5 reasons why you shouldn’t dismiss precum during sex

Sex can get pretty messy, and with all sorts of fluids flying around the place, it can be easy to dismiss the odd excretion here and there.

But precum is something you should pay attention to. It’s really important for sex and can also hide some dangers as well.

Precum, also called pre-ejaculate or pre-ejaculatory fluid, is the clear, slippery fluid that may appear at the tip of the penis during sexual arousal, before ejaculation. It’s produced mainly by the bulbourethral glands (also known as Cowper’s glands) that sit below the prostate.

This fluid is not the same as semen. Semen contains sperm cells and secretions from several reproductive glands, while precum is usually released earlier and in much smaller amounts. Even so, it’s still a bodily fluid, which means it deserves attention when thinking about comfort, contraception and STI risk.

Precum is released as part of the body’s natural response to sexual stimulation. When someone becomes aroused, the Cowper’s glands produce an alkaline, mucus-like fluid that helps prepare the urethra for ejaculation. It can help lubricate the urethra and neutralise traces of acidic urine that may remain inside it.

Not everyone produces the same amount. Some people notice several drops, while others notice very little or none at all. This variation is usually normal and doesn’t, by itself, tell you anything reliable about fertility, STI status or sexual health.

One of the main roles of precum is lubrication. Because it’s clear and slippery, it can reduce friction at the tip of the penis, helping sexual activity feel smoother and more comfortable and supporting the passage of semen during ejaculation.

That said, precum shouldn’t be relied on as the only source of lubrication. If sex feels dry, uncomfortable or painful, using a suitable lubricant can make a big difference. Water-based lubricants are generally compatible with condoms and can help reduce friction-related irritation, which may also reduce the chance of tiny breaks in the skin or mucous membranes.

Precum itself isn’t made in the testicles and isn’t designed to contain sperm. However, research shows that sperm can sometimes be found in pre-ejaculatory fluid.

A 2024 pilot study published in Contraception examined 70 paired samples from 24 men experienced with withdrawal and found sperm in 9 pre-ejaculate samples, or 12.9%. Sperm were found in samples from 6 participants, meaning 25% of participants had sperm detected in at least one pre-ejaculate sample.

The same study found that motile sperm at concentrations considered clinically significant for pregnancy risk were usually absent or present inconsistently. In practical terms, the risk from precum alone may be lower than many people assume, but it’s not zero. Sperm may be more likely to appear if semen remains in the urethra after a previous ejaculation, particularly if the person has not urinated since.

The “pullout method”, also known as withdrawal, depends on removing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation. The challenge is that timing can be difficult, especially in the moment, and precum can appear before someone realises it. If sperm are present in precum, or if ejaculation happens even slightly before withdrawal, pregnancy may be possible.

That’s why withdrawal is generally less reliable than methods such as condoms, hormonal contraception or long-acting reversible contraception. It also offers no protection against STIs. If you are trying to prevent pregnancy, it is best to choose a contraceptive method that fits your needs and to use it consistently and correctly.

Precum can also matter for STI transmission. Many STIs are passed through sexual fluids or contact with infected mucous membranes, and some infections can be present even when there are no symptoms. Bacterial infections like Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea can spread through infected sexual fluids, including pre-ejaculate, semen and vaginal fluid.

Viruses can also be a concern. HIV, for example, can be transmitted through certain body fluids during anal or vaginal sex when those fluids contact mucous membranes or damaged tissue. Condoms and regular STI testing remain two of the most effective ways to reduce risk, especially with new or multiple partners.

Precum is usually clear, thin and slippery, while semen is often thicker and cloudy or whitish. However, bodies don’t always follow textbook descriptions. Fluid appearance can vary depending on hydration, timing, arousal, recent ejaculation and individual differences.

Can you feel precum being released?

Not always. Some people notice a wet or slippery feeling during arousal, while others may not feel anything at all.

Does precum have a smell?

Precum is usually odourless. A strong, unpleasant or unusual odour, especially if accompanied by pain, discharge, itching, sores or discomfort when peeing, may be a sign of an infection.

Should you get tested after contact with precum?

If there was unprotected sexual contact, a condom broke or slipped, or you are unsure about a partner’s STI status, testing is a sensible step. Many STIs have no symptoms, so testing is the only reliable way to know your status.

Can condoms help protect against risks linked to precum?

When used correctly and from the start of sexual contact, condoms can reduce exposure to precum and other sexual fluids. They can also lower the risk of many STIs and help prevent pregnancy.

Precum is a normal part of sexual arousal, and for many people it plays a helpful role in making sex more comfortable. But it shouldn’t be dismissed. It can sometimes contain sperm, it can affect the reliability of withdrawal, and it may carry infections that are passed through sexual fluids.

The good news is that you can take simple, practical steps to protect your sexual health. Use condoms consistently, consider a reliable contraceptive method if pregnancy is a concern, and get tested regularly if you’re sexually active.