Hey Dr Sue — I’m freaking out!

I usually only do one Q&A a week- but this just came into my inbox and I didn’t want to make this person wait. So to whoever sent this (and whoever else might need to read this) let me start by saying that I totally get that you’re really freaked out right now!

Short answer — if the pre-cum was on the lips and not inside the vagina, it’s seriously unlikely you’ll be a father from what happened.

Here are a few things to think about — there’s not a whole lot of sperm in pre-cum, so that significantly lowers the risk of pregnancy.

Also, sperm don’t live that long outside the body, which adds to that lower risk.

And if she’s not near her ovulation time — then even lower risk.

I would have told you to do exactly what you did, clean it up with a wet towel. Hopefully she didn’t douche since douching can push any sperm there is further up the vagina.

There is always the option of emergency contraception (formerly known as the morning after pill). It can be used for 3–5 days after unprotected sex, though the sooner the better. There are apps that can help you find emergency options. I’ve heard good things about Nurx.

Once you calm down and catch your breath, you might want to read my earlier post “Can I get a girl pregnant from pre-cum?”

Have a sex question you want answered? Submit it anonymously here https://milsteinhealthconsulting.com/heydrsue

Originally published at https://milsteinhealthconsulting.com on July 25, 2021.