Sex may permeate our popular culture, but conversations about it are still associated with stigma and shame in Indian households. As a result, most individuals dealing with sexual health issues or trying to find information about sex often resort to unverified online sources or follow the unscientific advice of their friends. To address the widespread misinformation about sex, News18.com is running this weekly sex column, titled ‘Let’s Talk Sex’. We hope to initiate conversations about sex through this column and address sexual health issues with scientific insight and nuance

In this article, we will explore what precum is, what it does, and most importantly, debunk some stubborn myths.

You’re making out with your partner and suddenly feel some wetness down below. Don’t panic; it’s likely just precum. Precum, or pre-ejaculate, is the clear fluid that comes out of the penis when a man is aroused but before ejaculation. It’s a natural lubricant that helps make sex more enjoyable and comfortable. It is perfectly normal during arousal and sexual activity. However, you may be surprised at just how many guys have the wrong idea about this clear, watery liquid. Read this article to get the real insights about precum.

What Causes Precum to Be Released from the Penis?

Precum is caused by the Cowper’s glands, two small glands located below the prostate. When a man is aroused, these glands secrete an alkaline fluid to neutralize any acidity in the urethra before ejaculation. This helps sperm survive the journey out of the penis during ejaculation.

• Increased blood flow: When a man becomes aroused, blood flow increases to the genitals. This triggers the Cowper’s glands, to secrete small amounts of precum. The purpose of precum is to neutralize any acidity in the urethra left over from urine, preparing it for the passage of sperm.
• Arousal and stimulation: Precum is often released with arousal and physical stimulation of the genitals. Things like kissing, touching, oral sex, or intercourse can trigger precum to ooze from the tip of the penis. For some men, precum may even emerge from arousal alone without any direct stimulation.
• Loss of control: Some men report that they experience the release of precum when they have a loss of control over their arousal or are caught off guard by something arousing. The element of surprise or intensity can cause precum to seep out, even if ejaculation has not occurred. For these men, the precum seems to be a physical sign that they have reached a high level of arousal and are close to “the point of no return”.

While the amount of precum released can vary from man to man, most describe it as a few drops of clear, sticky fluid.

Can Precum Contain Sperm? Can You Get Pregnant?

Precum, also known as pre-ejaculate fluid, is an odourless, colorless liquid that’s secreted when a man becomes aroused. Many people wonder whether precum contains sperm and if it can lead to pregnancy. The short answer is: possibly.

• Precum itself doesn’t contain sperm: Precum is produced by the Cowper’s gland and contains natural lubricants and electrolytes. However, sperm may enter precum if any remains in the urethra from a previous ejaculation. For this reason, there is a chance that precum may contain sperm, which could potentially lead to pregnancy if it enters the vagina.
• The risk of pregnancy: While precum has the potential to pick up any lingering sperm in the urethra, the concentration is typically much lower than in regular ejaculate. Studies estimate that there are still chances of pregnancy from precum during act of intercourse involving precum. Precum poses a lower but still present risk of pregnancy.
• Practicing safe sex best way to prevent risk: The only way to be 100% sure that precum won’t lead to pregnancy is by practicing safe sex using contraception like condoms, birth control pills, IUDs or other methods. While the chances of pregnancy from precum alone may be small, when you’re sexually active the risks add up over time. It’s always best to be proactive and take recommended precautions.
• Emergency contraception after intercourse involving precum: If you’ve had unprotected intercourse involving precum, emergency contraception such as Plan B can help prevent pregnancy. Plan B works by delaying ovulation to prevent the egg and any sperm from meeting. For maximum effectiveness, Plan B should be taken within 72 hours of intercourse.

Tips for Managing Precum

Precum is usually harmless, but it can feel annoying or embarrassing. Here are some tips to help you manage precum and feel more comfortable.

• Practice kegel exercises: Kegel exercises strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which support your bladder and reproductive organs. Stronger pelvic floor muscles can give you more control over precum release. To do Kegels, squeeze your pelvic floor muscles for 3-5 seconds, then release. Repeat this 10-15 times, a few times per day.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water keeps your prostate healthy and helps reduce precum production. Most experts recommend 6-8 glasses of water per day for good hydration. Staying well hydrated will make you feel better overall and may decrease unwanted precum.
• Reduce stimulation: The more aroused you become, the more precum is released. To minimize precum, avoid stimulating activities like watching explicit videos or prolonged foreplay. Take breaks to allow your arousal to decrease before stimulating again.
• Wear absorbent underwear: Tight-fitting underwear made of absorbent, breathable fabrics like cotton can help soak up precum as it’s released. Change your underwear frequently, especially if you notice a large amount of precum. Loose-fitting boxers or going commando may allow more precum to accumulate in your pants.
• Talk to your doctor: If precum is causing significant distress or discomfort, talk to your doctor. They may be able to determine if an underlying condition like prostatitis or a prostate infection is contributing to increased precum production. Treatment options like medication or pelvic floor therapy may help reduce your symptoms.

So, there you have it. Precum is a normal part of the arousal process for most guys. As long as you’re smart and use protection like condoms, you shouldn’t have much to worry about pregnancy. But if you ever notice any unusual discharge or pain, talk to your doctor. Overall, don’t stress too much about precum. It’s just your body’s way of getting ready for the main event. Enjoy the journey and try not to overthink the fluids. Your partners will appreciate your confidence and maturity in understanding this normal process. Stay safe out there!