Is It Possible?
Yes, you can get pregnant using the pull-out method.
The pull-out method, also known as withdrawal—or coitus interruptus if you want to sound technical—involves pulling the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation. While the idea seems straightforward, there’s more to consider.
If you’re using the pull-out method for birth control or thinking about it, keep reading to learn what can go wrong and why it might not be the most reliable option.
What If I’m Not Ovulating?
Yes, pregnancy is still possible.
Although your chances of getting pregnant are higher during ovulation, it’s not the only time conception can occur. Sperm can survive in your body for up to seven days. So even if you’re not ovulating when you have sex, the sperm could still be alive when ovulation occurs later.
How Effective Is the Pull-Out Method?
When done perfectly, the pull-out method has a failure rate of about 4%. This means it successfully prevents pregnancy 96% of the time with perfect use.
However, in reality, about 18% to 28% of couples using this method will get pregnant within a year. This is mainly because perfect timing and control can be difficult to achieve every time.
What’s Considered Perfect Use?
Contraceptive effectiveness is measured in two ways: typical use and perfect use.
- Typical Use: This reflects how people generally use the method in real life, including mistakes or inconsistent timing.
- Perfect Use: This means using the method exactly as intended every single time, with no errors.
For the pull-out method, perfect use would involve withdrawing completely before any ejaculation, every time you have sex—without exception.
Perfect use also includes taking precautions before having sex again. To ensure no residual semen is present, the male partner should urinate and thoroughly clean the tip of the penis before any subsequent intercourse. While this adds an extra layer of protection, it can interrupt the mood for some people.
It’s true, perfecting the pull-out method can be tricky, and simply practicing may not make it significantly more effective. However, if you’re still interested in trying it, focusing on timing is key.
One way to practice is by wearing a condom. As you approach orgasm, pay close attention to the physical cues that signal when you’re about to climax. This can help you better gauge when to pull out in the future.
Don’t try the pull-out method without a condom until you’re confident in your timing, and even then, it’s a good idea to use a backup contraception method for extra peace of mind.
What Can Go Wrong?
There are a few things that can make the pull-out method less reliable:
- Timing Issues: It’s difficult to withdraw at the right moment, especially when you’re in the heat of the moment.
- No Protection Against STIs: The pull-out method doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections.
- Pre-Cum: This clear fluid released during arousal can contain sperm, especially if sperm from a previous ejaculation remains in the urethra. Even a small amount can potentially lead to pregnancy, even if you manage to withdraw before ejaculation.
Can It Be Made More Effective?
While the pull-out method isn’t the most reliable, there are a few ways to slightly increase its effectiveness:
- Track Ovulation: By tracking ovulation, you can reduce the risk of pregnancy. However, remember that sperm can live for several days, so you can still get pregnant before or after ovulation. The fertility awareness method or ovulation-tracking apps can help pinpoint your fertile window.
- Use a Backup Method: Combining the pull-out method with another form of contraception can greatly reduce the risk of pregnancy. Options include:
- Condoms
- Spermicide
- Sponge
- Cervical cap
- Birth control pills
These backup methods can provide additional protection, making the pull-out method more effective.
I Don’t Think They Pulled Out in Time — What Now?
Don’t panic! If you’re concerned that your partner didn’t pull out in time, there are steps you can take.
- Go to the Bathroom:
- Sit on the toilet and use your vaginal muscles to bear down, which may help push out any semen that could be inside.
- Urinate to help flush out any semen that might be on the outside of your vaginal opening.
- Wash your genitals thoroughly to clean off any potential sperm.
While these steps may help reduce the chance of pregnancy, they aren’t foolproof. If you’re still concerned about the risk, consider emergency contraception. It’s most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, so it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional right away.
