Since several questions about the withdrawal method have been popping up here on the site, to make it easier for Famivita friends, I decided to demystify the subject! But after all, what is the withdrawal method? The withdrawal method1 is the well-known “pulling out” before ejaculation during sexual intercourse. The withdrawal method is used by couples who do not want to get pregnant and who often do not use other contraceptive methods at the same time. Now you may ask: can you get pregnant using withdrawal? I’ll tell you what the obstetricians say: Yes!
Can you get pregnant using the withdrawal method?
Some people say that if it’s done correctly and at the right time, it can be effective. Yes, it can be, but know that you’ll be counting on luck if you do it. Normally, the penis releases a lubricating secretion when erect, even before penetration. In this lubrication, there are many free and lively sperm ready to enter the female cavity and have a party!
I’ve heard from several women who said their partners are very good at holding back ejaculation, but what they may not tell or even feel is that there is always a bit of semen that escapes before ejaculation itself. So, if you’re about to enter your fertile window, or already in it, do not use this method as contraception, okay? In summary, the withdrawal method does lead to pregnancy, and if you’re not using another contraceptive method and don’t want to have a baby, I advise choosing another, more effective method2.
The Rhythm Method as Contraception
Rhythm method, rhythm method… That’s only effective for those who want to get pregnant! Personally, I don’t trust this method and I can tell you why. Contrary to what some experts say, I’ve seen several cases where the rhythm method failed, sometimes because the cycle is irregular, other times because the woman did the math wrong3. As a contraceptive method, withdrawal works, but only if done correctly and, on the indicated days, with complete abstinence. To be more certain about your fertile window and your ovulation in order to better plan withdrawal, ovulation tests are an option.
How to use the rhythm method?
A cycle can vary from 21 to 35 days, and we know that ovulation occurs between 11 and 16 days before your menstruation, which is practically in the middle of the cycle, right? However, there’s a fertile window that should be avoided when you DON’T want to get pregnant. This window happens a few days before ovulation and lasts up to a day after, totaling, on average, 6 days. The sperm can survive up to 5 days inside a woman’s body if the conditions are favorable. That’s why there’s a great chance of conception if the couple has intercourse during this fertile window.
Fertile Mucus
You know that mucus we notice when we’re in our fertile period? It has nutrients that nourish and strengthen the sperm. So, avoid unprotected sex—that can absolutely result in pregnancy. Now, if you’re trying to conceive, do the opposite and drink plenty of water to make this mucus more abundant. You can also use lubricating gels that help during this phase, as they have balanced pH and a texture very similar to that of the woman’s vaginal cavity.
Withdrawal outside the fertile window carries a lower risk of pregnancy, since the chances of conception at that time are much lower. But remember that both the rhythm and withdrawal methods can fail. So, talk to your gynecologist to find the best prevention method for you, and always use condoms!
