The chances of getting pregnant from precum (pre-ejaculate fluid) are generally low but not zero. Precum itself does not usually contain sperm, but it can pick up leftover sperm in the urethra from previous ejaculations, which can lead to pregnancy
. Key points about pregnancy risk from precum:
- Precum is a clear fluid released during sexual arousal before ejaculation, primarily to lubricate and neutralize the urethra
- Studies show that between 13% and 41% of men may have sperm in their precum, with some sperm being motile and capable of fertilization
- When the withdrawal (pull-out) method is used perfectly, the chance of pregnancy is about 4%, but due to human error, it can increase to around 20-22% over a year of typical use
- Pregnancy risk is highest if precum enters the vagina during the fertile window around ovulation since sperm can survive up to 5 days inside the female reproductive tract
- Getting pregnant from precum during menstruation is unlikely but still possible depending on cycle timing
- Using reliable contraception methods like condoms, birth control pills, or IUDs greatly reduces the risk of pregnancy from precum
In summary, while the likelihood of pregnancy from precum is lower than from ejaculate, it is not negligible. If avoiding pregnancy is important, relying solely on withdrawal is risky, and additional contraception is recommended
