The pull-out method (withdrawal) is about 78% to 80% effective with typical use, meaning that roughly 1 in 5 women relying solely on this method for contraception may become pregnant within a year. With perfect use, which requires the man to pull out before ejaculation every time and avoid any sperm contact with the vagina, effectiveness can increase to around 96%. However, perfect use is difficult to achieve due to the need for precise timing and control. Additionally, this method does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Key Points:
- Typical use effectiveness is about 78-80%, with 20-22 pregnancies per 100 users annually.
- Perfect use effectiveness is around 96%, but it is challenging to achieve consistently.
- The method relies heavily on the male partner's timing and control.
- Pulling out does not offer STI protection.
- It is often used alongside other contraceptive methods to increase protection.
The pull-out method is better than no contraception but is less reliable than other methods like condoms, birth control pills, or IUDs.
