For many couples, sexual intercourse will happen in the heat of the moment. They may not have a condom or other birth control methods right there and then, so they rely on the pull-out method.
If you’re trying to avoid pregnancy, you may wonder what are the chances of getting pregnant from precum.
Any time you have unprotected sex, it can result in a pregnancy. On this page, we will go into more detail about the odds of getting pregnant from pre-ejaculatory fluid.
Keep reading for a full explanation.
What is Precum?
Before we get into the details about a couple’s chance of getting pregnant from precum, we should explain what precum is.
When a man gets aroused, a little fluid spits from the tip of his penis. This fluid has the same color and texture as semen.
The precum will take place before the man has an orgasm. However, unlike the ejaculation from an orgasm, the man won’t have control over it. He won’t know when he’s about to precum.
Precum generally only comes out in small amounts. Some men may not release any, while others can release as much as 5 ml.
Chances of Getting Pregnant From Precum
The pull-out method isn’t an effective way to prevent pregnancy because there’s always the risk of precum.
Generally, precum doesn’t contain sperm. However, some precum may contain small amounts of sperm.
Sperm content must be present in the cum for the woman to get pregnant. But is there enough sperm present in the precum to result in pregnancy?
All it takes to get pregnant is one sperm fertilizing the woman’s egg. If the precum contains one strong swimming sperm, then the woman can get pregnant.
Chances of Getting Pregnant From Precum During Ovulation
As mentioned above, there is a possibility that a woman can get pregnant from precum. Keep in mind that while it’s possible, it’s also rare.
Now, a good swimming sperm is necessary to get pregnant. However, the sperm isn’t the only thing that results in pregnancy.
To conceive a baby, there also needs to be an egg. The woman’s egg will only be released during ovulation.
Ovulation and Pregnancy Further Explained
Pregnancy can’t occur without ovulation. When a woman ovulates, a mature egg is released from her ovaries. It will travel down her fallopian tube, where it can come in contact with sperm.
If the sperm fertilizes the egg, the woman will become pregnant. But, if fertilization doesn’t occur, she will get her monthly period.
Ovulation only happens once a month. The date will be different for every female.
Hormones regulate ovulation and the menstrual cycle. These hormones help produce estrogen and thicken the uterine lining for pregnancy.
A fertilized egg can implant itself in the uterus, where it will develop into a baby. However, if an egg isn’t fertilized, the uterine lining sheds during the woman’s menstrual period.
How Likely Is It To Get Pregnant From Precum Right After Your Period?
Ovulation and sperm cell are needed to make a baby. So, you may think that if you track your ovulation dates and avoid unprotected sex on that dates, you can prevent pregnancy.
This isn’t how it works. To prevent pregnancy, you need to use reliable birth control options (such as the birth control pill and condoms).
The pull-out method doesn’t count as birth control.
If you have unprotected sex after your period, you can still get pregnant. You don’t have to have sex on the day you ovulate to get pregnant.
If you have unprotected sex on the days leading up to ovulation, there’s still a chance you can get pregnant.
This is because sperm can live in the woman’s body after ejaculation.
On average, sperm can remain alive for up to five days. This includes sperm from pre-ejaculate as well.
Why The Withdrawal Method Isn’t Effective
The pull-out method has worked for a lot of couples. But, for every couple that has avoided pregnancy this way, another couple will have a different opinion on the matter.
When couples rely on the withdrawal method, they trust the male partner knows his body 100%. They trust that he can withdraw at the peak of his orgasm.
Even if the man can withdraw at the “right moment,” it doesn’t mean he actually did. There are two reasons why:
- He can’t control precum. At any time during intercourse, he can pre-ejaculate without knowing it.
- Ejaculation and orgasms don’t happen at the same moment. Men typically ejaculate right before the orgasm. If the man plans the withdrawal method around his orgasm, some semen may already be inside the woman.
Importance Of Reliable Birth Control
If you’re not ready to become a parent, the withdrawal method isn’t right for you. You must have explored birth control options.
Even though you’re sexually active, it doesn’t mean it’s the right time to start a family. Birth control allows couples to be in control of their reproductive health.
Every couple should be educated on birth control options to make informed decisions.
Today, there are many forms of birth control available. This gives couples options on which method works best for them. Let’s look at some of the most reliable birth control methods.
1. Condoms
Condoms have many benefits, especially for new couples.
They are an excellent form of birth control because they create a protective barrier method. This prevents any semen from getting into the woman’s body.
Additionally, condoms can also be used for disease control. They offer very reliable protection against the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
Another great thing about condoms is that they’re easy to find and affordable.
2. Birth Control Pills
If you’re sexually active, you can’t rely on condoms 100%. That’s why it’s smart to think of additional options. Birth control pills are effective when they are taken properly.
These pills work by preventing ovulation. If a woman doesn’t ovulate, then she can’t get pregnant.
While birth control pills are an excellent option, they aren’t suitable for everyone. This is why you will need a prescription from a healthcare professional.
If you are currently taking other medications, you may not be able to take a birth control pill.
3. IUD (Intrauterine Device)
Are you on the fence about taking the pill because you’re worried you may forget to take it daily? An IUD may be a better option for you. This is a low-maintenance form of birth control.
It’s a small device that a healthcare professional will insert into your uterus. They last for several years at a time. Once it’s in place, you will have peace of mind about your birth control method.
4. Contraceptive Implants
Another option that people have is contraceptive implants. This is a very effective long-term birth control method.
So, what is a contraceptive implant? This is a small plastic rod that is placed under the skin of the woman’s upper arm. It prevents ovulation from occurring by releasing the hormone progestin at a steady (but low) rate.
The sperm won’t be able to reach the egg because the woman’s cervical mucus will be too thick. This hormone will also maintain a thin uterine lining. If a sperm does fertilize an egg, the egg will not be able to grow in the uterus.
5. Sterilization
Sterilization is an option for preventing pregnancy permanently.
However, it’s important to remember that this can’t be reversed. You should only consider sterilization if you’re 100% sure you don’t want to have any more babies.
Both men and women can get sterilization surgery.
When women get this surgery, the medical professional will cut or block the fallopian tubes.
For men, the surgery is called a vasectomy. This surgery will block sperm from exiting the body.
6. Emergency Contraception
If you’re not regularly sexually active, you may not have thought about birth control until this point. However, things can happen in the heat of the moment.
You may have followed your heart at the moment, but now that the deed has been done, one question is on your mind. “Am I pregnant?”
Taking a pregnancy test is the only way to know 100% if you’re pregnant.
However, if you don’t want to start a family and the timing is right, you can use emergency contraception.
Emergency contraception can be used within 120 hours of having sex. So, you can take the morning-after pill within five days of having sex for it to be effective.
If this is something you are considering, it’s important to quickly act so you don’t miss the window in which you can take it. The morning-after pill can be purchased over the counter at most drugstores without a prescription.
Another option is a copper intrauterine device. However, you will need to have this device inserted by a doctor.
Final Words
In most situations, precum won’t contain sperm. However, it is still possible for the pre-ejaculate fluid to contain traces of sperm.
If you’re not using birth control methods, there is a chance you can get pregnant. The most effective way to avoid an unwanted pregnancy is to use birth control and practice safe sex.
The pull-out method is not an effective form of birth control.
Do you have any more questions about precum and pregnancy? Let us know in the comments below.