Pull Out Method: 28 Crucial Pros, Cons & Truths About the Withdrawal Method

When it comes to contraception, there are many choices, but you shouldn’t rely upon the pull out method. If you want safety, this isn’t the way! 

When you’re caught in the heat of the moment and you suddenly remember that you don’t have a condom, you might freeze in panic. Should you carry on regardless, or should you stop? Or, should you attempt the pull out method and hope for the best?

In all honesty, the very best advice is to stop and go and find a condom, but perhaps that’s not an option for you. Many people wonder how effective the pull out method is and while it’s not as bad as going for it without protection at all, it’s still heavy with risk.

But, if you want to learn more about it, being informed can help you to minimize those risks at least a little. [Read: Amazing facts you didn’t know about semen]

What is the pull out method?

If you’ve been on birth control or have always used condoms, then you may not be familiar with the pull out method. Before we go any further, let us explain. The pull out method is when the male pulls out prior to ejaculating, thus preventing semen from getting inside the vagina.

The pull out method is also called the withdrawal method, and it’s one and the same thing.

It sounds all technical, but, let’s be honest, most of us have done this at least once. [Read: History of condoms – how to be a condom know-it-all in 5 minutes]

There are many issues with the pull out method, not least the fact that remembering to do it before that big moment can be hard when you’re caught up in the sensations. Other than that, you might not be aware that pre-ejaculatory fluids can also cause pregnancy.

The bad news is that they make their way out of the penis before orgasm. Basically, it’s full of risks. So, if you want to know how effective the pull out method is, it’s bordering on a 50/50 situation. Of course, that’s not based on any particular study, but the risk is very real and it’s there.

Should that stop you from attempting the pull out method? It’s up to you. Many people do it, far more than you might think. While it’s always better to opt for a reliable form of contraception, if you’re caught in the moment, it may be something you resort to. [Read: Why to never trust his pull out game – no matter how strong]

The oldest forms of birth control

The withdrawal method began when people realized what was actually making women pregnant. Before that, people used all sorts of odd methods to stop conception. And to be honest with you, they’re a bit scary.

Lemon juice—once believed to have spermicidal properties—soaked sponges were inserted into women in order to block the cervix.  Animal membranes were also used. They actually looked like modern-day condoms and functioned the same way.

Many women also ate a variety of herbs that altered their hormones in ways that made getting pregnant extremely difficult. Thankfully, as time went on, we found more effective and less terrifying ways to stop conception! [Read: Birth control options and what they can do for you]

How common is it to pull out?

Sometimes you don’t expect to get all hot and bothered. And in the heat of the moment, what are you going to do? For sure you can say no and zip your pants back up, but how many of us have actually done that?

It’s not as easy as it sounds, we’re animals. And by animals, we mean, we have tunnel vision when it comes to being in the moment. So, if you’re thinking about trying the pull out method, there are some things you should know. [Read: Withdrawal method – how reliable is this birth control method?]

If you’ve taken a sex-ed class or watched any romantic comedies, there’s usually talk about wearing a condom. And you know, it’s a good idea. Condoms prevent the spread of STIs and reduce the odds of pregnancy from occurring.

But in reality, many people try the pull out method. In fact, 60% of couples in the US have used the pull out method during intercourse. Much more than you thought, eh? [Read: Sex tutorial 101 – 15 things they don’t teach you in sex ed]

How effective is the pull out method?

Listen, no contraceptive is 100% effective. However, using a condom or birth control is better at preventing pregnancy than the pull out method. It’s not that the pull out method doesn’t work, it does – sometimes. The problem is the guy pulling out.

If you’ve been using the pullout method and wonder just how safe you’re being, these facts help you decide if you should opt for another form of birth control.

1. Specialists don’t consider it contraception

You know it’s bad when we start on this note. Because of the failure rate for this method of birth control, specialists don’t even call it a contraceptive. They think of it as much less than that.

