Withdrawal is a contraceptive method, which, although not recommended by health professionals, can reduce the chances of becoming pregnant, since it consists of the removal of the penis from inside the vagina moments before ejaculation, decreasing the risk of sperm fertilizing the egg and happening to pregnancy.
Although this method is still widely used, it is not completely safe in preventing pregnancy and, in addition, it also does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia, for example.
Is it possible to get pregnant?
Withdrawal is 78% effective, that is, about 2 out of 10 women who practice this method can become pregnant. Even if the penis is removed from the vagina, there is a possibility of pregnancy, which may be due to two reasons:
- The man may have difficulty controlling the moment of ejaculation and it ends up happening when the penis is still inside the vagina; Even before ejaculation, the man may still have a small amount of sperm in the urethra, from a recent previous ejaculation, which can get to the egg and fertilize it, starting the pregnancy.
If the couple wishes to use withdrawal as a contraceptive method, it is recommended that the man urinate between each ejaculation in order to eliminate the sperm that would still be present in the urethra.
In addition, it is also important that the man has the control capacity to withdraw the penis at the right time, so as not to ejaculate into the vagina. If this happens, the woman should go to the gynecologist, because it may be necessary to take the emergency contraceptive. See how the morning after pill works.
Why is intercourse not recommended?
Withdrawal is not recommended because it is ineffective and does not prevent sexually transmitted infections, which is why its practice is totally discouraged.
Ideally, the couple should use a condom for each intimate contact to prevent not only pregnancy, but also diseases that can be transmitted sexually. Know the main contraceptive methods.
When it might be a good option
When a woman has a very regular menstrual cycle and is able to know exactly when her fertile period is every month, withdrawal may be a possibility if the couple does not have access to any other contraceptive method, even if it is very risky, and there is the possibility of becoming pregnant.
Find out when your fertile period is by entering your data below:
