Without taking up too much of your time, the short story is that it is possible to get pregnant from pre-cum.
But let's go through some more of the specifics.
On average, 27 in 100 people will get pregnant each year when using the withdrawal/ “pull out” method, this is either due to human error (not pulling out quick enough) or from ‘Pre-cum’. You can see how effective other contraceptive methods are here.
It’s also important to note that this method doesn’t protect you from STIs as well as pregnancy, so it’s important if you're using this method, it's with a long-term partner.
What Is Pre-Cum?
Pre-cum is a lubricant produced by a gland in the penis and it’s released before ejaculation. Pre-cum itself doesn’t have any sperm in it, but semen can stay in the urethra after a previous ejaculation and mix with pre-cum when it comes out of the penis.
The Stats
A 2016 study found sperm present in the pre-cum of nearly 17% of its participants and another study (2011) found sperm in 37% of pre-cum samples given by 27 people.
Can I Control Pre-Cum?
You can't control when pre-cum comes out. It’s an involuntary function and even if you pull out right before you climax, pre-cum is still likely to enter the vagina.
If you do use it, then it may be helpful to have emergency contraception handy in your medicine cabinet. On top of this, make sure you are tracking your cycles to help decrease the chances of pregnancy – this only works for those with regular cycles.
Read more about contraceptive options here.