And because couples know it’s not terribly effective, yet they continue to use it anyway, they can’t confidently call it by that name. [Read: Pulling out is completely safe and other bad sex advice]

2. It’s widely preferred by men than women

This is for obvious reasons. Women prefer to be on the pill or other forms of hormonal *or the non-hormonal IUD* than to trust a man to pull out when he should. And it feels much better for the men to go bare than to wear a condom.

This is usually the reason couples use the withdrawal method over putting on a condom.

3. It has a 4% failure rate when used perfectly

That means when the couple pulls out perfectly—before the male goes off—every single time without failure, only 4% of couples get pregnant within the year.

Now, that doesn’t sound too bad considering you’re not using any other form. But that’s not really a realistic number. [Read: 110 must-know interesting sex facts, myths, and strange secrets about sex]

4. The actual failure rate is about 27% within a year

The actual failure rate is the average and the number you really need to pay attention to. It accounts for errors made by the “users” of the method.

So, in actuality, a whopping 27% of couples get pregnant using the withdrawal method within one year. That’s not their whole relationship, that’s only one year. The longer you use it, the higher your chances. [Read: Foolproof sex tips every girl should know]

5. It’s considered the worst method to use

Out of all the methods considered contraceptives, it’s by far the worst one. Now, if that’s rather surprising to you, it shouldn’t be. Why? Because you’re not actually doing much to prevent pregnancy in the first place.

You can’t really just yank it out and call it birth control.

For comparison, the most effective contraceptive is the IUD with less than a 1% failure rate. Not only can this form be used for up to 10 years depending on the type you get, but you can also go condom-free, just like the withdrawal method. [Read: Unprotected sex – the dangers most people don’t even think about]

6. Yet, it’s one of the most common options

Because it’s completely free and non-hormonal, this is one of the most common forms of birth control. It’s typically used by longer-term couples who know where each other’s genitals have been *so they don’t get STDs*.

Despite its ineffectiveness as a whole, couples tend to lean toward it because of its benefits. [Read: Women hate condoms just as much as men do]

Let’s outline the problems with pulling out

As you can imagine, using the withdrawal method comes with a few issues. Here are all the problems with pulling out that not everyone thinks about when they’re in the mood to get frisky.

1. It’s not always controllable

Some guys may boast about their ability to control themselves before they finish, but let’s be real. Not all of them are going to be able to pull out in time.

When you’re feeling that good, it’s not going to be easy to tell when you’re about to finish and get completely out in time. [Read: STDs 101 – the most common types and their symptoms]

2. Pre-cum isn’t avoided this way

Pre-cum is the clear liquid that comes out of the guy when they start getting aroused. Basically, the purpose of this stuff is to clear out their urethra so everything else can get out when needed. And we know there is a good chance that live sperm may be present in this fluid.

3. It doesn’t protect against STDs

This should be a given. Without a condom, you’re not protected against STDs when you use this method. And if you’re someone who’s not looking to get pregnant, you’re probably not going to want to get an STD, either – some can be really dangerous and affect fertility later on.

4. It increases anxiety about getting pregnant

Most people who use this method understand it’s not exactly the most effective. Therefore, they’re a little nervous about getting pregnant every time they use it. This makes sex less pleasurable because you always have that fear in the back of your mind.

Not to mention how nervous it makes you when you realize you didn’t get out as fast as you’d have liked. [Read: Should you take it? 26 pros & cons of birth control pills]

The pros and cons of the pull out method

Because we’re all about balance here, let’s keep things on an even keel. Although the pull out method gets a bad rap, there are some pros to it. It just depends on your situation.

Pros of pulling out

1. The pull out method doesn’t cost you anything

2. You don’t have to take hormones and no need for a doctor’s prescription [Read: The best birth control pill – how to choose the right one]

3. It can be used in the moment, and you don’t need to prepare in advance

4. The guy might prefer it because of how good it feels to not wear a condom *but not an excuse, remember*

5. The girl might prefer it because of the feeling of bare skin

Cons of pulling out

1. Of course, the number one problem is the risk involved, and it can’t be ignored [Read: The step-by-step guide to calmly handling a pregnancy scare]

2. The man has to be very aware of ejaculation becoming closer, and pull out on time – even a second late is too late

3. The problem of pre-cum. You can get pregnant from pre-cum and if your guy is late pulling out, that risk is increased

4. Pulling out doesn’t protect you against contracting an STI. Because you’re not wearing a condom, you increase your chances of contracting one, especially if you’re using this method during a one-night stand. [Read: How to survive an STD scare in a relationship]

5. The mess. Sorry, but it’s pretty messy.

What you can expect with the pull out method

If you’re considering using the withdrawal method, you need to know a few things. It sounds easier, and in some ways it is, but you need to know what you’re getting into.

