AboutArthur Goldstein, M.D. Expertise Any problems or questions related to the field of urology; ie urinary stone disease, urinary cancers (kidney, bladder, prostate, testis, etc.), urinary infections, impotency, etc.
Experience I am retired from the active practice of urology. My 34 years was totally in the clinical field and involved the entire gamut of genitourinary problems, with special interest in male impotence and endourology.
Organizations American Medical Association, American Urological Association, American College of Surgeons
Question I am 26 years old and do not have pre cum. I have masturbated and had sex many, many, times and I don't have any. I have read lots of info on the importance of it in regards to fertilization and how it helps to lubricate the vagina. My wife said that with her other two partners they had it and it helped to get her lubricated and ready for sex. I'm dry until I have an orgasm and my orgasm and ejaculate is very normal. I'm circumcised. I talked with my dad and my brother about it and they both have it. Please help with this. I feel like I'm missing out on something special. Also, since it comes from the cowpern's gland... does this mean I am missing mine?
Answer Joseph, pre-ejaculate ("precum") is a normal secretion of a mucous like material from the paired Cowper glands that empty into a man's proximal urethra. This substance is produced in response to sexual arousal. The amount of pre-ejaculate varies with each individual but will be greater if one has not been sexually stimulated for a while. The function of the pre-ejaculate is to lubricate the urethra thus allowing the semen to be discharged more easily. The Cowper glands gradually become smaller with age and the secretion, likewise, lessens over time. It is possible that you have so minimal secretion that it is unnoticed or none at all. In the latter case, it can be due to congenital absence of these glands or one might have an obstruction to the ducts that drain them so that the fluid cannot escape. The latter is quite rare and can be suspected by the doctor palpating the distended gland on digital rectal examination of the area. The diagnosis can also be made by doing a transrectal ultrasound of the area. If Cowper's glands are present and obstructed, they can generally be drained into the urethra by minor endoscopic surgery. However, let me clear up a misconception you might have. Although precum may aid a little in contributing to vaginal lubrication, this is usually quite minimal. The female has 2 similar structures called Bartholins glands that produce the same fluid as a male when she is sexually aroused. In addition, much of a females natural lubriacation is due to the effects of female hormones on the vaginal lining. Having no or minimal precum really should not be a problem as the secretion has nothing to do with fertility and if vaginal lubrication is a problem, there are many excellent products available for purchase. Good luck.
