Prostate Fluid or Bulbourethral Fluid: What You Need to Know

Prostatic fluid or bulbourethral gland fluid?

The clear fluid that is secreted after an erection without any friction or masturbation is known as pre-ejaculate or pre-cum.
This fluid is produced by the Cowper's glands and serves to lubricate the urethra.
It may contain sperm, although typically in very low quantities.
If the fluid dries, the sperm within it may not remain viable.
However, it is still possible for pregnancy to occur if viable sperm are present and come into contact with the vaginal canal.

Nìmíng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/08/18

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

If an erection lasts for a period of time without any other friction or masturbation, the clear fluid that is secreted is known as pre-ejaculate or pre-cum.
Does this fluid contain sperm? Not necessarily.
Once it dries, is it still present? Not typically.
Can the presence of sperm in this fluid lead to pregnancy? It is unlikely to cause pregnancy.

Reply Date: 2019/08/18

More Info

When it comes to the fluid that is released during arousal without any direct stimulation such as masturbation, this fluid is typically referred to as pre-ejaculate or pre-cum, which is produced by the bulbourethral glands (also known as Cowper's glands). This clear, slippery fluid serves several purposes, including lubricating the urethra and neutralizing any acidity in the urethra that may be present due to urine.
One of the common questions surrounding this fluid is whether it contains sperm. The answer is that pre-ejaculate itself generally does not contain sperm. However, it is important to note that if there are residual sperm in the urethra from a previous ejaculation, it is possible for some sperm to be present in the pre-ejaculate fluid. This is why some healthcare professionals caution that even without ejaculation, there is still a potential risk of pregnancy if this fluid comes into contact with the vaginal area.

Regarding your question about whether this fluid can lead to pregnancy, the risk is relatively low but not zero. If pre-ejaculate contains sperm, and it comes into contact with the vagina, there is a possibility of sperm traveling through the cervix and into the uterus, potentially leading to fertilization. Therefore, if pregnancy is a concern, it is advisable to use protection even during activities that do not involve full intercourse.

As for the question about whether the fluid remains after it dries, once the pre-ejaculate has dried, it does not contain any viable sperm. Sperm require a specific environment to survive, and once the fluid has dried, the sperm within it (if any were present) would no longer be capable of causing pregnancy.

In summary, the fluid you are experiencing is likely pre-ejaculate, which is normal and serves a physiological purpose. While it typically does not contain sperm, there is a slight risk of pregnancy if it comes into contact with the vagina, especially if there was a recent ejaculation. If you have further concerns about sexual health or reproductive risks, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.

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