The pullout method, also known as withdrawal, has long been a controversial topic in the realm of birth control. Many sexual health experts argue that when used correctly, withdrawal is just as effective as male condoms in preventing pregnancy. However, it is often stigmatized and dismissed by healthcare providers. In an article from Slate titled “The Pullout Method: A Controversial but Effective Form of Birth Control,” the author explores the reasons behind this stigma and advocates for a more open-minded approach to withdrawal.
The article begins with the story of Laura, a 29-year-old woman who has been using the pullout method with her partner for four years without any issues. When she mentioned this to her gynecologist, she was met with skepticism and given alternative birth control options like internal condoms and spermicides. The author highlights the inefficacy and side effects of these alternatives, making a case for withdrawal as a safer choice.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about two-thirds of women have relied on withdrawal at some point as their primary form of birth control. It is the third-most-common option after male condoms and the pill. The article emphasizes that withdrawal is often chosen out of necessity, either due to limited access or affordability of other methods. However, for some individuals, withdrawal is simply a preferred method, especially if they trust their partner’s STI status and live in states where abortion is legal.
The article acknowledges that not everyone uses withdrawal correctly, which can lead to unintended pregnancies. However, it argues that with proper education and guidance from healthcare providers, withdrawal can be an effective and valid contraceptive option. The author criticizes the bias against withdrawal, which is often portrayed as unreliable and dependent on luck or self-control. Images used in sexual health education materials further perpetuate this stigma.
The article delves into the medical community’s perspective on withdrawal. Some doctors dismiss it as a contraceptive method and instead recommend condoms or other options that they can prescribe. This bias is ironic considering that many sexual and reproductive health experts themselves have used withdrawal at some point in their lives. The article suggests that the clinical community’s preference for prescribed methods may contribute to the lack of support for withdrawal.
The article also addresses concerns about pre-ejaculate fluid, commonly known as pre-cum, which may contain sperm. While research on this topic is limited, some studies suggest that pre-cum can contain sperm, while others find no sperm in it. The article argues that if withdrawal were given more respect, researchers would be motivated to investigate the risk posed by pre-cum more thoroughly.
In conclusion, the article advocates for a shift in attitudes towards withdrawal as a valid and effective form of birth control. It suggests that healthcare providers and sexual health educators should provide accurate information about fertility windows and encourage tracking methods like ovulation tracking and basal body temperature monitoring to complement withdrawal. By doing so, individuals who choose withdrawal can make informed decisions and effectively prevent pregnancy.
