Can You Get Pregnant from Precum? Risks and Emergency Contraception

Can I get pregnant?

Around December 27th, I was intimate with my girlfriend, where my penis was rubbing against her vaginal opening (without a condom) for about 5 seconds without penetration, and there was no ejaculation.
I am not sure if any pre-ejaculate or prostate fluid came into contact with her genital area, but I was concerned, so about 26 hours later, I had her take emergency contraception (1.5 mg of Levonorgestrel).
Her menstrual cycle typically occurs around the 5th to 10th of each month.
What is the likelihood of her becoming pregnant? Thank you.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/12/29

Dr. Lin Wenbin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Consult a physician for examination and then discuss in person.

Reply Date: 2015/12/29

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether you can get pregnant from precum (pre-ejaculatory fluid), it's important to understand the biological mechanisms involved in conception and the associated risks. Precum is a fluid released by the Cowper's glands during sexual arousal, and while it is primarily meant to lubricate the urethra, it can also contain sperm. The presence of sperm in precum is not guaranteed, but studies have shown that it is possible for sperm to be present, especially if there has been a recent ejaculation.

In your case, you mentioned that there was no penetration and no ejaculation, which significantly reduces the likelihood of pregnancy. However, the concern about precum is valid, as even a small amount of sperm can potentially lead to pregnancy if it comes into contact with the vaginal canal. The risk is particularly heightened if the precum contains viable sperm, which can happen if there was a previous ejaculation without urination in between, as sperm can remain in the urethra.

Given that you took emergency contraception (Plan B, or in your case, "愛后定" which contains 1.5 mg of levonorgestrel) within 26 hours of the sexual encounter, this is a proactive step to reduce the risk of pregnancy. Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, and it can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 89% if taken within 72 hours. The sooner it is taken, the more effective it is.

Regarding your girlfriend's menstrual cycle, if her period is expected around the 5th to 10th of the month, taking the emergency contraceptive pill should help regulate her cycle and reduce the chances of pregnancy. However, it is important to note that emergency contraception can sometimes cause changes in the menstrual cycle, including earlier or delayed periods, and may result in heavier or lighter bleeding than usual.

In summary, while there is a theoretical risk of pregnancy from precum, the combination of no penetration, no ejaculation, and the timely use of emergency contraception significantly lowers that risk. If your girlfriend's period is delayed by more than a week from the expected date, it would be advisable for her to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not she is pregnant.

In the future, to avoid such concerns, consider using condoms or other forms of contraception consistently. This not only reduces the risk of unintended pregnancy but also protects against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you have further questions or concerns about sexual health or contraception, consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance and support.

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I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.

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