Family Planning Plus

Unfortunately, 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.

You will need to wait until you are a week or more late for your period before you can take a pregnancy test. Use first morning urine for the best results. If it is negative, repeat the test every two weeks until you have a normal period or a positive test result.

Each pregnancy is different and each woman may experience different symptoms or no symptoms at all.  Early pregnancy symptoms include the following: implantation bleeding (many women do not experience this but when it occurs, it consists of spotting and cramping anywhere from 6 to 12 days after conception); delayed or missed period (if bleeding occurs, it is usually lighter than a regular period); swollen and tender breasts (1-2 weeks after conception); fatigue (as early as one week after conception); backaches; headaches; frequent urination (6-8 weeks after conception); and nausea or morning sickness.  Usually, pregnant women first experience nausea anywhere from 2-8 weeks after conception, while others never get nauseous. 

In the meantime, do not continue to have unprotected sex. Either abstain from sexual intercourse or use condoms from start to finish for each and every sexual act. Free and confidential birth control is available at Family Planning and Planned Parenthood offices if you are interested in starting a hormonal method. If you live near one of our offices, please call us for an appointment.