Why "Pulling Out" Is Actually Good Birth Control
By
Shehzad in
Facts
On 5th September 2016
In many ways, 2016 is an exceptionally good time to be a woman in need of birth control. The IUD, a method that works more than 99 percent of the time, is more popular than ever; birth control is covered under the Affordable Care Act; and in a few states, pharmacists can now give women a full year’s worth of the pill without a doctor’s prescription. Women’s access to a range of reliable contraceptive options is arguably the best it’s ever been.
Why, then, do many straight women still turn to the “pull-out method,” the world’s oldest, most rudimentary form of birth control?
#1 Similar To The Pill
Pulling out isn't the safest method of birth control, but that doesn't mean it's not worth doing at all. In fact, the amount of pregnancies that occur with the pull out method are very similar to the amount of pregnancies that occur when other birth control methods are used.
#2 4 Women Got Pregnant
Out of 100 couples who used the pull-out method PERFECTLY, only 4 couples got pregnant in a year. Those are pretty good odds. But, you'd have to be able to do it PERFECTLY every single time. The risk is similar when using the pill or condoms because people often don't use those perfectly either.
#3 22 Women Got Pregnant
Out of 100 couples who were NOT perfect pull-out-ers, 22 got pregnant within a year. Withdrawal works in principle, but it can be very difficult to control in the moment. What about "pre-cum"?
#4 What About Pre-Cum?
Studies show that "pre-cum" can contain live sperm. It varies depending on the man and the study. There is no conclusive evidence that "pre-cum" can or can't cause pregnancy. The point is that it MIGHT get a girl pregnant. So, the pull-out method works better with men who do not produce it.
#5 Why Some Couples Don't Even Bother
Society generally regards withdrawal as something that only irresponsible people do. But 60% of American couples from the ages of 15-44 have relied on withdrawal for birth control. It has some advantages as well; particularly the lack of hormones or prep-work.
#6 It's Better Than Nothing, But....
Since it is still possible to get pregnant when pulling-out, experts say that this method should only be used between couples who can handle an unexpected pregnancy. Or if you get really drunk and just stop caring.
