Can You Get Pregnant? Risks and Myths in Sexual Health

Can I get pregnant?

Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask if I masturbated the night before and urinated 1 to 2 times, and the next day I experienced a prolonged erection with a small amount of slippery fluid.
Is this fluid prostate fluid? Does it contain sperm? Since I have already urinated, does this fluid have the potential for conception? When playing in the water with my girlfriend and engaging in fondling, is it possible for water to enter her vagina? Could this lead to pregnancy? I couldn't find the answers I needed in my research, so I would appreciate your clarification.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/07/13

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
The fluid that was released after prolonged erection is likely prostatic fluid, which can contain a small amount of sperm.

2.
This fluid may have the potential for conception.
3.
When engaging in intimate activities in water, it is possible for water to enter the female's vaginal area, but this does not lead to pregnancy.

Reply Date: 2017/07/13

More Info

When it comes to understanding the complexities of sexual health and the potential for pregnancy, it's essential to address several key points regarding ejaculation, pre-ejaculatory fluid, and the circumstances under which pregnancy can occur.

Firstly, the fluid you described as "slippery" that you noticed after experiencing prolonged erection could indeed be pre-ejaculatory fluid, commonly known as pre-cum. This fluid is produced by the Cowper's glands and serves to lubricate the urethra and neutralize acidity in the urethra before ejaculation. While pre-ejaculatory fluid itself typically does not contain sperm, it is important to note that it can sometimes pick up sperm left in the urethra from a previous ejaculation. Therefore, if you had ejaculated recently before the pre-ejaculatory fluid was released, there is a possibility that sperm could be present, albeit in small quantities.

Regarding the question of whether this fluid can lead to pregnancy, the answer is nuanced. If there are viable sperm in the pre-ejaculatory fluid, and if it comes into contact with the vaginal canal, there is a potential risk of pregnancy. However, this risk is significantly lower compared to direct ejaculation into the vagina. It is also important to consider that urination does not eliminate all sperm from the urethra, so the possibility of sperm remaining is a factor.

Now, concerning your scenario of engaging in sexual activity in water, it is a common misconception that water can wash away sperm or prevent pregnancy. While water can dilute sperm, it does not eliminate the risk of pregnancy if sperm is present and enters the vaginal canal. If there is any direct contact with sperm, even in a water setting, there remains a potential for pregnancy.

In summary, while the likelihood of pregnancy from pre-ejaculatory fluid is lower than from full ejaculation, it is not zero, especially if there is a history of ejaculation prior to the release of that fluid. Engaging in sexual activities in water does not provide a reliable method of contraception, and thus, if pregnancy is a concern, it is advisable to use effective contraception methods.

For those who are sexually active and wish to avoid unintended pregnancies, understanding the mechanics of ejaculation, the potential for sperm presence in pre-ejaculatory fluid, and the limitations of water as a barrier is crucial. If you have further concerns about sexual health or pregnancy risks, consulting with a healthcare provider or a sexual health expert can provide personalized guidance and information tailored to your specific situation.

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