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. 

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.    

You have many contraceptive options at your disposal that will reduce your risk of pregnancy. Hormonal methods include birth control pills, Depo-Provera injections, vaginal rings, contraceptive patches, Implanon implants, and Mirena IUDs. Barrier methods are slightly less effective but have fewer side effects. Barrier methods include both male and female condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, spermicides, contraceptive sponges, and some types of IUDs.  Fertility awareness or natural family planning combines several natural methods (calendar/rhythm, basal body temperature, cervical mucus) that help you determine the days of the month you are most likely to get pregnant. To prevent pregnancy, you must abstain from sex during your fertile days. Tubal ligation (for her) and vasectomy (for him) are permanent methods of birth control that require surgery.

If you live near one of our offices, please call us for an appointment. We can talk with you about all of your birth control options and help you  and your husband choose one that best fits your lifestyle. If you live further away, contact the medical provider of your choice and let him/her know that you are interested in choosing a method of birth control.