Pre-cum is the clear pre-ejaculate fluid that is released from the penis when it is aroused, similar to the way the vagina secretes natural lubrication.
Where does pre-cum come from?
Pre-ejaculation is produced by the pea-sized Cooper's gland (bulbourethral gland), located just below the prostate.
Is pre-cum the same as semen?
No, many people confuse precum and sperm (ejaculate), and that's understandable. Both fluids are secreted from the penis, but have different purposes and benefits.
Precum acts like a pre-penetration lubricant, but its main purpose is to lubricate the urethra to make the sperm's journey from the testes to the vagina as safe as possible. It also helps clean urine of bacteria and equalize the pH level.
Semen is a liquid that can be white, gray or yellowish in color and appears as a result of orgasm. It transports sperm from the penis to the vagina for fertilization.
How much pre-ejaculate does the body produce?
For most penis owners, the amount of pre-ejaculatory fluid is a teaspoon or less.
Some penis owners may experience and produce an excessive amount of pre-cum, which can be overwhelming and uncomfortable. Although excess pre-ejaculatory fluid is not a health hazard, it can be awkward and embarrassing to suddenly wet your underwear when you see a beautiful woman walking down the street. But that doesn't mean you should rely on using pre-cum as a lubricant!
How to deal with excess precum?
If you experience an increased amount of pre-ejaculation, especially in situations outside of the bedroom, consult your doctor. There are medications your doctor can prescribe to reduce the amount of pre-ejaculatory fluid while maintaining the natural cleansing and pH balancing benefits of the urethra.
How to produce more precum?
Maybe your body or penis does not produce pre-ejaculation or produces only a little. Unfortunately, many supplement companies claim that they increase pre-cum volume, but don't fall for this cheap trick - the amount of fluid your body produces is out of your control. Every body is built differently.
Penis owners should try prostate stimulation and pelvic floor muscle training. This will teach you to control premature ejaculation for pleasure and at the same time increase pre-ejaculatory output.
Can precum cause pregnancy?
The chances are slim, but yes, you can still get pregnant! This is why intercourse interruptus, where a man withdraws his penis while feeling an orgasm approaching, is not an ideal way to prevent pregnancy.
Can you give or get an STI from pre-cum?
Pre-cum is sexual fluid that can carry bacteria or viral infections from Cooper's glands, so yes, it is possible to get infected and transmit STIs.
STIs can be transmitted through all forms of sex, including sex that does not result in pregnancy, such as oral or anal. With penetrative vaginal sex, the chances of contracting an STI through precum are higher than your chances of getting pregnant.
Therefore, always use a condom, even if you only plan to have oral sex.