Is the Pullout Method an Effective Way to Prevent Pregnancy?
Key takeaways:
The pullout method is not an effective way to prevent pregnancy. About 1 in 5 people will get pregnant while using the pullout method.
To use the pullout method, you have to get the timing just right. This is tough to do every time. And it’s important to make sure the semen does not get near the vagina.
If you’re trying to avoid pregnancy, it’s best to avoid the pullout method — especially if you’re in your fertility window. Other types of contraception will be more effective.
Table of contents
Depending on your age and where you are in life, you might be wondering about the best way to avoid pregnancy. Thankfully, there are many options out there to help with that. But some are more effective than others.
Many people rely on the pullout method. But it depends on excellent self-control and perfect timing. While it might not be perfect, it's still a go-to for some couples. Let's dive into the pullout method, how well it works, and how to make it work even better.
What is the pullout method?
The pullout method is a form of birth control used by some couples during sex. To prevent sperm from getting into the vagina, the penis is pulled out of the vagina before ejaculation. The goal of this method is to reduce the chances of fertilization. The pullout method is also known as “withdrawal” or “coitus interruptus.”
People might choose the pullout method because:
It aligns with religious beliefs.
It’s free.
No prescription or planning is needed.
It doesn’t come with the side effects, procedures, or risks of other types of birth control options.
However, it's important to know that this method can be risky.
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Is the pullout method effective against pregnancy?
The pullout method can prevent some pregnancies. But it’s one of the least reliable forms of birth control. For people only using the pullout method, about 1 in 5 will get pregnant over the course of 1 year. In other words, it is about 80% effective. For comparison, fewer than 1 in 100 people will get pregnant in a year when using an intrauterine device (IUD). So an IUD is 99% effective.
Several factors make the pullout method less reliable than other forms of contraception:
Pre-ejaculate: A small amount of fluid can escape from the penis before ejaculation. This fluid, also called pre-cum, may contain sperm. So, even if you practice withdrawal perfectly, there’s still a risk of pregnancy due to pre-ejaculate.
Timing and control: For the pullout method to work, the penis must be withdrawn before ejaculation. This requires precise timing and self-control. It can be challenging for some individuals to predict the exact moment of ejaculation during sex.
Human error: Mistakes can happen. Withdrawal may happen too late, or ejaculation may occur earlier than intended. These mistakes increase the risk of pregnancy.
Can you still get an STI if your partner pulls out?
Yes, you can still get a sexually transmitted infection (STI) if your partner pulls out. The pullout method does not protect against STIs. This is because when someone has an STI, the germs that cause the infection can be present in their genital fluids, like semen or vaginal fluids. Even if your partner pulls out before ejaculating, these germs can still be present and passed on during sexual contact.
If you’re concerned about STI prevention, it’s important to use condoms or other barrier methods during sex.
Pullout method vs. condoms: comparing efficacy
The pullout method and condoms are similar in their ability to prevent pregnancy. When used correctly and consistently, condoms are 98% effective. However, it is very rare that condoms are used correctly every single time someone has sex.
In reality, condoms are about 82% effective. This means that about 1 in 5 people will get pregnant when using condoms as their only birth control method for 1 year. This has the same efficacy at preventing pregnancy as the pullout method.
But male and female condoms are the only contraception that can prevent pregnancy and STIs. Male condoms are widely accessible, affordable, and don’t require a prescription. Female condoms are a bit more expensive and harder to find. But they allow the female to be in control of protecting themselves against STIs and unwanted pregnancies.
Are there ways to make the pullout method more effective?
If you and your partner opt for the pullout method for birth control, here are some tips to make it more effective:
Always pull out before ejaculation.
Make sure ejaculation happens away from the vulva or vagina.
Make sure your hands or toys are clean and free of ejaculate before bringing them near the vulva or vagina.
Avoid using the pullout method during peak fertility times in your partner’s menstrual cycle.
Consider combining it with another contraceptive method, such as condoms or the pill for added protection.
Consider keeping emergency contraception, or the morning after pill, on hand in case ejaculation happens in or near the vagina.
The bottom line
The pullout method involves withdrawing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation. While it's easy to access and free, it's also one of the least reliable forms of birth control. It also offers no protection against STIs. If you opt for this method, ensure both you and your partner understand how to do it and consider ways to improve its effectiveness.
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References
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (n.d.). Effectiveness of birth control methods.
Amory, J. K. (2016). Male contraception. Fertility and Sterility.
National Health Service. (2024). How well contraception works at preventing pregnancy.
