Illustration by Emma Günther
Can you get pregnant from “precum”?
Clearing up the confusion around precum and pregnancy risk
Top things to know:
Precum can carry a risk of pregnancy
The withdrawal method isn’t a reliable form of birth control
You can track your sex life and birth control method using Clue
Many people wonder, “Can I get pregnant from precum?” The short answer is yes.
To understand the likelihood of pregnancy from precum (pre-ejaculate fluid), it’s important to look at the effectiveness of the pull-out method, whether sperm is present in precum, and for whom the withdrawal method may or may not be suitable.
What is precum?
Precum is the clear fluid released from the penis during sexual arousal and before ejaculation (also known as “cum”). It’s produced by Cowper’s glands and lubricates the urethra, neutralizing its acidity and making it easier for sperm to travel (1,2). While precum doesn’t always contain sperm, studies suggest that it can in some cases, meaning there could be a risk of pregnancy (1-4).
Is there sperm in precum?
As of early 2025, only six studies have examined the sperm content in precum. In two of these studies, no sperm was found (5,6). In the other four, between 13% and 41% of participants had sperm in their precum (1-4). The amount of sperm was low, and not all of it may have been able to fertilize an egg, but there would still be a risk of pregnancy (1-4).
Why do these studies differ? In one study, researchers found that people who produced sperm in their precum always had sperm present in it, while those who didn’t, never did (2). Because these studies had small sample sizes (less than 45 participants), it’s possible that, by chance, some didn’t include participants with sperm in their precum.
Additionally, different research methods and tools might have affected whether sperm was detected (2,7). For example, the timing of when precum is collected could affect the results. In studies where no sperm was found, it may have been because the sperm was collected early in the arousal phase (7).
In studies where sperm was detected, the precum was collected later—possibly after ejaculation had started—which could have allowed some sperm to “leak” into the precum (7). A 2020 review of the research suggests that sperm is more likely to appear in precum later in the arousal phase or closer to orgasm (7).
It’s commonly believed that sperm in precum is “leftover” sperm from previous ejaculations and that urinating before sex clears the urethra of sperm (2). However, this doesn’t seem to be true.
In studies where sperm was found in precum, all participants had urinated before providing their samples. This suggests the sperm was “new” or, less likely, that urination doesn’t completely clear sperm from the urethra (1,2).
App Store
Play Store
Can you get pregnant from precum?
Yes, it’s possible, but several factors play a role:
Presence of sperm: Not everyone has sperm in their precum. Some researchers think that sperm in precum may be due to “spillover” in the pre-ejaculation phase or from unnoticed ejaculation during sex (1,7). For example, one study found sperm in the vaginas of 3 out of 14 women after penis-in-vagina sex, even though no ejaculation inside the vagina was reported (1).
Timing in the cycle: The risk of pregnancy is highest around ovulation (about 12–15 days before your expected period) when an egg is available for fertilization (8). Since sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, pregnancy is possible even if you don’t ovulate right away. If you’re wondering, “Can I get pregnant from precum on my period?” the chance is lower, but it’s still possible, depending on when ovulation occurs (8).
Note: The fertile window and ovulation predictions shown in the Clue app are only estimates and should not be relied on for contraception. The exact timing of ovulation can vary from cycle to cycle.
What is the withdrawal method?
The withdrawal method, also known as the “pull-out” method or coitus interruptus, is a type of birth control where one partner removes their penis from the vagina and away from their partner’s genitals before ejaculation, usually around the time of orgasm (9). In theory, this prevents sperm from reaching the egg, reducing the chance of pregnancy.
How effective is the pull-out method for preventing pregnancy?
The withdrawal method is not considered a reliable form of birth control.
Out of every 100 people using only withdrawal as contraception, about 20 will get pregnant within one year (9,10). Even with “perfect use” (i.e., ejaculation occurs away from the partner’s genitals every time), about 4 out of 100 will still get pregnant (9,10).
