Does Pulling Out Prevent Pregnancy? (Withdrawal)

Young people should be familiar with different contraceptive methods before they become sexually active and need them. This ensures they have time to fully understand reproduction, how to prevent an unintended pregnancy and reduce their risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection. Withdrawal is among the many contraceptive methods young people should learn about. This method involves one person removing their penis from their partner’s vagina to avoid ejaculating into the vagina during sex. Withdrawal is not the most effective contraceptive method, but if a young person has chosen to have sex and no other contraceptive option is available, withdrawal is a better method than none at all.

There are several factors that can affect the effectiveness of the withdrawal method. Withdrawal takes a lot of awareness and self-control, which can be very challenging. In some rare cases, couples who use withdrawal regularly may still get pregnant if sperm is present in the pre-ejaculatory fluid of the partner with a penis. Finally, while withdrawal can potentially prevent pregnancy, it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. It is important for young people to understand that there are methods of preventing pregnancy that are more effective than withdrawal, but again, if a person has no other option available, withdrawal is far better than no method at all.

If a person uses withdrawal and doesn’t pull out in time, they may be worried about pregnancy, HIV or another STD. In these cases, there are things a person can do after having sex. First, if withdrawal failed, one option is to get emergency contraception (EC). EC can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, but it has to be taken as soon as possible and within five days of having unprotected sex. EC can be purchased in a pharmacy or from a local family planning clinic. In addition, a couple using withdrawal may want to get tested for HIV or other STDs. Ultimately, using a more effective contraceptive method, and even multiple methods together (such as a condom and a hormonal method), is a more effective way to prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of getting an STD. However, if a young person has chosen to have sex and options that are more effective are not available, withdrawal will reduce the risk of pregnancy more than using nothing at all.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

When parents and caregivers engage in loving and supportive conversations with children about sexuality, it allows children to practice safe and healthy habits as they grow up. Bringing up withdrawal and other contraceptive methods as a topic even before it happens can be a useful way to let your child know that you are available for any questions or support, should they decide to become sexually active.

In some cases, children may come to you for assistance before you address them. Be open to hearing what they have to say, and provide them the products they need to effectively take care of themselves.

Below are some ways to start conversations on withdrawal and other contraceptive methods: