Pre-cum or pre-seminal fluid is not the same as semen. Outwardly, it resembles a sticky transparent mixture that is secreted from the urethral opening of the penis. It is released before ejaculation, mixes with sperm during ejaculation, and enters the vagina during unprotected sex.
Visually, this liquid resembles raw egg white. In men, during arousal, fluid is secreted from Littre's Cooper's and thoracic glands. Contains prostate juice.
Cooper's glands—also known as bulbourethral glands—are about the size of a pea and are located below the prostate on either side of the urethra.
Littre glands look like clusters and are located throughout the urethra, about 30 of them. They constantly secrete a secretion that lubricates the urethra. Its formation intensifies during sexual excitement.
Everyone has their own amount of lubricant. To make it more understandable, we can draw an analogy with women: some need additional lubricant for sex, while others need their natural lubricant. The amount of secretion from the bulbourethral glands is determined by the level of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. In the case of prostate adenoma, the level of dihydrotestosterone increases, and accordingly, the secretion of boys increases when excited, although the composition is not normal.
The composition of preseminal fluid is somewhat similar to sperm. It contains a lot of sialoproteins, enzymes, aminosaccharides, and an alkaline reaction also takes place in it.
In men, the purpose of emptying during excitement (pre-ejaculation) is to lubricate the head, facilitate the penetration of the penis into the vagina, prepare the urethra for the passage of sperm, and feed the sperm with useful substances. It also neutralizes bacteria, urine residues, alkalizes the environment of the penis and vagina, creating good conditions for germ cells.
When the preseminal fluid is produced, it does not contain sperm. This can be explained by the fact that they are not connected to the testes in any way, the glands do not synthesize them. However, there may be sperm in the preejaculate leaving the urethra, depending on which phase of the sexual act we are talking about. The pre-ejaculatory stage begins when the testicles are drawn strongly towards the groin, approaching orgasm. The ducts that the sperm travel through become pumps that pump the sperm out of the epididymis and into the prostate part of the urethra. There they await the beginning of orgasm - the release of sperm. Sometimes they continue along the urethra and mix with the secretions of Cooper's glands.
It happens that the sperm remains in the preejaculate from the moment of the previous ejaculation. In some men, this also causes spermatorrhea - sperm incontinence. This is due to too high testosterone levels or taking strong medications. The detection of sperm in the preejaculate is only possible by analysis, as they are secreted unnoticed during arousal.
You can even get pregnant from pre-foetal fluid - 20% chance out of 100. This probability increases with repeated intercourse. In men, during arousal, a new part of the discharge can dislodge stuck germ cells from the urethral canal and transport them into the vagina.
15-20% of men have some sperm in their preejaculate, so there is a high risk of pregnancy even if intercourse is interrupted.
Normal amount of mucus
The amount of pre-cum is determined by how excited the man is. Accordingly, maximum concentration is possible only in case of strong sexual desire. The norm is 5 ml.
Some men do not produce any lubrication at all, which reduces their ability to have children. In a state of excitement, healthy male secretions have no odor, inclusions, lumps, viscous, and are not accompanied by pain or discomfort.
The main function of precursor formation is purification, so its composition can change frequently. Repeated puberty, before ejaculation, or due to poor hygiene can become confusing. The preejaculate returns to its healthy state after a few days. If you have not recovered, then you should go to the clinic, as this is a sure sign of the development of the disease.
Pre-sperm function
Lubrication is important during sexual intercourse because its special composition disinfects and removes acids after urination. This is the body's natural preparation for the removal of sperm, which passes through the prepared canal without any problems. The microflora of the female vagina is acidic to prevent various diseases. But the acidic environment is also harmful to the sperm, making it weak and ineffective. And the preejaculate reduces the acidity, and when the sperm is released, the female body is ready to receive it, ensuring conception.
Signs of an abnormal condition
In a state of excitement, a guy secretes a liquid that is far from normal, has its own color, smell, composition, and is accompanied by aching pain. A health problem is indicated by the appearance of urethral discharge, a terrible smell, pain when urinating, too much discharge, arbitrary fluid formation without intimate desire, the presence of additional inclusions, a change in the structure of the discharge - whether it is thin or thick. All of these signs indicate the course of disease-provoking pathology in the body.