Let’s be realistic here. [Read: Surviving an STD scare in a relationship]

1. You need to properly time withdrawal

Just a split second too late and you’re looking at a pregnancy risk. Not sexy, right?

That means the guy needs to be very aware of how it feels just before he ejaculates, which isn’t so easy when you’re enjoying what’s going on. It’s also not helped by the fact that it may feel different from time to time.

2. Take precautions before having sex again

If you speak to a healthcare provider, they’ll tell you that the pull out method is unprotected sex, which it is. In that case, you’ll need to follow precautions the next time you have sex, i.e. wait, consider emergency contraception, and next time make sure you have a condom handy! [Read: The step-by-step guide to calmly handling a pregnancy scare]

3. Talk to your doctor about emergency contraception if you’re worried about pregnancy

We’ve just mentioned emergency contraception and that basically means the morning-after pill. If you’re concerned about pregnancy, visit your doctor and enquire about this. In most cases, you can also purchase this over the counter, without the need to see a doctor.

However, you will need to take the morning-after pill within 3-5 days depending upon the type of pill, but it’s more effective the sooner you take it.

Myths about pulling out

The withdrawal method may be fraught with pitfalls but it’s also surrounded by many myths. Let’s debunk some of them so you can make an informed decision. [Read: 25 common porn myths that people still believe]

1. Myth – The pull out method doesn’t work, so don’t bother

We’re not saying it never works – in some cases it does. It’s simply that the risks of getting it wrong are very high. So this is a myth because it does work sometimes.

2. Myth – Pre-cum is safe because it doesn’t have sperm in it

It does have sperm in it. It isn’t safe.

3. Myth – Only irresponsible people use the withdrawal method

It’s not irresponsible if you are informed of the risks, prepared to accept them, and can time it correctly. Some people rely upon this method because they know they can time it right. In that case, it’s not irresponsible.

However, if you’re not informed and you don’t think you can time it right, well, it’s pretty irresponsible in that case. [Read: Top most common one night stand mistakes]

4 – Myth – There’s nothing good about pulling out

Well that’s clearly a myth, isn’t it? There’s no denying that most guys will tell you sex feels better bareback. So, there’s that.

5. Myth – Pulling out is easy

It sounds like it should be, but it’s far from easy in practice. The sensations can be overwhelming and trying to remember your own name at that time can be hard enough. [Read: Why men hate using condoms and why you need one]

Have a back up plan

If you’re going to use the pull out method, then you should always be prepared for the possibility of it going wrong. So, make sure you have access to emergency contraception and a condom, in case you have some suspicions.

However, if you’re suspicious, perhaps don’t have sex with him in the first place!

If you’re a woman, and you prefer the pull out method, then you need to know your body. Download an app to help you track your cycles.

These apps usually have alerts to tell you when you’re at peak ovulation. So, during those high fertility days, make sure you use a condom. [Read: Condoms types and how they improve your sex life]

If you’re having sex using the pull out method and you’re not in a committed relationship, make sure you have regular STI tests. Actually, even if you’re in a committed relationship, you should be getting tested. Not all STIs show up right away, so if you’re in a new relationship, you may not see the symptoms until later on.

We know it seems like it’s putting distrust in the relationship, but it’s your body and you should know what’s going on.

[Read: How to have safe sex in every single way it is possible to]

What can we say, having sex is fun and though wearing a condom is a good idea, sometimes it doesn’t happen. If you’re not prepared at least you now know the facts about the pull out method.