Do You Trust the Withdrawal Method? (Pros & Cons)

July 2nd 2009 in News/Current Events, Relationships/Love

sexy-couple

A couple weeks ago Rachel K. Jones of the Guttmacher Institute caused a bit of controversy with an article published in the June 2009 issue of Contraception called “Better Than Nothing or Savvy Risk-Reduction Practice? The Importance of Withdrawal.” According to her research, Jones found that withdrawal or “pulling out” was just as effective as using a male condom in preventing unwanted pregnancies. NOTE: the withdrawal method provides no protection against STDs/STIs.

When I came across the article, I wrote it off as wishful thinking but then I found out one of my friends actually worked on the research. Still, I’ve heard of countless people that have gotten pregnant just sticking the head in for a “few strokes,” so I’ll be damned if I play Russian roulette with more bullets and no safety. On top of that, is the fact that I’m adamant about using a condom for more than just contraceptive purposes but prevention against AIDS, herpes and any other STD/STI.

For the most part, media outlets felt the same way. In her article “Good News About Birth Control,” Newsweek writer Kate Dailey wrote, “The withdrawal method of birth control—otherwise known as ‘pulling out’—is often seen as a last-ditch, almost comical measure to prevent pregnancy. In terms of both effectiveness and sexual sophistication.”

Dailey goes on to write: “The effectiveness rate for pregnancy prevention using the withdrawal method is about 96 percent. Condoms, on the other hand, are about 98 percent. (That’s when both are used perfectly. Otherwise, the success rate for both withdrawal and condoms can drop as low as 76 and 79 percent, respectively). These stats aren’t new; several studies in the early 2000s established the efficacy of withdrawal. But according to a new study from the Guttmacher Institute, otherwise young, smart, sexually savvy Americans still think of it as a shameful and foolish way to prevent pregnancies.”

At the end of her article, Dailey lists a bunch of common birth control facts/myths, like the ineffectiveness of wearing two condoms and a woman can’t get pregnant while she’s menstruating. CLICK HERE to read the full article and her findings on those contraceptive methods.

People fired back saying that the original article was irresponsible and promoted promiscuity because people may chide condoms in favor of withdrawal, which puts them at greater risk for STD/STI transmission. Whether of not Jones’ research showed that the pregnancy rates were close for both contraceptive methods, condoms are still the most effective defense against STDs/STIs other than abstinence. That’s not to say that condoms are fool-proof, but IMHO they’re the best we have for now. (NOTE: Condoms have limitations, especially against viruses like herpes, which can be transmitted through breakouts and “shedding” in areas outside of the genitals or parts of the body condoms don’t cover).

It’s important to note that, “Withdrawal does not protect against sexually transmitted infections and, therefore, is not an appropriate method for a number of individuals. However, it can substantially reduce the risk of pregnancy for those who have difficulties using other contraceptive methods, including women who have trouble taking pills regularly and couples who prefer not to use condoms, and for those who have unplanned sex and have no other method available to them in the moment. In addition, it is free and requires no planning.”

Following tons of backlash, Jones penned a follow-up article and raised an interesting point. Many of her detractors sighted how withdrawal puts the pressure on men to actually “pull out” but they didn’t trust men to have the proper self-control.

“Sometimes it seems men can’t win for losing when it comes to sexual and reproductive health,” she wrote. “We argue that contraception is a couples’ issue and that women should not be solely responsible, yet we don’t think men can handle the responsibility. While some women may not be comfortable depending on their partners to pull out before ejaculating, and some men may not be able to do it, that does not mean we should promote a false view of the method’s effectiveness. Withdrawal may not be appropriate for some couples and individuals, but it is being used at times by many, so why not ensure they have accurate information about it?”

Still, Jones herself points out that withdrawal only works through “perfect use.” According to realistic estimates, with “typical use” 18% of couples relying on withdrawal will become pregnant within a year, compared with 17% of those using the male condom. As with anything, take these numbers with a grain of salt. Do your own research before making a decision either way. Remember, don’t just practice safe sex, but smart sex as well.

