Let’s be honest: many men aren’t fans of using condoms.

The withdrawal method, or pulling out, is a widely used form of birth control. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it ranks as the second most common contraception method in the past five years.

It’s not just young couples relying on withdrawal. A 2013 CDC report found that 60% of women have used this method for contraception.

But how effective is pulling out? What do the statistics reveal about its success in preventing pregnancy? Let’s examine the data.

When executed correctly, withdrawal can be somewhat effective in preventing pregnancy. Research from Princeton University indicates that couples who practice perfect withdrawal face only a 4% chance of pregnancy within a year.

However, consistently timing withdrawal flawlessly can be challenging, particularly for less experienced individuals. Many rely on “typical use,” which often results in pulling out too late, increasing the pregnancy risk to 22%.

Moreover, even if everything goes as planned, pre-ejaculate released during intercourse can contain sperm. Just one active sperm can significantly heighten the risk of pregnancy.

It’s also important to remember that withdrawal offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Since many STIs spread through skin-to-skin contact, pulling out offers no safeguard against them. Even STDs transmitted via bodily fluids can still be passed through pre-ejaculate and vaginal fluids, so using a condom remains essential for protection.

In summary, If you and your partner haven’t recently been tested for STIs and aren’t planning for a pregnancy, it’s wise to avoid the pullout method.

However, if both partners prefer withdrawal over condoms or other more effective birth control options, here are some tips to enhance self-control during sex.