Pre-ejaculate
Pre-ejaculate (also known as pre-ejaculatory fluid, pre-seminal fluid or Cowper's fluid, and colloquially as pre-cum) is a clear, colorless, viscous fluid that is emitted from the urethra of the penis during sexual arousal. It is similar in composition to semen but has distinct chemical differences. The presence of sperm in the fluid is variable from low to absent. Pre-ejaculate functions as a lubricant and an acid neutralizer.
Origin and composition
The fluid is discharged from the urethra of the penis during
Pre-ejaculate fluid contains chemicals associated with semen, such as acid phosphatase, but other semen markers, such as gamma-glutamyltransferase, are absent.[5]
Function and risks
Pre-ejaculate neutralizes acidity in the urethra caused by residual
Low levels or no sperm exists in pre-ejaculate, although studies examined small samples of men.[4][6] Two contrary studies found mixed evidence, including individual cases of a high sperm concentration.[7][8] Popular belief – dating to a 1966 Masters and Johnson study[9] – stated that pre-ejaculate may contain sperm that can cause pregnancy, which is a common basis of argument against the use of coitus interruptus (withdrawal) as a contraceptive method.[4][6]
Studies have demonstrated the presence of HIV in most pre-ejaculate samples from infected men.[6][10][11]
Overproduction
In rare cases, an individual may produce an excessive amount of pre-ejaculate fluid, which may be treatable by a
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