The withdrawal method — also known as the pull-out method and coitus interruptus — has been around for a very long time. It might be the most common birth control method because it is always available and free.
The whole purpose of a withdrawal during sex is to prevent any form of contact between the sperm and egg in order to reduce the likelihood of pregnancy. In this article, we will look at the risks of using a pull-out or withdrawal method.
How it Works
This birth control method is not really rocket science, as the man is required to withdraw from inside prior to climaxing to reduce the risk of sperm getting into the vagina and reaching the egg.
You should note here that “minimize” is the key word as some sperm can still escape and fertilize eggs. When a man is using the withdrawal method, it is crucial for him to know when he is close to sexual excitement in order to stop or postpone ejaculation. This method will be quite ineffective if he is unable to predict that moment correctly.
It is definitely not a birth control method that healthcare providers or most people would recommend, especially those who have tried it, stopped their fun early, and still ended up with an unplanned pregnancy.
Risks of Using a Pull-Out or Withdrawal Method
If you are using this method of birth control to prevent pregnancy, it will not present any direct risks. However, it does not provide protection against STIs or sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV/AIDS, and your sexual pleasure will be disrupted.
Withdrawal requires a lot of experience, self-control, and trust. It is a lot more risky for men with premature ejaculation problems who do not know the right time to pull out, as well as for teens and men who are sexually inexperienced. As of such, it’s very unreliable.
There are several risks associated with using only the withdrawal birth control method. The biggest one is the risk associated with using it incorrectly.
Pregnancy can still occur, even if the man withdraws or pulls out at the right time. According to some experts, pre-ejaculation or pre-cum could pick up sufficient sperm to cause pregnancy from the amount that was left inside the urethra from a prior ejaculation.
It is said that a man can urinate between ejaculations prior to having sex again to help clear sperm from his urethra, thereby possibly improving the effectiveness of the withdrawal method. In addition, it is possible to get pregnant if pre-ejaculation or semen drops on the vulva.
It is important to note that some people consider withdrawal a non-method, but it has proven to be up to 96% effective in preventing pregnancy, depending on the self-control and self-knowledge of the male partner.
Studies also show that around 85% of active heterosexual partners can get pregnant within a year when no form of birth control is used, while only 19% of them will end up this way when they use withdrawal.
The less experienced partners who use withdrawal might have a greater risk of getting pregnant in their first attempts. This method will also be the least effective for teens. New partners who want to increase effectiveness can use spermicide or learn about the female’s menstrual cycle to know when pregnancy is less or more likely to happen.
When it is used correctly, the withdrawal method will carry just about the same risk for pregnancy as diaphragms and condoms, with annual failure rates of 15 to 24%. Some experts believe that the failure rates might be much higher since withdrawal requires very good communication between couples and timing.
Perhaps the biggest problem with the withdrawal method of birth control is that it is somewhat difficult to do perfectly every time. Researchers have determined that the failure rate is around 18% after calculating the failure rate and pregnancy rate when it’s used incorrectly.
Like some couples, you might find that this birth control method will increase sexual frustration and anxiety and will ultimately dampen your sexual pleasure.
Not only is it the worst method for preventing pregnancy, but couples who use it have higher rates of accidental or unplanned pregnancy. Remember that the withdrawal method does not provide protection from sexually transmitted diseases, so you need to use a female or latex condom to lower the risk of infection.
Hopefully you understand more about the risks associated with using a pull-out or withdrawal method after reading this article. This method is technically effective for about 1 in 5 times that you’ll have sex. Around 20% of the women who use withdrawal end up pregnant in the course of a year.
This method of birth control might be right for you if that risk is satisfactory. On the other hand, it is not effective in preventing pregnancy or infection if you’re trying to avoid pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases.
