The pull-out method is one approach people use to prevent pregnancy, but it does not always work. Statistics show that, every year, around 1 in 5 females who use this method will become pregnant.
The pull-out method involves a male sexual partner removing their penis from the vagina before ejaculating. This aims to prevent pregnancy by not allowing sperm to the vagina and reaching an egg. However, sperm
According to Planned Parenthood, this method is less effective than other types of birth control but is better than not using anything at all. When a person uses it perfectly every time, it can be relatively effective.
This article looks at how effective the pull-out method is for preventing pregnancy and the reasons why. It also compares this method with other birth control methods.
According to the
However, when used perfectly every time, the
Some people prefer to use the pull-out method because it allows full sensation; it is free and non-permanent, unlike some other forms of contraception that are expensive and require prescriptions or medical procedures.
In reality, it is difficult to use withdrawal perfectly. As with many other types of birth control, human error makes it less reliable.
For the pull-out method to be effective, the male must know precisely when they will ejaculate, and be able to withdraw before. This can take practice. Practicing when masturbating or using condoms during sex can help.
It can also be tricky because the pull-out method may reduce physical pleasure or make it more difficult for one or more of the sexual partners to reach climax. That means that some people may be reluctant to pull out before ejaculating or feel tempted to cut it close with their timing.
To be effective, all sexual partners must make sure that no semen comes into contact with the vagina or vulva. This includes when cleaning up after ejaculation, and people must make sure to clean their hands and penis before any further sexual activity.
Substances such as alcohol or drugs can also reduce a person’s reaction time, making it harder to judge the timing.
Many people wonder whether the pull-out method works, even when performed properly because pre-ejaculate or pre-cum still enters the vagina. This refers to the fluid that leaves the penis before ejaculation.
This is a very common question. In fact, one study reports that
According to the
However, there is some scientific debate over whether pre-cum contains viable sperm. Only a few studies have looked into it, and the results tend to be inconsistent. This is likely due to the differing collection methods, sample populations, and small numbers of participants.
According to an article in
An earlier
However, a 2010 study found that pre-cum samples from
A 2016 study also found active sperm in 16.7% of pre-cum samples from 42 healthy males. However, the authors note that samples may have become contaminated during collection.
In summary, some experts believe that pre-cum should not contain sperm, but that it may contain a small, viable amount under some circumstances. Unfortunately, there is currently no easy way to test the sperm content of pre-cum.
The risk of pregnancy from intercourse depends on several factors aside from birth control.
According to an article in
Pregnancy risk also heavily depends on whether the female is ovulating. Female fertility changes throughout the menstrual cycle, and they are most likely to get pregnant around ovulation, known as the fertile window.
Read more about the fertile window and pregnancy here.
It is a good idea to keep emergency contraceptives, also called the morning-after pill, on hand in case the primary method of contraception fails. They are most effective within 3 –5 days of having sex without using contraception.
The pull-out method does not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Using barrier protection, such as condoms, is a good way to protect against STIs.
According to research in the journal
In a
Another
These findings suggest that people may use the pull-out method as a back-up birth control method or in conjunction with other methods to further reduce their risk of pregnancy.
When looking at statistics and other information about the withdrawal or pull-out method, it is important to remember that there is very little research on the topic.
According to the article in
The effectiveness of different birth control methods varies between types and whether people use them correctly and consistently.
According to the
| Method | Effectiveness with perfect use | Effectiveness with common use |
| Combined oral contraceptives, or “the pill” | > 99% | 92% |
| Male condoms | 98% | 82% |
| Progesterone only pills, or “the minipill” | 99% | 90–97% |
| Hormonal implants | > 99% | > 99% |
| Progesterone-only injectables | > 99% | 97% |
| Monthly injectables or combined injectables (CIC) | > 99% | 97% |
| Copper intrauterine device (IUD) | > 99% | > 99% |
| Hormonal IUD with levonorgestrel | > 99% | > 99% |
| Female condoms | 90% | 79% |
| Diaphragm or cervical cap | 77–83% | 88% |
| Spermicides | 82% | 72% |
| Male sterilization (vasectomy) | > 99% after 3 months semen evaluation | 97–99% without semen evaluation |
| Female sterilization (tubal ligation) | 99% | 99.5% |
| The pull-out method | 96% | 73% |
| Tracking fertility cycles (the standard days method, or SDM) | 95% | 88% |
| Body temperature tracking | 99% | 75% |
According to Planned Parenthood, the pull-out method is less effective than some other types of birth control but is better than not using anything at all.
When used perfectly, it can be relatively effective. However, it is difficult to use perfectly. An estimated 1 in 5 people using this method will get pregnant in a year.
While many people use the pull-out method, most also use other back-up contraception methods.
When choosing which method of contraception to use, people can speak to their healthcare provider the benefits, risks, and costs of each.