Can You Get Pregnant from Pre-Ejaculate Fluid? the Risks

Will this lead to pregnancy?

Hello doctor, may I ask if the fluid that is released when the penis is erect for too long is prostate fluid or Cowper's gland fluid? On July 7th, while playing in the water, I noticed a slippery fluid on my penis after caressing my girlfriend when we got back to shore.
What could this fluid be? Could this lead to pregnancy? We were both wearing swimsuits the whole time, and she is still a virgin.
Her period ended 5 days after starting on June 29th.

Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/07/12

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
Prostatic fluid is a secretion from the male prostate gland and is a major component of the pre-ejaculatory fluid.
Approximately 30% of semen is derived from this fluid.

2.
When the penis is stimulated and becomes aroused, a clear, colorless, viscous fluid that flows from the urethra is called bulbourethral fluid, which is different from prostatic fluid as it is secreted by the bulbourethral glands.
3.
Bulbourethral fluid, also known as pre-ejaculate or Cowper's fluid, is a clear, colorless, viscous liquid resembling raw egg white that is released from the urethral opening when a male's penis is sexually stimulated or when the brain is immersed in sexual fantasies.
This fluid is secreted by the bulbourethral glands and has a slightly alkaline pH.
4.
Bulbourethral fluid is primarily produced by the bulbourethral glands, with adult males secreting approximately 0.5 to 2 milliliters daily, which is generally expelled with urine.
During sexual arousal, masturbation, or foreplay before intercourse, the secretion of bulbourethral fluid significantly increases.
5.
During sexual activity, bulbourethral fluid acts as a lubricant, neutralizing the residual acidity caused by urination.
It is commonly believed that bulbourethral fluid may contain small amounts of sperm; therefore, some contraceptive methods that do not use condoms (such as the withdrawal method) may not be entirely effective.
However, limited empirical studies have shown that bulbourethral fluid does not contain sperm, though further research is needed to confirm this.

Reply Date: 2017/07/12

More Info

Pre-ejaculate fluid, often referred to as pre-cum, is a clear fluid that is released from the penis during sexual arousal before ejaculation. This fluid is produced by the Cowper's glands (also known as bulbourethral glands) and serves several purposes, including lubrication and neutralizing acidity in the urethra.
One of the most common concerns regarding pre-ejaculate fluid is whether it can lead to pregnancy. The answer is nuanced. While pre-ejaculate itself does not typically contain sperm, there is a possibility that it can carry sperm from a previous ejaculation if there is residual sperm in the urethra. This is particularly relevant if the male partner has recently ejaculated and has not urinated since, as urination can help clear out any remaining sperm.

In your situation, since you mentioned that both you and your girlfriend were wearing swimwear and that she is a virgin, the risk of pregnancy from pre-ejaculate fluid is relatively low but not entirely absent. The presence of pre-ejaculate fluid alone does not guarantee that sperm is present, especially if there was no prior ejaculation. However, any direct genital contact, even with clothing, can potentially lead to sperm transfer, albeit the likelihood is significantly reduced.

Regarding your girlfriend's menstrual cycle, if her last period started on June 29 and lasted for five days, she would typically be in her safe period if you are considering the calendar method of contraception. However, it is essential to remember that menstrual cycles can vary, and ovulation can occur at different times for different individuals. If she has a regular cycle of about 28 days, ovulation would likely occur around day 14, which would be around July 13 in this case. Engaging in sexual activity close to ovulation increases the chances of pregnancy.

If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, it may be wise for your girlfriend to take a home pregnancy test if her next period is late. Additionally, if you are looking to avoid pregnancy in the future, consider discussing more reliable forms of contraception with your partner. Options include hormonal birth control, condoms, or other methods that can provide better protection against unintended pregnancies.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy from pre-ejaculate fluid is low, it is not zero, especially if there is any chance of residual sperm being present. It is always best to practice safe sex and use reliable contraception to minimize the risk of unintended pregnancy. If you have further questions or concerns, consulting with a healthcare professional can provide personalized advice and information.

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