What is Withdrawal?
Withdrawal, commonly referred to as the pull-out method, involves the male partner removing his penis from the vagina before ejaculation.
How Does It Work?
The method relies on the male partner’s ability to withdraw before ejaculating. By releasing semen outside the vagina, it minimizes the chances of sperm entering the uterus and potentially leading to pregnancy.
How is Withdrawal Used?
The onus of responsibility falls on the male partner, who must pay careful attention to the surrounding stimulation and aim to withdraw in time.
How Effective is It?
When practiced typically, which reflects common usage, the withdrawal method has a failure rate of approximately 18% to 19%. If you experience any early pregnancy symptoms, it’s advisable to take a pregnancy test.
What are the Health Risks or Side Effects of Withdrawal?
Aside from the risk of sexually transmitted infections, there are no significant health risks or side effects associated with withdrawal as a contraceptive method.
Is it Reversible?
Yes, the withdrawal method does not affect male fertility or female reproductive function. Pregnancy can occur right away if the method is not followed correctly.
What is the Cost?
It’s free!
What About Withdrawal and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?
This method does not prevent contact between partners’ skin. Additionally, pre-ejaculatory fluid may carry sperm, which means it does not provide protection against STIs. Therefore, it should not be relied upon as a means of STI prevention.
What are the Pros and Cons of Withdrawal?
Pros:
- Can be used every time
- May be combined with other contraceptive methods to enhance effectiveness
- No cost involved
- Does not require a prescription or any mechanical devices
Cons:
- Not considered the most reliable form of birth control
- The woman must trust the man’s ability to withdraw in time
- Pre-ejaculatory fluid, which may contain sperm, can be released unknowingly
- Some men find it difficult to synchronize withdrawal
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Additionally, if you’d like to read about other experiences, check out our post on how to help reunite kids with their lost stuffed animals during the L.A. fires here. For comprehensive information on fertility treatments, Parents provides excellent resources.
In summary, while the withdrawal method can be a free and accessible option for contraception, it comes with significant drawbacks, particularly regarding its reliability. Couples should weigh the pros and cons carefully and consider combining this method with other forms of contraception for increased effectiveness.