Pre-cum is a clear fluid before ejaculation that is released from the penis when it is aroused, similar to how the vagina secretes natural lubrication.
Where does pre-ejaculation come from?
Preejaculate is produced by the pea-sized Cooper's gland (bulbourethral gland) located just below the prostate.
Is pre-ejaculation the same as semen?
No, many people confuse precum and sperm (ejaculate) and that's understandable. Both fluids are secreted by the penis, but they have different purposes and benefits.
Precum acts much like a pre-penetration lubricant, but its main purpose is to lubricate the urethra to make the sperm's journey from the testicles to the vagina as safe as possible. It also helps clear urine of bacteria and balance pH levels.
Semen is a liquid that can be white, gray or even yellowish in color and appears as a result of orgasm. It transports sperm from the penis to the vagina for fertilization.
How much preejaculate does the body produce?
For most penile owners, the amount of fluid before ejaculation ranges from a teaspoon or less.
Some penile owners may experience and produce excessive amounts of pre-ejaculation, which can be somewhat overwhelming and uncomfortable. Although excess fluid before ejaculation is not a health hazard, it can be uncomfortable 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-empty as a lubricant!
How to deal with excess pre-cutting?
If you experience an increased amount of preejaculate, especially in situations outside of the bedroom, consult your doctor. There are medications your doctor can prescribe to reduce the amount of fluid before ejaculation while maintaining the natural cleansing and pH-balancing of the urethra.
How to produce more precum?
It is very possible that your body or penis does not produce pre-ejaculate or only produces a small amount of it. Unfortunately, many supplement companies claim to increase the amount of pre-emption, but don't fall for these cheap tricks - 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 improve the production of pre-ejaculate.
Can precum cause pregnancy?
The chances are slim, but yes, you can still get pregnant! That's why interrupted intercourse, where a man pulls his penis while he feels an orgasm approaching, is not an ideal way to prevent pregnancy.
Can you give or receive an STI from before you cum?
Pre-ejaculate is a sexual fluid that can carry bacteria or viral infections from Cooper's glands, so yes, it is possible to become infected and pass on an STI.
STIs can be transmitted through all forms of sex, including sex that does not lead to pregnancy, such as oral or anal. With penetrative vaginal sex, the chance of transmitting an STI is much higher than the chance of getting pregnant.
So always use a condom, even if you only plan to have oral sex.