It’s no secret that many men aren’t fans of using condoms.
The withdrawal method, or pulling out, is a widely used form of birth control. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s the second most popular method in the past five years.
Interestingly, it’s not just young couples who rely on this method. A 2013 report revealed that 60% of women have used withdrawal as contraception.
But how effective is pulling out in preventing pregnancy? Let’s look at the statistics.
When executed perfectly, the withdrawal method can be quite effective, with only a 4% chance of pregnancy within a year, based on research from Princeton University.
However, consistently pulling out at the right moment is challenging, especially for less experienced individuals. Many rely on the “typical use” method, which involves pulling out too late, raising the pregnancy risk to 22%.
Moreover, even with perfect timing, pre-ejaculate can contain sperm, and it only takes one to cause pregnancy.
Additionally, Pulling out offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Many STIs are transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, making withdrawal ineffective in protecting against them. Furthermore, Stis transmitted via bodily fluids can still be spread through pre-cum and vaginal fluids, necessitating the use of condoms for protection.
In summary, If you and your partner haven’t recently been tested for STIs and aren’t planning a pregnancy, it’s wise to avoid relying on the pullout method.
For those who still prefer pulling out over condoms or other more reliable birth control methods, consider strategies to enhance self-control during sex.