Does The Pull-Out Method Work? Here’s What You Need To Know

So what do you know about the pull-out method? It’s also known as a withdrawal method or pull-out ‘game’ as our current generation calls it. A pull-out method is a form of birth control method whereby the man takes their penis out of the woman’s vagina just before he ejaculates. This is done to prevent any unwanted pregnancy by keeping away the semen from the woman’s genital. 

If you’re wondering how effective the pull-out method is, read on to find out more about it!

1. It requires skill

The pull-out method might sound easy to some, but in fact, this birth control method requires focus, self-control and skill especially on the man. Men often have a hard time pulling out when they’re close to climaxing. He needs to pull out just in time before he ejaculates and not let any drop of semen enter the vagina as the first few drops are usually loaded with sperm! 

Compared to other birth control methods, the pull-out method is considered to be unreliable. Besides having self-control and skills, this method requires lots of practice as well as experience. 

2. There’s a risk of pregnancy

If you’re wondering if you can get pregnant from the pull-out method, the answer is yes! Yes, you can get pregnant! It’s said that for every 100 people who use the pull-out method perfectly, 4 out of them will get pregnant. It’s actually pretty challenging to get it right everytime. 

Also, there is a risk of pre-ejaculate or pre-cum. It’s the small amount of fluid that comes out of the penis when men are aroused but before they ejaculate. When this happens during sex, you can still get pregnant even if the man pulls out successfully. Though it’s not as effective as other birth control methods, it’s still better than not using anything at all.

3. Doesn’t protect against STIs

Just because this method may help prevent pregnancy if done successfully, it doesn’t mean that it can protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). STIs such as warts and herpes can be passed through skin-to-skin contact. STIs like chlamydia, syphilis and gonnorhea can be transmitted through pre-cum and vaginal fluids. 

4. Some people use it to double up protection

Due to its unreliability, withdrawal alone is not enough to prevent pregnancies. Some people use this method as a backup. In addition to this, people also use other contraceptives such as birth control pills, condoms and others just in case the semen gets in or near the vagina. For instance, using a condom and the withdrawal method together can give you better protection against pregnancies. 

5. It has no side effects

The good thing about the pull-out method is that it has no side effects or health risks unlike other birth control methods like prescribed birth control pills that cause nausea, vomiting or bloatedness depending on the person. 

6. Accidents can happen

Okay, so you gotta know that accidents can happen! Because getting it done right everytime can be a challenge especially if one is inexperienced. Even just a few drops of semen that enter the vagina can cause one to get pregnant. Don’t forget that it only takes one sperm to fertilize an egg! 

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