Although not the most effective form of birth control, the pull-out method is a non-hormonal option for preventing pregnancy. This method is also referred to as coitus interruptus or the withdrawal method. This form of birth control involves withdrawing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation occurs. According to Planned Parenthood, the pull-out method is practiced by about 35 million couples worldwide and may possibly be the world's oldest birth control method.
Benefits
This birth control method is free, convenient and it causes no side effects. Couples also use the pull-out method because it doesn't require a prescription or the fitting of a device like a diaphragm. This method can also increase the effectiveness of other forms of birth control like the condom.
Effectiveness
Effectiveness of the pull-out method depends on if it is used correctly every time. According to Planned Parenthood, this method is 96 percent effective if used correctly each time and is 73 percent effective if it is not used correctly each time.
Considerations
The male partner needs to have a bit of self-control to properly time when to withdraw his penis. He needs to ejaculate away from his partner's external genitalia since sperm can still swim up into the vagina if ejaculation occurs too close to the outside of the vagina. Before having sex again after a short period of time, the male partner should urinate to clear his urethra of semen and wipe off the tip of his penis. Sperm generally lives for only a few hours if ejaculated outside the body.
Warning
This method does not offer any protection against sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia, gonorrhea or herpes. This form of birth control is not an option for men who ejaculate prematurely or for men that don't know when to pull out. The pull-out method takes experience for a man to know when he is about to ejaculate so it is not recommended for teens or men that are sexually inexperienced.
Misconceptions
Some people are under the assumption that if the male partner withdraws his penis before ejaculating then semen won't have a chance to enter the vagina and fertilize an egg. According to the Mayo Clinic, pre-ejaculate fluid can contain sperm so a woman can get pregnant even if her and her partner practices the pull-out method.
