Withdrawal
One of the most commonly used methods of birth control throughout the world is called withdrawal. It means withdrawing the penis from the vagina before an ejaculation or orgasm occurs. This can be a fairly effective technique if used correctly and consistently. There are several possible problems:
- Some sperm leak out before an ejaculation. Maybe only 1% or 2% of the total, but that can be 10 or 20 million! Of course, it only takes one.
- It takes a lot of discipline on the part of the man to withdraw soon enough every time.
- Withdrawal provides very little protection from sexually transmitted diseases.
- Nature did not intend sex to end this way.
- Sometimes it's messy.
- Often it's not much fun.
Withdrawal is better than nothing but not as good as any other method of birth control.
The most common side effect of this method is pregnancy
What is the withdrawal method? The withdrawal method is one that has been practiced for centuries. It is a method which is always convenient and available, since all it involves is the man attempting to withdraw his penis before he ejaculates. Of course control over ejaculation is not so finite, and the withdrawal method is known to be the least effective form of birth control.
How effective is the withdrawal method? For the average couple, the withdrawal method is only 82% effective. This is due to the fact that some men find it difficult to control the point of ejaculation, and accidentally release sperm into the vagina. Accidents like these are particularly pervasive in younger men with little sexual activity. Another reason that this method can fail is because the clear liquid discharged from the Cowper’s gland before ejaculation is rich with sperm cells. Since it is difficult to tell if this pre-ejaculate is leaking out of the penis, the withdrawal method is deceptively unsafe.
Practical concerns with the withdrawal method The withdrawal method depends on one thing; the man must be alert enough to remove his penis in time. If a man does get wrapped up in the moment then this method will certainly fail. Secondly, there is no way for a man to restrict the flow of Cowper’s fluid from his penis, and thus no assurance the method will work. Furthermore, if a woman doubts the man's ability to withdraw his penis in time, she will not be relaxed and able to enjoy the experience.