Pull Out Method - Effectiveness and Risks

What Is the Pull Out Method?

Pull-out is a method which helps to prevent pregnancy by keeping semen away from the vagina. It is also known as a withdrawal method, and it works well when there is another birth control method, like a condom.

How Does the Pull Out Method Work?

The man needs a lot of control to time it right, and it does not work if they cannot feel when they are close to orgasm, or if they are so caught up in the moment, that they do not pull out in time. The ways to use the out method are:

• Another type of birth control, like a condom or pill, is used along with it.

• A chemical, such as spermicide, is used to kill the sperm.

• It is recommended not to rely on withdrawal alone, as there are days when the woman is most likely to get pregnant. With the help of an ovulation calendar, it can be tracked to see which days are safest.

• Before sex, the man can pee to clear out any sperm that may have gotten an early start.

• Maintain consistency by doing it every time while having sex.

• It is essential to ensure that none of the fluids get on the woman’s upper thigh or groin when the man ejaculates. When the sperm is present on the skin, it can work its way inside the vagina.

How Does the Pull-Out Method Fail?

There are lots of reasons for the pull-out method to fail. They are, by getting the time wrong, sperm present in pre-ejaculate fluid and semen present on or near the uvula.

Getting Timing Wrong

The exact happening of ejaculation is not known, but usually and not always, ejaculation will happen before the orgasm at the height of sexual pleasure. When the pleasure is intense, it is difficult to switch the logical part of the brain, saying that it’s time to pull out. Partners will not know when they will ejaculate if they are not sexually experienced. There can be mistakes made by the experienced partners, too, sometimes due to distractions like stress or the influence of alcohol. In the pull-out method, it is the gamble to get the timing just right.

Sperm Present in Pre-ejaculate Fluid

Sometimes, though the partner pulls out on time, sperm can enter the body. Sperm might be present in pre-ejaculate fluid that the partner releases before ejaculation. Sperm in this fluid might not be as much as in semen. This sperm that might be present in the fluid can lead to pregnancy if it enters the body.

Semen Present On or Near Ovula

Pregnancy can also be caused by semen present on the upper thighs and genitals. To prevent the sperm from entering the vagina, the partner might pull out on time, but sometimes, in this process, the fluid can enter the vulva or upper thighs. As sperm are excellent swimmers, when there is a fluid passageway from the genitals or thighs to the vagina, sperm can also enter the vagina.

What Are the Disadvantages of the Pull Out Method?

The disadvantages of this method are:

• There is no control over the likelihood of becoming pregnant. If the timing goes wrong by the partner or does not pull out as the sex feels good, then there are chances of pregnancy.

• It can make sex more stressful due to pressure, and there is a high-risk situation compared to using more reliable birth control methods.

• It will not remove the need for reliable contraception. Emergency contraception will be needed to determine if there is a suspect that semen entered the vagina.

• It does not provide STI protection as the pull-out method offers zero protection against STIs transmitted through body fluids like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis.

Why Do Individuals Choose the Pull Out Method?

Many individuals rely on the pull-out method for various reasons:

• There is no need to research and choose more effective contraceptives.

• There is no awareness among couples regarding more effective birth control options, like birth control pills.

• There might be objections by couples to pills, devices, injections, or patches.

• There is less pregnancy risk when compared to other birth control options.

• Even if birth control is forgotten, sex can be done.

How Should the Pull Out Method Be Used?

The effectiveness of the method can be improved by:

• Using an additional form of birth control will reduce the chances of pregnancy. Birth control pills, condoms, and long-acting reversible contraception are effective at preventing pregnancy. The likelihood of pregnancy is also decreased by using the pull-out method along with spermicides and contraceptive gels.

• The pull-out method should not be attempted around ovulation, as there are high chances of pregnancy in the days leading up to and during ovulation. Most individuals' ovulation period is about halfway through their menstrual cycle. The most fertile days can be tracked with an ovulation calendar, and it is recommended not to try the pull out method during this period.

• Before sex, the partner should pee to get rid of pre-ejaculate fluid that may contain sperm. This will help to reduce the risk of pregnancy.

• Emergency contraception should be kept on hand. If the pull-out method is used, worst-case scenarios should be planned. Morning after pill, which is the emergency contraception, should be taken to prevent pregnancy within five days of intercourse.

Is Pregnancy Test Required after the Pull Out Method?

If the pull-out was not done properly by the partner, then it is advisable to take a test after the first day of the missed period to get a reliable result. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone detected in pregnancy tests, and this hormone is present only when a fertilized egg is attached to the uterus. If any early signs of pregnancy are noticed even after the pull-out method was done perfectly, then pregnancy tests should be done.

The early signs of pregnancy include:

• Sore breasts.

• Nausea.

• Cramps.

• Fatigue.

• Food aversions.

• Frequent urination.

Conclusion

The ejaculating partner should have extreme self-control for the pull-out method. Sometimes, even after that, things can go wrong. But if done correctly, it is an effective way of preventing pregnancy. It is advisable to use the pull-out method with other methods, such as ovulation tracking and spermicide. If the pullout is used for birth control, it is also advisable to keep emergency contraception around just in case semen gets in or near the vagina.