If the lubricant is released without excitement in men, it is worth talking about the following diseases:
- Haematorrhoea - in case of damage to the mucous membrane of the urethra, pre-ejaculate is released together with blood.
- Spermatorea - sperms are discharged randomly in the absence of orgasm due to too low muscle tone of the tubes through which the seed is released. The pathology is caused by chronic inflammation.
- Leukocyte urethrorhoea is the stage of the inflammatory process when fluid is released into tissues and body cavities. The exudative phase is due to the fact that the protective film of the mucous membrane of the urethra has suffered thermal, mechanical damage or has been exposed to viruses and chemicals for a long time.
- Mucosa purulent - contains fluid secreted by serous membranes, leukocytes and glandular secretions. This mucus is usually formed at night. After waking up, the man notices purulent discharge and yellowish stains on his underwear. They appear when the urethra is affected by bacteria - chlamydia, ureamicoplasma or trichomonas.
- Purulent - contains a lot of urinary epithelium, leukocytes, fluid from serous membranes, mucus. This type of discharge is very thick and has a terrible smell. Outwardly, they resemble yellowish or greenish drops and are a sure sign of gonococcal urethritis, which occurs due to gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Mucus can be released in large or small amounts. In small quantities, lubrication is practically invisible. To recognize it, you need to press the opening of the urethra and then the fluid will appear. It usually dries immediately and leaves a film on the membrane of the head of the penis. Due to the too viscous structure, the urinary sponges stick together.
Causes of painful discharge
In men, the release of fluid during arousal is higher or lower than normal due to sexually transmitted diseases, but these may not be the only reasons.
- Venereal diseases. They occur due to the unfavorable microflora that settles on the mucous membrane of the urethral canal, in glands, cavities and the external areas of the genitals. All sexually transmitted diseases can be divided into 4 groups according to the causative agent: bacteria (inguinal granuloma; chancroid; syphilis; lymphogranuloma; chlamydia; gonorrhea; mycoplasmosis; ureaplasmosis), viruses (HIV; herpes; condyloma; papillomavirus; molluscum contagiosum), fungi (candidiasis)and parasites (scabies; phthiriasis).
- Other reasons. The prostate gland plays a crucial role in the formation of sperm. Without its selection, the seminal fluid has no function. If the prostate is inflamed, its production becomes more intense.
Men with chronic prostatitis notice a large amount of discharge from the opening of the urethra when they are aroused. This fluid is called prostatic secretion and is very similar to preejaculate.
In men, intense discharge may occur during excitement due to allergies, hypothermia, inflammatory processes, chemical or physical injuries.
Clear mucus may indicate a recent catheterization. This is the body's defensive reaction to mucosal microtrauma. If a large amount of such discharge is detected, then this is a sure sign of infertility.
A visual assessment of the fluid is not enough to identify a specific pathology. Here it is important to check its biological composition, and this can only be done during a medical examination.
Can you fertilize with the lubricant?
It has been experimentally proven that male lubricant contains few sperm, so there is little chance of pregnancy released during unprotected sex.
The chances of conception are especially high in the middle of the cycle, when ovulation has already passed and the cervix is still open. Other times, it is not enough for fertilization, which is released in men during arousal. Without the sperm's nutrient medium, germ cells die quickly in the vagina.
The probability of conception is highest after repeated sexual intercourse, as the lubricant contains quite a lot of sperm. If there is no desire to have children, then it is better to go to the toilet a little before the next visit.
Can a virgin get pregnant?
This is entirely possible, and we are not talking about the virgin birth. This situation is due to two conditions:
- unique characteristics of the structure of the hymen;
- sperm viability and speed;
- Is the girl ovulating at this time?
Even caressing naked can lead to an unexpected pregnancy. This happens when the man's lubricant gets on the girl's genitals. Sperm can enter the vagina and conception occurs. The risk is greater if the hymen is particularly flexible or damaged (trauma, equestrian sports).
Sometimes this is enough to connect the egg and sperm. Medical statistics prove that it is not uncommon for a woman to labor with an intact hymen.
Pre-cum color
Healthy lubrication in men is clear and colorless. The color and composition of the fluid changes due to inflammatory processes - cooperitis. If the discharge becomes cloudy, with a yellowish or greenish tint, this indicates suspected pathogenic activity. If the shade is brown, this indicates inflammatory damage to the blood vessels and bleeding.
