A common question women ask is if they can get pregnant when using the withdrawal method of birth control (also known as "pulling out"). The technique involves withdrawing the penis from the vagina prior to ejaculation to avoid pregnancy.
While it is still not considered a very effective form of birth control, the answer to the question depends, in part, on whether the couple is using the withdrawal method correctly.
Sometimes called the "pullout method" or coitus interruptus, the withdrawal method is a technique that is sometimes used during intercourse to decrease the chances of a pregnancy.
Many doctors advise that the method is very risky if you are actively trying to avoid pregnancy. In particular, because prior to male orgasm and ejaculation, there is a small amount of pre-ejaculate semen that is released, which contains sperm. Even this small amount of semen can still lead to pregnancy if you are ovulating.
The calculated risk of pregnancy using the pullout method is believed to be about 4% for couples who pull out correctly each and every time (meaning out of every 100 women whose partners use the pullout method perfectly every time, four will still get pregnant).
For couples who don't use the withdrawal technique correctly, which is much more common, around 22% will get pregnant (in other words, 22 out of 100 women using the method will become pregnant).
Exhibiting great self-control and being aware of timing are required for correct use of the pullout method. Men must be able to know exactly when they are reaching the point at which ejaculation can no longer be stopped or delayed.
Accurately estimating this point of sexual excitement is required in order to pull out before ejaculation. But even a tremendous level of self-control on behalf of your partner will not guarantee that you will not get pregnant.
When using the withdrawal method on its own, it is especially important to note that pregnancy can still happen even if your partner pulls out in time, as pre-ejaculate fluid may still contain traces of semen. Pregnancy can also happen if semen or pre-ejaculate fluid is spilled on the external opening of the vagina (vulva).
The pullout method may decrease your chances of a pregnancy slightly, but it does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs, formerly referred to as sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs).
Using a condom is your best bet for reducing the risk of an STI.
While it is one of the riskiest forms of birth control, there are a few benefits to using the withdrawal method as a form of contraceptive, such as:
That said, using the withdrawal method as your only form of birth control comes with a few major disadvantages and risks, such as:
If you are trying to avoid getting pregnant, using additional methods of birth control like condoms, birth control pills (oral contraceptives), intrauterine devices (IUDs), spermicidal foams, Depo-Provera injections, or hormonal patches are all options that can be used in conjunction with withdrawal.
If you are concerned about protection from STIs, you should consider using condoms, as they provide the highest level of protection for sexually active adults. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider for advice on the method that is best for you.