Withdrawal Method of Contraception: How it Works
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Many couples use a form of birth control know as the withdrawal method of contraception, or “the pull out method”. Some couples prefer the withdrawal method of contraception because it allows for spontaneity, is a non-hormonal form of birth control and it is free. When practiced perfectly, the withdrawal method of contraception is about 96% effective in the prevention of pregnancy.
The withdrawal method of contraception does not prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. That is because the withdrawal method of contraception does allow for contact with bodily fluid. In fact, many people assume the failure rate associated with the incorrect use of the withdrawal method is actually due to the pre-seminal fluid, also known as pre-ejaculate. While pre-seminal fluid does contain sexually transmitted diseases, it does not contain sperm.
Several studies, though none have been done on a large scale, have shown that there is no sperm present in pre-seminal fluid. There is one exception to this rule, however, and it accounts for the failure of the withdrawal method of contraception in some cases. Sperm can be found in pre-seminal fluid if a man has not urinated since his last ejaculation. Because of this it is possible for pregnancy to occur even if a man has “pulled out” before ejaculation begins.
The urine flushes out any seminal fluid that is left in the urethra. It is very important for couples who use the withdrawal method as a form of birth control that the male partner urinates before having intercourse again. Also important is washing any area that may have been in contact with seminal fluid before that area comes in contact with the vulva or vagina.
In couples who use the withdrawal method of contraception perfectly, the failure rate is only 4%. The timing of withdrawal is critical and sometimes the withdrawal method of contraception may fail because the male partner waits too late to pull out. Withdrawal must occur before the male orgasm begins. Ejaculation can begin with the first contraction of the male orgasm. Waiting to withdraw until the orgasm has begun may cause an unintended pregnancy.
It is important that couples relying on the withdrawal method be free of any sexually transmitted diseases, be in a monogamous relationship and both partners should be feel able to trust that the male partner has enough will power to practice withdrawal and knows his body well enough to know when to pull out.
By Allison Goines, published Jul 01, 2007
Associated Content, Inc.
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