctly.
• If birth control pills were missed or other hormonal contraceptives were not used as directed.

Here are some types of emergency contraception:

• Morning-after pills like Plan B or Ella are effective, but you need to take them soon after having unprotected sex, ideally within 72 hours.
• Copper intrauterine device (IUD) can be inserted by a doctor within five days of unprotected sex

It is possible to get pregnant from precum, especially if there is sperm in it. The best way to avoid unplanned pregnancy from precum is to use condoms or other birth control methods.

Read Also: Smartphone dependency: New study unveils psychological roots of nomophobia