Is The Pull Out Method A Safe Sexual Practice? Expert Explains

Unless you live under a rock, you must have heard of the pull out method. It is a sexual act, which is said to be very common. It is also known as a method of birth control. But the pull out method has come under the radar multiple times. Can you guess why? Well, because though it may seem safe and harmless, many believe it to be risky sexual behaviour. Not just pregnancy, it is also believed to come with the risk of STIs. Want to know more? Keep reading.

To get a better understanding of this, the editorial team of OnlyMyHealth reached out to Dr Chetna Jain, Director Dept of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Sector 14, Gurgaon.

How Risky Is The Pull Out Method?

Before we get into the details, let us explain to you what the pull out method actually is. “The pull out method — also known as withdrawal — is one of the oldest forms of contraception. It involves withdrawing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation to prevent sperm from entering,” explains Dr Jain.

She adds, “The pull-out method is considered one of the least reliable contraceptive methods. With perfect use, it is about 96% effective; but with typical use, its effectiveness drops to around 78%, meaning about 22 out of 100 women may get pregnant in a year using this method alone. The risk is higher because it relies entirely on timing, self-control, and consistency — factors that are hard to manage every time.”

Is There A Safe Way To Pull Out?

If someone is willing to practice this method, then they can do so using safety measures. But experts usually advise against it. Dr Jain shares that there is no completely safe way to rely on the pull-out method; however, if someone chooses to use it, then these tips may help:

• Withdrawal must happen well before ejaculation.
• The male partner must have excellent control and awareness.
• It should ideally be combined with another method (like condoms or fertility awareness).

Despite the risks associated with it, many couples still opt for the pull out method due to the following probable reasons:

• It requires no research.
• Couples who are unaware of more effective birth control options (like LARCs or birth control pills) may prefer the pull out method.
• Couples who object to birth control using devices, pills, injections or patches, may feel this method is natural.
• The pull out method maintains the spontaneity of sex.
• There’s no obvious risk of side effects, like the ones associated with birth control options.

“Even then, it remains unreliable compared to modern contraceptives,” warns the expert.

Also Read: Expert Answers 7 Frequently-asked Questions On Sexual Wellbeing

Is Pulling Out Always Safe?

If you are of the notion that pulling out is always safe, let us break your bubble. Dr Jain shares that pulling out is not always safe, especially if:

• It’s used as the only method of contraception.
• The male partner ejaculates too close to or inside the vagina.
• There has been a recent ejaculation (residual sperm may still be present).
• Additionally, the pull-out method offers zero protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Disadvantages Of The Pull Out Method

The pull out method carries the risk of accidental leakage of precum. Can precum cause pregnancy? Let’s find out. “Precum (pre-ejaculate fluid) can contain sperm. While it doesn’t always contain sperm, studies have shown that in some men, active sperm may be present, especially if there was a previous ejaculation and sperm remained in the urethra. This means pregnancy can occur even without full ejaculation,” explains Dr Jain.

On this note, the expert lists down the disadvantages of the pull out method:

• High failure rate compared to other contraceptive methods.
• No STI protection.
• Requires precise timing and strong self-control.
• Can increase anxiety during sex.
• Not suitable for those strongly trying to avoid pregnancy.

The Final Word

The pull-out method may reduce the chance of pregnancy compared to doing nothing, but it is far from a safe or reliable contraceptive option. For effective pregnancy prevention and protection against infections, modern contraceptive methods like condoms, oral pills, IUDs, or implants are strongly recommended. When in doubt, consult a healthcare professional to choose the method best suited to your needs.

Also Read: Coconut Oil As Lube – Safe Or Risky? Expert Weighs In