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Get it nowYou may have heard that the pull-out method is a way to help prevent pregnancy—and that’s true, it can reduce the risk. But it’s not as reliable as other methods, especially because of something called precum. Let’s talk about what precum is, the risk of pregnancy from precum, and what you can do to protect yourself.
If you’re looking for a birth control method to prevent pregnancy, Hey Jane offers 100+ options (including non-hormonal methods), from the comfort and convenience of your phone. Click here to learn more.
What is precum?
Precum, or pre-ejaculate, is a clear fluid that comes out of the penis when someone is sexually aroused before ejaculation. It’s made by the Cowper's glands and helps lubricate the urethra (the tube where urine and semen come out). It also neutralizes any acidity in the urethra which creates an environment to keep sperm healthy during ejaculation. Most people can’t feel or control when it comes out, and many don’t even notice it.
Cum vs. precum
Does precum contain sperm?
Precum can carry sperm in certain cases, even though precum itself doesn’t come from the testes. Research shows that anywhere from 17% to 37% of people have sperm that’s capable of moving or swimming in their pre-ejaculate fluid.
Can you get pregnant from precum?
Yes. If precum gets into the vagina and contains sperm—especially during your fertile window (the 6 days when you’re most likely to get pregnant)—you can get pregnant, even if ejaculation within the vagina doesn’t happen. The likelihood of pregnancy depends on several factors.
How likely is pregnancy from precum?
How to lower the risk of pregnancy from precum
You can reduce your risk by using protection and understanding your options.
1. Use reliable birth control
Hormonal birth control methods like the pill, patch, ring, IUD, or arm implant are very effective when used correctly. Non-hormonal methods including condoms and diaphragms, especially when used from the start of sexual activity, can also help prevent pregnancy.
2. Don’t rely on the pull-out method
The pull-out method, or removing the penis before ejaculation, is better than nothing, but it’s not nearly as effective as other forms of contraception—mostly because of precum. It’s easy to mistime or mess up, which makes it risky. If the pull-out method is best for you, you might find tracking your cycle is helpful to avoid sex during your fertile window when you’re most likely to get pregnant.
3. Consider emergency contraception
If you’ve had unprotected sex, the condom broke, or you’re unsure if precum might have entered the vagina, emergency contraception like Plan B or Ella can help reduce the chance of pregnancy. Emergency contraception works by delaying ovulation—so there’s no egg for sperm to fertilize. The sooner you take it, the more effective it is.
There’s a lot of misinformation floating around about the precum and the pull-out method. The bottom line is that precum can contain sperm—meaning pregnancy is possible, even without full ejaculation. Understanding how pregnancy occurs, when you're most fertile, and what precautions to take can empower you to make informed choices about your reproductive health. Whether you're using fertility tracking, condoms, hormonal birth control, or considering emergency contraception, there are effective ways to protect yourself. If you need help navigating an unplanned pregnancy, schedule an online consultation with a Hey Jane provider today.
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