Withdrawal Method: Pregnant from Pull-Out Method

Can You Get Pregnant from Pulling Out?

💧Pregnant from Pull-Out Method or Pre-Cum? Take the quiz here!

The original idea is known by many names: pulling out, withdrawal, pull-out method — or the technical term: coitus interruptus. This contraceptive method frequently leads to unplanned pregnancies. Sometimes pre-cum plays a role in this. This page provides the probability rate and the reasons why it is ineffectual.

Pregnant from Pull-Out Method or Pre-Cum? Quiz

What Is the Pull-Out Method?

'Pulling out' is precisely what it sounds like: the penis is pulled out of the vagina just before reaching orgasm, causing ejaculation (cumming) to occur outside the vagina.

The idea is to keep any semen (cum) from entering the vagina to prevent the possibility of conception.

Likelihood of Pregnancy with the Pull-Out Method

The Pearl Index, which measures the efficacy of contraceptive types, rates withdrawal as highly unreliable:

18 of 100 women become pregnant with this method when using it exclusively for one year. Since it is doubtful that this method can be followed flawlessly, actual numbers may be significantly higher.

How Can She Get Pregnant if He Did Not Come (Inside Her)?

These are the three main reasons why a woman could become pregnant, despite him pulling out:

1. Timing

Interrupting sexual intercourse at the right moment — before ejaculation — requires great discipline and excellent body awareness. Sexual arousal makes it hard to stop in time. Therefore, the likelihood of getting pregnant is high.

2. The Pre-Cum Effect

Pre-ejaculatory fluid, aka pre-cum, is excreted during sexual arousal. This whitish liquid is formed in the Cowper`s gland. Its purpose is to cleanse and neutralise the pH within the urethra in preparation for a possible ejaculation. The name says it all: pre-cum usually precedes cumming (orgasm).

Since this liquid is not formed in the testes, it does not contain sperm. But cross-contamination is possible if sperm is still present in the urethra from a previous ejaculation. These would be discharged along with the pre-cum.

This means that you can become pregnant even if he does not cum. While the probability of this happening is low, it is still possible.

ℹ️ For more information, go to Can You Get Pregnant from Pre-Cum?

3. Too Close to the Action

Even if he did not reach a climax or ejaculated away from the vagina, sperm may have come in contact with her cervical mucus. This mucus develops during a woman's fertile window and can be present in her external genital area (vaginal entrance). Sperm die quickly when exposed to air, dry skin, or water. They need cervical mucus to survive. If sperm and cervical mucus came into contact, sperm might have entered the vagina. The probability of getting pregnant this way is very low but theoretically possible.

Worried you Might Be Pregnant Despite Being Careful?

Perhaps you came across this article because you are afraid you might be pregnant, even though you had been careful. Understandably, this uncertainty would cause many questions and concerns.

Take a deep breath amid this tense situation and tackle things one step at a time. Your first step is to gain more clarity by taking a pregnancy test.

🤰 Take our free Online Pregnancy Test by answering multiple-choice questions about your last menstrual period and possible symptoms! You will receive immediate professional feedback.

Women Share Their Stories

• 'I was on my period from the 9^th to the 13^th of June. During that time, I had unprotected sex twice with my husband. On the 16^th, we had sex again but used the pull-out method. (…) My period is already a few days overdue, and I feel some abdominal cramping. (…) This morning I broke down and took an early pregnancy test. The result was definitely negative, but could I still be pregnant?"'
• 'The father of the baby did not call back. He had mentioned previously that he already has 3 kids from 3 different women. He does not believe in contraception. He uses the pull-out method. (…) My family is putting me under pressure and my son is asking for a baby sibling. I am afraid...'

These experiences were shared (in German) on Profemina's open forum.
(1. Source, 2. Source)

Pregnant Even Though He Pulled Out — Now What?

An unexpected pregnancy, despite the pull-out method, is sure to trigger a whole slew of thoughts, emotions and worries. If this reflects your situation, take all the time you are given! You are worth more than a quick fix!

We would love to be part of your journey by providing a non-judgemental setting for you to consider your next steps. Take advantage of our resources:

• ⚖️ Wondering whether to have an abortion or not? — Take our free Abortion Test and receive a detailed professional evaluation.

• Unplanned Pregnancy — Now What? Five tips on how to proceed.

• 💡 Dealing with a Specific Concern? Take the Solutions Finder Test!

• ⛑ Unsure where to go from here? Take the First Aid Test!

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