Family Planning Plus

Withdrawal or the pull out method is not considered a reliable method of birth control.  However, it is more effective when it is done correctly.   Of every 100 women whose partners use withdrawal, four will become pregnant each year if the method is done perfectly.  Of every 100 women whose partners use withdrawal, 27 will become pregnant if withdrawal is not always performed correctly.  

Couples who have great self-control, experience, and trust tend to use the pull out method more effectively. The male partner must be able to know exactly when ejaculation is coming and must be able to pull out before any semen is deposited in the vagina.  Generally, younger or less experienced men have a more difficult time predicting the time of ejaculation and have more difficulty pulling out in time. 

However, even if a man pulls out in time, pregnancy is still possible because of pre-seminal fluid (also called pre-ejaculate).  Pre-seminal fluid leaks out of the penis prior to ejaculation.  Sometimes this fluid contains sperm that is left in the urethra from a previous ejaculation.  If a man urinates between ejaculations before having sex again, it will help clear the urethra of sperm and may increase the effectiveness of withdrawal.    

Pregnancy is also possible if semen or pre-ejaculate is spilled on the vulva (the external female genital area that contains the labia or lips, the clitoris, the vagina, and the urethra). Also, withdrawal does not provide protection against sexually transmitted infections.  When used consistently and correctly, condoms can reduce the risk of infection.