Inflammation of Cooper's glands can be detected with a multi-glass urine sample. First, you need to urinate into the first container, after massaging the gland, urinate into another container - at this stage, secretions appear in the urine, which must be checked. After the second examination, the prostate gland is massaged and the urine is collected in a third container. For example, if the second container showed an increased content of leukocytes, and the first and third were normal, then this indicates isolated inflammation.
Blockage of the glands may also occur due to stagnant discharge - after all, the urinary tract reaches 2-8 cm. . Inflammation occurs due to the resulting plugs. In this case, massage and antibacterial therapy are prescribed as treatment.
Diagnostics
After listening to the patient's complaints and collecting anamnesis, urologists examine the genitals. In this case, professionals simultaneously take prostate juice through rectal massage. Additional laboratory tests are required:
- Blood analysis;
- Prostatic secretion;
- Analysis of urine;
- Semen.
It is important to evaluate the discharge itself. For this, it is subjected to a microscopic examination. This method makes it possible to identify the main source of the problem - bacteria, viruses, fungi.
Doctors then move on to instrumental diagnostics:
- Ultrasound of the pelvic organs, penis, scrotum;
- Dopplerography;
- Radiography;
- MRI;
- CT;
- cystoscopy;
- Urethroscopy;
- Scintigraphy.
If tumors are found during the examination, the diagnosticians perform a puncture.
How to reduce discharge from excitement
Sexual desire is hard to hide when the secretions are visible through your clothes. If men emit large amounts of fluid when excited, you should follow several recommendations:
- have sex regularly - at least 2-3 times a week, this normalizes the secretion of the glands;
- consult a urologist - sometimes abundant preejaculate indicates hormonal imbalance, inflammation and prostate adenoma;
- stop wearing tight underwear, in loose underwear the discharge will not be so noticeable;
- Avoid getting excited in inappropriate situations - avoid visual and physical stimulation.
Preventive measures
In general, preventive measures are based on the correct attitude to sexual intimacy and depend to a large extent on the upbringing of the girl.
General recommendations to meet the following conditions:
- Good sexual savvy, somewhat educated.
- Use only proven, sufficiently effective contraceptive methods.
- Contraceptives should be chosen by a qualified gynecologist and not by the caveman method - the poking method.
- In the unfortunate circumstances of an unwanted pregnancy, the safety and legality of abortion procedures must be ensured, which is entirely related to the doctor's training and professional preparation.
- Receiving high-quality and professional advice, recommendations and post-abortion medical care.
How to increase discharge before sex
Men sometimes secrete small amounts of lubricant during arousal. Increasing the amount of preejaculate is especially important for men who like to have sex without a condom. Natural lubrication improves gliding, eliminates injuries and increases fertility
How to do it:
- Increase the duration of foreplay. Sex without proper stimulation leads to damage to the mucous membranes of the genitals. The high-quality and long-lasting foreplay triggers intense fluid production in both women and men.
- Use dietary supplements or aphrodisiacs. Supplements containing ginseng, hot mucus and horny weed are especially suitable. They increase arousal and increase the amount of preejaculate released.
- Minimize alcohol and cigarettes as toxins prevent the glands from functioning normally.
- Drink lots of water.
- Regularly do exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor muscles (squats, bridges and Kegel exercises).
Testosterone increases secretion in men when they are excited. In men, the amount of preejaculate decreases during andropause. The synthesis can be normalized with the help of synthetic and herbal testosterone boosters, but only under the strict supervision of a doctor.
In most cases, biologically active substances (dietary supplements) help to safely increase the amount of preseminal fluid and improve the quality of sperm Types of contraception: choosing the best solution
The comparison table will help you choose the most reliable protection method:
| A way to defend yourself | Reliability level, % |
| Condom | until 96 |
| Male sterilization | 99. 9 |
| Intrauterine hormonal methods | until 97 |
| Oral contraceptive | until 98 |
| Hormone injections | until 97 |
| Diaphragm | until 95 |
| Intrauterine device | until 95 |
| Measurement of core temperature | until 70 |
| Calendar method | until 70 |
| Termination of sexual intercourse | up to 60 |
| Showering after sex | until 15 |
The couple chooses the appropriate method individually. It is important to consider the health status and habits of your partners.