How many times have you casually ignored taking a morning-after pill thinking that you cannot get pregnant from precum? While it is true that the ejaculate and the pre-ejaculate differ in composition, you can still get pregnant with the thinner mucous-y fluid. Male pre-ejaculate has a lot of the same properties as actual, sperm-containing ejaculate. So if you use withdrawal or natural family planning as your main form of birth control, it is time to pull up your socks and start using a legit contraceptive method.

What Is The Source of Pre-ejaculate?

While the ejaculate comes from the testicles, pre-ejaculate comes from Cowper's gland secretions. When you are aroused, these glands produce pre-ejaculate, which then flows out of the urethra which is the same tube that the ejaculate and urine flow through in the penis. But even though the two fluids originate from different glands, they are made up of the same contents. The only difference is in their consistency. Infertility in Men: Sperm Quality Getting Worse, Could Cause Extinction of Humankind, Says Study. 

Does Precum Contain Sperm?

While sperm doesn't live in the pre-ejaculate itself, precum is not completely risk-free. Precum can theoretically carry live sperm out of the urethra and into your body. According to experts, the sperm in pre-ejaculate leaks in, as sperm doesn't originate in the Cowper's glands. If your partner ejaculated sometime leading up to sex with you, any live sperm in there can get swept up in precum. Foods that Lower Sperm Count: From Soy to Workout Supplements, 6 Things that Will Make You Infertile. 

Can You Get Pregnant From Precum?

So while there is definitely less sperm in precum than there is in the ejaculate, that's still not a gamble you should take. Plus, you may conceive without warning, which means it can happen before you have had a chance to put on a condom. 'Old' Sperm Produces Healthier Offspring, Says New Study. 

A study published in the journal Human Fertility concluded that a major proportion of men leak motile sperm in their pre-ejaculatory fluid. Therefore, continue using a condom prior to any genital contact in order to minimise unintended pregnancy and disease transmission. Remember you would be unlucky to get pregnant by accident from precum, but you wouldn’t be a complete miracle.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 05, 2019 05:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).