How effective is urination before unprotected sex a preventive method against insemination by pre-ejaculate?

Doctor's Answers 2

Pre-ejaculate (also commonly known as precum) is a clear fluid secreted by glands in the urethra, during sexual arousal before ejaculation Pre-ejaculate is an alkaline fluid containing numerous enzymes and mucus but no sperm.

Despite this lack of sperm, any fluid from the penis prior to ejaculation could be contaminated with sperm and therefore should be regarded as potentially fertile and capable of resulting in an unwanted pregnancy. This has been shown in studies where up to 40% of men had viable sperm in their pre-ejaculate. This is part of the reason for the high failure rate of the withdrawal method as a contraceptive method.

Urination before unprotected sex may lower the number of sperm in the urethra, but we cannot be absolutely sure that it eliminates the risk of an unwanted pregnancy.

It is best not to rely on the withdrawal method as a form of contraception. Typical failure rates of the withdrawal method are up to 27%. This means roughly 27 out of every 100 women using this method for a year will become unintentionally pregnant.

I would also remind you besides the risk of unwanted pregnancy, that unprotected sex also puts you at risk of sexually transmitted infections.

Photo of Dr Michelle Chia
Dr Michelle Chia

General Practitioner

Urination before unprotected sex is definitely not a method to be used as birth control if you are concerned about preventing an unwanted pregnancy.

You are right in mentioning that pre-ejaculate can also contain sperms which can lead to fertilization and unwanted pregnancy. This makes the withdrawal method an extremely unreliable method of birth control.

If you are not ready for pregnancy yet, then I do recommend and encourage you to speak to a doctor regarding reliable, effective and safe contraceptive methods which can be of great help for you.

You may find out more on contraceptive methods here: https://www.human.com.sg/guide-birth-control-singapore-costs-and-options

Similar Questions

Is Colchicine safe for breastfeeding mothers?

I do agree with what Dr Ethan and Dr Jasmine have written about the risk of colchicine in breastfeeding. For treatment of oral lichen planus, there are many other treatment options available apart from colchicine and you should speak to your doctor and raise your concerns about the use of colchicine while you are breast-feeding and explore if alternative options are available for you.

Photo of Dr Colin Theng

Answered By

Dr Colin Theng

Dermatologist

How should I choose a gynae in Singapore if I have just found out that I’m pregnant?

Congratulations! There are literally textbooks written about this, but I shall summarise them into 5 main pointers for you to take note of: 1. Calculate your due date You can use this due date calculator here. Most doctors will see you when you are about 8 weeks pregnant. 2. Take your vitamins You need to start taking your prenatal vitamins every day.

Photo of Human

Answered By

Human

Ask any health question for free

I’m not so sure about a procedure...

Ask Icon Ask a Question

Join Human

Sign up now for a free Human account to get answers from specialists in Singapore.

Sign Up

Get The Pill

Be healthier with our Bite-sized health news straight in your inbox