Pre-cum is a clear liquid that is released from the penis upon arousal, before ejaculation, similar to the vaginal secretion of natural lubrication.
Where does pre-cum come from?
Pre-ejaculation is produced by Cooper's pea-sized gland (bulbourethral gland) located just below the prostate.
Is pre-cum the same as sperm?
No, many people confuse precum and semen (ejaculation), and understandably so. Both fluids are secreted by the penis, but their purposes and benefits are different.
Precum acts as 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 cleanse urine of bacteria and balance pH levels.
Semen is a liquid that can be white, gray or even yellowish in color and is released as a result of orgasm. 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 fluid before ejaculation varies by a teaspoon or less.
Some penis owners may experience and produce an excessive amount of pre-cum, which can be somewhat heavy and uncomfortable. Although excessive pre-ejaculation fluid is not a health hazard, it can be awkward and embarrassing to suddenly wet your underwear when you see a girl walking down the street. But that doesn't mean you should rely on using pre-cum as a lubricant!
How to deal with excessive precum?
Consult your doctor if you experience an increased amount of ejaculation, especially in situations outside of the bedroom. There are medications your doctor can prescribe to reduce the amount of fluid before ejaculation while still maintaining the benefits of natural urethral cleansing and pH balance.
How to produce more precum?
It may very well be that your body or penis does not produce any pre-ejaculate or only produces a small amount of it. Unfortunately, many supplement companies claim to increase the amount of pre-cum, but don't fall for these cheap tricks - the amount of fluid your body produces is beyond your control. Every body is built differently.
Penis owners should try prostate stimulation and pelvic floor muscle training. This will teach you how to control premature ejaculation for pleasure and at the same time improve pre-ejaculate production.
Can precum cause pregnancy?
The chances are slim, but yes, you can still get pregnant! It is for this reason that abstinence, that is, a man withdrawing his penis when he feels an orgasm is approaching, is not an ideal way to prevent pregnancy.
Can you give or get STIs from pre-cum?
Pre-cum is the sexual fluid from Cooper's glands that can carry bacterial or viral infections, so yes, it is possible to become infected and transmit STIs.
STIs can be transmitted through all forms of sex, including non-pregnancy sex such as oral or anal. With penetrative vaginal sex, the chances of precum passing on an STI are much higher than your chances of getting pregnant.
Therefore, always use a condom, even if you only plan to have oral sex.