Pre-ejaculatory fluid is a thick and clear fluid released by accessory glands in the penis during arousal. Ejaculated sperm travels must travel through the urethra, the same route that acidic urine passes through. The pre-ejaculatory fluid protects sperm from the acidity of the male urethra and female vagina while lubricating the male urethra.
Pre-ejaculatory fluid can also be referred to as pre-seminal fluid, pre-ejaculate or as pre-cum (the slang term.)
Men with larger amounts of pre-ejaculatory fluid may have improved fertility compared to men with little to no pre-ejaculatory fluid. In the absence of pre-ejaculatory fluid, sperm may die off before they get into the vagina, causing male fertility issues.
Studies are mixed as to whether sperm is found in the pre-ejaculate as some men will have sperm in the pre-ejaculate while other men do not. It is possible that pre-ejaculatory fluid mayo collects retained sperm in the urethra from a previous ejaculation, which indicates there is a chance for conception secondary to pre-ejaculate only.
Synonyms
Pre-Cum, Precum, Preseminal Fluid, Male Arousal Fluid
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