Chance Of Getting Pregnant Using Pull Out Method

Chance Of Getting Pregnant Using Pull Out Method
Risks of Using the Withdrawal or Pullout Method

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Robin Elise Weiss, PhD, MPH is a professor, author, childbirth and postpartum educator, certified doula, and lactation counselor.
Monique Rainford, MD, is board-certified in obstetrics-gynecology, and currently serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor at Yale Medicine. She is the former chief of obstetrics-gynecology at Yale Health.

The withdrawal method is a form of birth control , also known as "pulling out." The method involves withdrawing the penis from the vagina prior to ejaculation . You may wonder if you can still get pregnant using this method.

The withdrawal method is not a very effective form of birth control. Doing it correctly does make a difference, though.

This article looks at the correct way to use the withdrawal method. It also discusses whether this method is effective, and how to reduce some of its risks.

The withdrawal method is sometimes used during sex to decrease the chance of pregnancy. It is also called the "pullout method" or coitus interruptus .

If you are trying to avoid pregnancy, this method is risky. The calculated risk of pregnancy when using this method the right way is thought to be about 4%. This means for every 100 couples who use the pullout method, four pregnancies will happen. 1 It is important to remember, too, that this number only applies to couples who use the method correctly every time.

Couples often use the pullout method incorrectly. Incorrect use comes with a pregnancy risk of 22%. In other words, 22 out of 100 females who don't use the method the right way will become pregnant. 2

Correct use of the pullout method requires self-control and timing. Males need to know exactly when they are reaching the point at which they can't delay or stop ejaculation. This is critical for pulling out at the right moment. Even if your partner has excellent self-control, though, there's no guarantee you will not get pregnant.

Using the withdrawal method without any other form of birth control is risky. You still can get pregnant even if your partner pulls out in time. This is because a small amount of pre-ejaculate semen is released before ejaculation. 3 There is sperm in this small amount of semen, which can lead to pregnancy if you are ovulating . Ovulation is when your body releases an egg.

Pregnancy can also happen if semen or pre-ejaculate is spilled on the vulva , the external opening of the vagina.

Another risk of the pullout method is that it does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections ( STIs) .

Using a condom is your best bet for reducing the risk of an STI. 4

The withdrawal method is one of the riskiest forms of birth control. Still, there are a few benefits to using it. For example:

This birth control method has major risks and disadvantages. This is especially true if it's your only form of birth control. For example:

There are both risks and benefits to using the withdrawal method. It's convenient, free, and always available, but it also comes with a risk of pregnancy and exposure to STIs.

If your goal is to avoid pregnancy, use additional birth control methods such as:

These methods can all be used with the withdrawal method.

If you are concerned about STIs, consider using condoms. Condoms provide the highest level of protection from STIs. Ask your doctor for advice on the method that's best for you.

You can reduce the risk of pregnancy by combining the withdrawal method with another form of birth control, such as spermicidal foam.

The withdrawal method is one of the riskiest forms of birth control. It must be used correctly in order to prevent pregnancy. Even then, there is still a good chance it won't work.

To use this method the right way, males must know exactly when to pull out. This requires good self-control and timing.

If you're concerned about pregnancy, use the withdrawal method along with other birth control methods. If you're also concerned about STIs, it's a good idea to also use a condom.

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Jones RK, Lindberg LD, Higgins JA. Pull and pray or extra protection? Contraceptive strategies involving withdrawal among US adult women . Contraception . 2014;90(4):416–421. doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2014.04.016
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Effectiveness of family planning methods .
Killick SR, Leary C, Trussell J, Guthrie KA. Sperm content of pre-ejaculatory fluid . Hum Fertil (Camb) . 2011;14(1):48–52. doi:10.3109/14647273.2010.520798
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How effective is the pull-out (withdrawal) method of birth control? How to pull out correctly

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