Can precum cause pregnancy?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had sex with my girlfriend seven days ago. I did not enter my penis into her vagina, but I rubbed my penis and a little amount of precum was there in her inner wear. Later, she washed her vagina with water. Is there a chance for pregnancy? Can precum penetrate and cause pregnancy? Currently, she missed her periods. She has thyroid problem and polycystic ovarian syndrome. She is under medication for thyroid.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

There are actually minimal chances of her getting pregnant as there was no penetration or ejaculation. Moreover, sperms even if present in the precum are very fragile and get easily morphologically denatured on coming in contact with fomites like undergarments (cotton/ linen). Hence, it cannot fertilize the ovum and cause pregnancy.As she is suffering from PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and hypothyroidism, both can cause delay in menses. Also, you mentioned that she has been on Diane-35 (combination of Cyproterone and Ethinyl Estradiol) which works as a contraceptive, though given for PCOS (for hormonal imbalance), once the chances of pregnancy are further negated. So, rest assured she is unlikely to be pregnant. For conclusive confirmation, get a serum beta-hCG test done as in this week. If the hCG levels are less than 5 ng/dL, then she is not pregnant for sure.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

She has been a case of PCOS for which Diane 35 (Cyproterone and Ethinyl Estradiol) was started to regularize the menses and re-establishing the hormonal balance for at least six months. If the course has been shortened, then there is all possibility that the next menses may be delayed because of unresolved PCOS. Ideally, there are no chances of pregnancy in your case. However, in any case a urine pregnancy test should be done to rule out pregnancy. Taking homeopathy medicine could be another reason for not getting menses itself. Considering the circumstances, there is very little or no chance of pregnancy. Yes, you can use home pregnancy test kit, which stored under room temperature.