Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Sperm Structure and Semen Composition

Sperm Structure and Semen Composition

During ejaculation, males release around 2-5 milliliters of semen, which is a complex mixture of mature sperm and various fluids produced by accessory glands. The mature sperm cells measure approximately 60 micrometers in length and consist of a head, neck, midpiece, and tail. The head is flattened and tapered, measuring about 4 to 5 micrometers in length. It contains a nucleus with condensed chromosomes and an acrosome, a cap-like structure filled with enzymes essential for penetrating the...

Sperm Transport

Sperm Transport

The journey of sperm from its origin to the point of ejaculation begins within the seminiferous tubules of the testis. Here, Sertoli cells produce fluid that propels non-motile sperm through a series of conduits, starting with the straight tubules leading to the rete testis. This interconnected network of tubules acts as the initial pathway for sperm, guiding them into the efferent ductules and then into the epididymis for maturation.
The maturation phase occurs in the epididymis, where sperm...

Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male reproductive...

Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis is a complex process that involves the development of sperm cells from undifferentiated stem cells in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. The process is essential for the production of mature and functional sperm cells that are capable of fertilizing an egg.
The process of spermatogenesis can be divided into mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. During mitosis, the spermatogonia or stem cells divide to produce two identical daughter cells, type A and B spermatogonia. Type-A...

Accessory Glands of the Male Reproductive System

Accessory Glands of the Male Reproductive System

The accessory ducts involved in sperm maturation and transportation include the epididymides, vasa deferentia, ejaculatory ducts, and urethra. These ducts play a critical role in the maturation, storage, and transportation of sperm from the testes to the urethra, where it is then released during ejaculation.
The epididymis is a small, comma-shaped organ located at the back of each testicle. The epididymis can be divided into three main parts: the head, body, and tail. The head of the epididymis...

Fertilization

Fertilization

During fertilization, an egg and sperm cell fuse to create a new diploid structure. In humans, the process occurs once the egg has been released from the ovary, and travels into the fallopian tubes. The process requires several key steps: 1) sperm present in the genital tract must locate the egg; 2) once there, sperm need to release enzymes to help them burrow through the protective zona pellucida of the egg; and 3) the membranes of a single sperm cell and egg must fuse, with the sperm...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Comparisons of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Measurements From the ActiGraph, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and Fitbit in Women With History of Breast Cancer.

Journal of physical activity & health·2025

Same author

A pilot study of vaginal nerve fiber and blood vessel density in postmenopausal women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause.

Menopause (New York, N.Y.)·2025

Same author

Positive impact of a menopause website - MyMenoplan.org - on treatment intentions, knowledge, and decision making: A randomized controlled trial.

Maturitas·2025

Same author

S2303: phase II/III trial of paclitaxel + ramucirumab ± nivolumab in gastric and esophageal adenocarcinoma (PARAMUNE).

Future oncology (London, England)·2025

Same author

Chemotherapy dose density is prognostic for overall survival in patients with resectable pancreas cancer: A landmark analysis of SWOG 1505.

Cancer·2025

Same author

Trastuzumab Plus Pertuzumab Versus Cetuximab Plus Irinotecan in Patients With <i>RAS/BRAF</i> Wild-Type, HER2-Positive, Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (S1613): A Randomized Phase II Trial.

Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology·2025

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Sperm Collection of Differential Quality Using Density Gradient Centrifugation

Sperm Collection of Differential Quality Using Density Gradient Centrifugation

Published on: November 29, 2018

Sperm content of pre-ejaculatory fluid.

Stephen R Killick¹, Christine Leary, James Trussell

¹Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK. s.r.killick@hull.ac.uk

Human Fertility (Cambridge, England)

|December 16, 2010

Summary

Pre-ejaculatory fluid from over 40% of men contains motile sperm, posing a risk for unintended pregnancy. Condoms are recommended from the start of sexual contact to prevent pregnancy.

More Related Videos

Fluorimetric Techniques for the Assessment of Sperm Membranes

Fluorimetric Techniques for the Assessment of Sperm Membranes

Published on: November 28, 2018

U-Shaped Horizontal Swimming Technique for Preparing High-Quality Sperm with Low DNA Fragmentation Index

U-Shaped Horizontal Swimming Technique for Preparing High-Quality Sperm with Low DNA Fragmentation Index

Published on: March 28, 2025

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Sperm Collection of Differential Quality Using Density Gradient Centrifugation

Sperm Collection of Differential Quality Using Density Gradient Centrifugation

Published on: November 29, 2018

Fluorimetric Techniques for the Assessment of Sperm Membranes

Fluorimetric Techniques for the Assessment of Sperm Membranes

Published on: November 28, 2018

U-Shaped Horizontal Swimming Technique for Preparing High-Quality Sperm with Low DNA Fragmentation Index

U-Shaped Horizontal Swimming Technique for Preparing High-Quality Sperm with Low DNA Fragmentation Index

Published on: March 28, 2025

Area of Science:

Reproductive Health
Human Physiology

Background:

Pre-ejaculatory fluid, also known as Cowper's fluid, is released before ejaculation.
The presence and motility of spermatozoa in pre-ejaculatory fluid have been a subject of debate regarding pregnancy risk.

Purpose of the Study:

To determine if motile spermatozoa are present in pre-ejaculatory fluid.
To assess the risk of unintended pregnancy associated with pre-ejaculatory fluid.

Main Methods:

Collected 40 pre-ejaculatory fluid samples from 27 healthy male volunteers.
Samples were obtained via masturbation and direct penile contact prior to ejaculation.
Analyzed samples for the presence and motility of spermatozoa.

Main Results:

Spermatozoa were detected in pre-ejaculatory samples from 11 out of 27 (41%) subjects.
In 10 of these cases (37%), a significant proportion of the detected sperm were motile.
Sperm presence in pre-ejaculatory fluid was consistent for individual participants across multiple samples.

Conclusions:

Pre-ejaculatory fluid can contain motile spermatozoa, indicating a potential risk for unintended pregnancy.
The findings support the continued recommendation for condom use from the initial moment of genital contact.
Individual variability exists, suggesting some men may have a lower risk of sperm leakage in pre-ejaculatory fluid.