Birth control in modern times is easy, with a number of contraceptive methods out there. While it is totally a matter of personal choice, there are many women (and men) who don’t like to use the hormone-based contraceptives available on the market. They like using natural methods, the most common amongst them being the pull-out method or withdrawal method.
Withdrawal is not an effective method of birth control. If it is done correctly, it can have positive effects. In this article, we examine the effectiveness of this method as well as some ways to reduce its risks.
So What Exactly is the Pull-Out Method?
Just as the name suggests, the pull-out method means that the man pulls out his penis from the vagina just before he ejaculates (commonly known as cumming). This is to prevent the semen (known as cum) from entering the vagina or the vulva (outer genitals) so that the sperm in the semen does not fertilize the egg present in the uterus. And thus help to prevent pregnancy.
But the thing to remember here is that the man needs to stop intercourse and pull out before any semen comes out. The timing is most important since even a drop of semen in the vagina can lead to a baby (or two!) after nine months!’
Does the Pull-Out Method Work?
No contraceptive is 100% foolproof. Having said that, this is the world’s oldest form of birth control. So, yes, it does work. But like any other form of contraception, this option too comes with its own plus and minus points. Of women using only this birth control form, 20% end up conceiving. While a lot of couples continue to use this method even now, most of them use a second contraceptive along with it.
What is the Best Way to Make The Pull-Out Method Work?
This method works best only if the man pulls out before ejaculation, each and every time. And he also has to make sure that not even a drop of the semen reaches the woman’s vagina or vulva.
For this method to be most effective, use it as a backup with other contraceptives, like the Pill, condoms, or IUD. This ensures that in case of any delay in withdrawal or any other mix-up, the woman will still be protected and safe. Condoms work well with this method since they prevent pregnancy and will also work even if the man doesn’t pull out in time. Plus these also help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Nonetheless, it is a good idea to keep some emergency contraceptives (or the morning-after pill) for accidents just in case the ejaculated semen touches or enters the vagina.
[Read: What Are The Different Contraception Methods?]
What Are the Benefits of This Method?
The withdrawal method comes with some unique advantages, which makes it popular.
- Free.
- No side effects as this is a natural method, so there is no associated risk of side effects like mood swings, weight gain, etc. that comes with hormonal birth control. It is completely natural and safe.
- No religious taboos as this natural method is compatible with certain religious beliefs that disallow contraceptives.
Of course, there are some disadvantages you need to be aware of while using this method.
- Not very reliable as the man needs to pull out at a time when sexual pleasure is most intense, and therefore, it is not an easy task. A lot of self-control and experience are needed.
- Higher chances of failure especially in men who suffer from premature ejaculation.
- No protection from STDs.
What Are the Disadvantages of the Pull-Out Method?
Being able to pull out in time may not always be possible – it may just slip out of your mind, especially at the height of sexual pleasure. If your partner does not pull out in time and ejaculates inside your vagina, you may conceive. Even if the semen just touches your vulva there is a possibility of pregnancy in case the sperm cells swim into the vagina.
Some of the disadvantages of the Pull-out method are:
- The risk of pregnancy is high.
- To pull out before ejaculating takes a great deal of control from men’s part.
- It does not provide protection against STIs.
- There is no way for the woman to influence it in any way.
- Teenagers and males with little sexual experience have a tendency to use it incorrectly.
- Although it requires great self-control, experience, and practice, it is still not 100% sure to work.
- A man who experiences premature ejaculation is not likely to benefit from it.
But what if the male partner does not cum at all? Is it still possible for the woman to get pregnant? Interestingly, it is! Even before a man ejaculates, there is some fluid that leaks out of his penis. This fluid also contains sperm and can cause pregnancy if it gets into your vagina or vulva. For best results, use the withdrawal method with a backup of other contraceptives!
[Read : Can You Get Pregnant From Precum]
FAQ’s
1. Can the Pull-Out Method Protect Against STDs?
Not at all. The risk of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) such as HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, or syphilis is still present when using this method. Using a condom along with a withdrawal method will help you avoid pregnancy and STDs.
2. How Likely is it to Get Pregnant With Pull Out Method?
It has been shown that the pull-out method is effective in about 78% of the cases. This means that over the course of a year, 22 out of 100 women–about one in five– would become pregnant using this method.
3. Can Precum Get You Pregnant?
There may even be some sperm that leaves the penis before withdrawal. The precum fluid itself does not contain sperm, but sperm can leak into it. So the short answer is: Yes, it’s possible to get pregnant from pre-cum.
Read Also: How Effective is Depo-Provera For Birth Control?
