The pull-out method, also known as withdrawal or coitus interruptus, is about 80% effective with typical use. This means that about 1 in 5 people relying on this method for birth control will become pregnant within a year. With perfect use , where the penis is withdrawn before any ejaculation every time, the effectiveness can be as high as 96% , meaning only 4 out of 100 people would get pregnant. However, perfect use is difficult to achieve because it requires precise timing and control. Several factors affect the effectiveness:
- Pre-ejaculate fluid can contain sperm, which can cause pregnancy even if the withdrawal is timed correctly.
- Many people find it challenging to predict exactly when ejaculation will occur and to withdraw in time.
- The method offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- It is less effective than other contraceptive methods like condoms, hormonal birth control, or IUDs.
In summary, the pull-out method is better than no contraception but is less reliable than other methods and carries a risk of pregnancy of about 20% with typical use.
