I would like to know if pre-cum contains sperm that can lead to pregnancy, and what are the chances she could become pregnant? I have heard pre-cum contains no sperm.  If it does, how could me and her go about preventing a pregnancy?

The chances of your girlfriend becoming pregnant is low, but there is a risk. Studies have shown that pre-ejaculate (pre-cum) often contains sperm, though at much lower levels than ejaculatory fluid.  If you are still within five days of the intercourse, have your girlfriend come to Teen Clinic for emergency contraception. This hormonal pill may help reduce the risk of pregnancy by preventing ovulation and thickening the cervical mucus.

Some research, including the reproductive health manual Contraceptive Technology, suggests that pre-ejaculatory fluid itself does not contain sperm; rather, it picks up leftover sperm from a previous ejaculation, which is hidden within the folds of the urethral lining. The studies suggest that this leftover sperm can be cleared from the urethra by urinating after sex.

However, there’s still much research to be done! And there’s also no way of knowing whether sperm is still present in the urethra.  At Teen Clinic, we recommend you reduce the risk of pregnancy by using a condom during intercourse every time, beginning to end. And remember that we have condoms and other birth control methods available to both of you at no cost, available on a walk-in basis.

Tags: emergency contraception, penis, pregnancy