Why is the withdrawal method less effective than expected? Because it’s tough to do perfectly every time. People can forget to withdraw or misjudge when to pull out, leading to unintended pregnancy. And, of course, precum can sometimes contain sperm, making the method even riskier (2).
Can you rely on the withdrawal method?
The withdrawal method is popular—most likely because it’s free and doesn’t require planning (you don’t need a prescription or to go to the store). Its use varies by age, race/ethnicity, and country (11-13). In the United States, about 7 in 10 women will use withdrawal at least once in their lifetime, while more than 9 in 10 will use condoms at least once (14). However, only about 7 in 100 US women rely on withdrawal as their primary method of contraception (15).
In Europe, the number of people using the withdrawal method alone ranges from 1–11 out of every 100 people, depending on the country (12,13). Many people use withdrawal alongside other contraception methods like condoms, spermicide, and/or periodic abstinence (i.e. not having sex during specific times) (15,16).
Withdrawal can be an acceptable form of birth control for some people, but it works best for partners who:
Know the signs their body gives when they are about to ejaculate
Are self-disciplined enough to withdraw on time
Trust one another to use the method as agreed and communicate any errors
Do not produce sperm in their precum
Although the first three conditions can be learned, you can’t know for sure if there’s sperm in your partner’s precum without lab tests, which are not readily available. So, while withdrawal can work for some, it’s not the most reliable option.
What else to consider
Of course, pregnancy isn’t the only concern when it comes to sex. Precum can also transmit human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (5,6,9).
If you’re thinking of using withdrawal with your partner(s), it’s a good idea to think about how comfortable you would be with a potential pregnancy and to get tested for STIs beforehand. If you and your partner(s) have both received clean STI tests (which is the only way to know for sure, since many STIs don’t show symptoms) and are okay with the chance of a pregnancy, then the withdrawal method might be a good fit for you.
If you and/or your partner don’t want to get pregnant or aren't sure about your STI status, the withdrawal method is probably not a good fit.
What to do if you’re concerned about pregnancy
If you’re worried you could be pregnant after precum exposure, here are some potential next steps:
Consider emergency contraception: For extra protection, consider having emergency contraception (EC) on hand in case the withdraw-er doesn’t pull out in time. EC can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex, but it’s more effective the sooner you take it (17).
Take a pregnancy test: If your period is late or you think you might be pregnant, it’s a good idea to take a pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests are most reliable about 1–2 weeks after a missed period (18). If you don’t want to wait that long, consider testing two weeks after your last unprotected sexual encounter. If you get a negative result but your period still hasn’t arrived, take another test a few days later (18).
Talk to a healthcare provider: If you’re unsure about your pregnancy risk or pregnancy test result, consult a healthcare provider for advice.
Summary
Pregnancy from precum is possible, but it depends on factors like whether sperm is present and the timing of ovulation. While the withdrawal method can work for people who are comfortable with a certain level of pregnancy risk, it’s not the most reliable form of contraception due to its high failure rate and the unpredictability of sperm in precum. It’s important to consider other birth control options to reduce the risk.
Regardless of what contraception or STI prevention you choose, you can use Clue to track your sex life, signs of pregnancy, and symptoms of STIs.
FAQs
What are the odds of getting pregnant if you pull out?
About 20 out of every 100 people using withdrawal alone will become pregnant within one year (9,10).
Should you take Plan B for precum?
If you’re concerned about pregnancy after unprotected sex with precum exposure, emergency contraception (Plan B) can be an option (17).
What is a splash pregnancy?
A "splash pregnancy" is a term some people use to refer to a pregnancy that occurs without penis-in-vagina sex (19). This can happen if ejaculation occurs near the vulva and sperm "splashes" onto the opening of the vagina. In theory, this sperm can travel up into the vagina and reach the egg, potentially resulting in pregnancy.
Can you get pregnant from precum while on birth control?
Birth control methods like the pill, IUD, or implant are highly effective at preventing pregnancy, making the risk of pregnancy from precum extremely low (9). You can read our article on the effectiveness of hormonal and non-hormonal birth control for more information.
