Are you aware that for you to get pregnant; there are a few things needed? Well, the following must be present:
- Healthy egg from a woman
- Quality sperm from the man
- A warm and healthy environment- to support the egg for fertilization and implantation
Most people have the basic knowledge of how reproduction works; however, many misconceptions go around reproductive health, for example, the idea that you can’t get pregnant from precum.
What is Precum?
- Precum is the bodily fluid that usually seeps from the penis during intercourse.
- Cowper’s glands produce the fluid.
- It travels from the urethra then to the penis.
- It is also known as pre-ejaculate, pre-ejaculatory fluid, pre-seminal fluid, or Cowper’s fluid.
Understanding what pre-ejaculate is, let’s address the misconception that you can’t get pregnant from precum. Truth be told, there are chances of getting pregnant from precum.
What are the chances of getting pregnant from precum?
You may be wondering, “What are my chances of getting pregnant from precum?” Since you are sexually active, understanding this is crucial. Chances of getting pregnant from precum are high. Begin with the fact that during the production of pre-seminal fluid, no sperm is initially present. As mentioned earlier, Cowper’s glands produce precum, and testicles produce sperm. However, the fluid can pick up sperm along the way. What exactly happens? As the fluid travels via the urethra, the pre-ejaculate can take in sperm from a previous ejaculation.
You must know that many men don’t notice when precum comes out, and they have no control over it. The purpose of precum is to neutralize the acidic environment of the urethra. Precum is alkaline, making the environment conducive for sperm survival. The fluid acts as a lubricant during sex and clears the way for sperm.
For pregnancy to occur, a healthy egg from a woman must be available. Sperm can survive in the body of a woman for seven days. So, if your vagina comes into contact with pre-seminal fluid from your partner, the precum, containing sperm, will have ample time to travel to the fallopian tubes and wait for ovulation to occur.
Although pre-ejaculate contains fewer sperm compared to ejaculate, studies have shown that the sperm count in precum is significant. Remember that a man starts creating pre-seminal fluid once he becomes erect, and it was most likely present from the beginning of intercourse. Thus, there are chances of getting pregnant from precum during ovulation. An egg lives between 12 to 24 hours after ovulation, providing adequate time to increase the chances of getting pregnant from precum. Only one sperm is needed to cause pregnancy.
Is it possible to know when you are ovulating?
Yes, it is possible. The following signs can help predict ovulation:
- Changes in cervical mucus. As you get close to ovulation, the body produces estrogen, resulting in cervical mucus that is stretchy and clear. The egg-like whites enable the sperm to reach the egg released during ovulation.
- Heightened sense of smell. If you are sensitive to smells in your monthly cycle, chances are that you are ovulating.
- Breast tenderness or soreness. If you notice your nipples and breasts are sensitive, you are at the peak of ovulation.
- Mild pelvic or lower abdominal pain. You may experience a slight ache or pain in the lower abdomen.
- Light spotting or discharge. Spotting a brown discharge is a typical sign of ovulation.
During sex, both partners may use fingers for sexual arousal or foreplay. Note that precum is produced when the man is aroused. If the man touches his penis and gets precum on his fingers and then caresses your vagina with precum on his fingers, the vagina gets into contact with the fluid. Chances of getting pregnant from precum on fingers can’t be ruled out, as precum contains sperm. The sperm will travel and wait to fertilize an egg released during ovulation, resulting in pregnancy.
Getting pregnant while on birth control
Birth control methods are used to prevent pregnancy and plan when to become pregnant. Numerous birth control methods are available, for example:
- Abstinence
- Implants
- Exclusive breastfeeding
- Diaphragm
- Condoms
- Pills
- Withdrawal (pull out method)
- Spermicide
The above methods are not 100% successful. Relying on the pull-out method as a birth control method is very controversial. Its success rate ranges between 73% to 96%, whereas the pill is 99% effective. The condom’s success rate is 100% if used properly. In the pull-out method, the man pulls out his penis from the vaginal canal just before ejaculation, which is difficult since the success rate depends on the man’s ability to pull out during each sexual experience. Compared to other birth control methods, it is the least efficient.
Therefore, chances of getting pregnant from precum while on birth control are possible, especially when using the withdrawal method. Why is it so?
The withdrawal method relies entirely on the male. The woman has no control over it. The man must determine when he is ready to ejaculate and exercise self-control at the height of passion to ensure he doesn’t ejaculate. If the precum contains sperm, you are likely to become pregnant as the man might not notice the pre-ejaculate and has no control over it. Pregnancy might occur. A reliable way to avoid the presence of sperm in the precum is for the man to urinate after a previous ejaculation.
In Conclusion
Chances of becoming pregnant are high under the following conditions:
- If you are ovulating
- If you are using the withdrawal method as a birth control method
- If your partner had previously ejaculated, and you are having intercourse the second time but he didn’t urinate.
- If the above conditions are present, chances of getting pregnant with precum are high.
Wish you well as you take the necessary precautions to avoid getting pregnant from precum. Be in control of your sex life.
