Can precum get you pregnant?

Precum, also known as (pre-ejaculate) is a clear liquid that is released from glands in the urethra (the tube inside the penis that transports urine and semen) when aroused, before semen (cum) is ejaculated. Precum is made up of enzymes and mucus and exists to help semen travel through the urethra and out of the penis. The glands that release precum do not release sperm, but some people do have sperm in their precum (at much lower amounts than actual cum).

A lot of people think that cum and precum are the same thing, but they’re different.

Cum (semen) is a thick, whitish fluid that contains sperm and is released (ejaculated) from the penis during sex, usually during orgasm. It exists for reproductive purposes as it contains the sperm needed to fertilise an egg in order to get pregnant.

Precum on the other hand is a clear, runny fluid that is released from glands in the urethra when aroused, before cum (semen) is ejaculated.

Yes. If you’re having unprotected sex that can lead to pregnancy (penis-vagina sex), then there is a chance that sperm can be ‘picked up’ by precum in the urethra, enter the vagina and result in pregnancy. Not all people with penis’ have sperm cells in their precum but without a microscope it’s impossible to know., so if you’re having sex that can result in pregnancy (penis-vagina) and do not want to get pregnant, it’s important to practice safe sex.

Yes. Any time you have unprotected sex, there is a chance you could get an STI.

Some STIs are spread through sexual fluids, like semen or precum, others through direct skin to skin contact and some can be transmitted both ways. That’s why it’s important to use condoms or dental dams every time you have sex.

Pulling out (the withdrawal method) is not a reliable form of birth control

The withdrawal (or pull-out) method involves removing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation to prevent semen from entering the vagina. Although ‘pulling out’ can reduce the risk of pregnancy when done correctly, it’s not reliable at all. In fact, 1 in 5 people using the withdrawal method during penis-vagina sex will become pregnant. The timing needs to be just right and precum makes things even harder (pun intended) because it’s almost impossible to know when pr

Besides, the pull-out method doesn’t protect you from STIs so using condoms is a much better bet.

If you recently used the pull-out method and are worried about pregnancy or getting an STI, there’s a few things you can do.

1. Get emergency contraception. If it’s been less than 5 days, you can go to any chemist and ask for emergency contraception. The sooner you can take it, the more effective it is. You do not need to have a prescription for emergency contraception in Australia and it usually costs about $20.
2. Consider taking PEP. If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, consider taking post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). The sooner you take it, the more effective it is so speak with a healthcare professional to see if PEP is right for you.
3. Get an STI test. You will need to wait at least 14 days before you get an STI test as it’s most STIs can’t be detected before then. But put a reminder in your phone now before you forget or read more about how to book an STI appointment.

Long term, it’s a good idea to always use condoms and consider speaking to a doctor or sexual health nurse about contraception and/or other safe sex options to make sure you’re protected in the future.

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