What are your thoughts on Jones’ research? Do you believe that the withdrawal method can be just as effective at contraception as male condom use? Do you think that this article might promote promiscuous behavior or misinformation about the spread of STDs/STIs? How much faith do you really put in condoms? Have you ever used the withdrawal method? Do you know anyone that got pregnant “pulling out?” Do you think it’s still safe to “pull out” in 2009 with so many STDs/STIs and virus out there?

Speak your piece…

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49 comments to...
“Do You Trust the Withdrawal Method? (Pros & Cons)”
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anisha

that is scary , but a research and the facts provided will now help so many people. instead of blatantly rejecting the study, using the knowledge cautiously and wisely will help a lot of couples feel at ease, in terms of the pregnancy scare the night after unprotected sex but timely withdrawal. .. somehow, i find that funny.


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da ThRONe

To bad I wasnt a test subject! :(


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Spinster

It’s cool that there is research to back this up. But it’ll still be taken with a grain of salt on this end.

For me – no glove, no love. :-|


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Righteous Mama

Nope I def DO NOT trust the withdrawl method as a way to prevent pregnancy. But there is another method I’ve tried that I prefer which is abstaining from sex when I am ovulating or the calendar method. There are a number of “safe” days after a woman’s cycle when she can’t become pregnant. I prefer that to taking artificial hormones or using condoms. I trust my partner and it works for us. Relying on the pull out method is a real gamble in terms of unwanted pregnancy. Before anybody goes off about diseases, I’m only talking about alternative methods of preventing pregnancy. Here’s a link that provides more info:
http://www.executivpro.com/victoria/ovulation.htm


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Aldiddy

This article if funny. I have kids that are in my living room right now, as a result of the withdrawl method. Great timing huh? LOL.

The withdrawl method is a HUGE risk and you can end up with an STD. The girl isnt with child but you now have AIDS. LOL. I strongly advise against this method


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da ThRONe

Stuff like this just prove how fucking stupid people are. How would this research make people stop using condoms? If its true its true her findings dont change anything. And it surely doesnt cure STD/STI’s so you would still wanna wrap it up.


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me

I’ve used the withdrawal method successfully, although I’m still not sure as to whether it’s because my partner washed up afterwards.


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NWSO

@Me

Washed up? What does that have to do with anything?

Seriously, ain’t no washing up you can do that can catch up to sperm. SMH.


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Aisha Nadra

Okay, I couldn’t go any further with my reading before clarifying this VERY important FACT:

AIDS is NOT an STD or STI —-> HIV is, however.

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.

AIDS is a RESULT of “advanced” HIV infection.

AIDS is NOT contractible.

Period.

Okay, now I’ll finish reading about this supposed research that this ridiculous article was predicated upon!!!

Peace… aisha

(P.S. ALWAYS USE CONDOMS unless you are as sure as humanly possible that you are in a MUTUALLY monogamous relationship w/ a non-IV drug user.)


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Aisha Nadra

The “Rhythm Method” when properly used (which isn’t often) can be extremely effective – but it requires several factors that include daily checking of your temperature & other things that require far too much discipline for most people. I was once in a mutually monogamous relationship & we used this method religiously – which also required ZERO intercourse during peak times of fertility!

This is BUNK research – BUNK!

The withdrawal method is NOT an acceptable method EVER – for pregnancy or anything else. If you lack the maturity, discipline, foresight, & wisdom to either have condoms w/ you, wait & go get them, abstain for that time until you can have them, or always use an alternative form of birth control (and STD preventative if not in a mutually monogamous relationship) – then your sorry self doesn’t need to be having sex to begin with.

I don’t believe the info on “pre-ejaculatory” fluid – goes against all reputable research I’ve ever seen.

There’s no excuse ANYWHERE in the USA for not being able to afford condoms – they’re FREE EVERYWHERE!

Now, many places offer other free alternatives too – like female condoms (my primary care physician’s office has bowls all over of free condoms, dental dams, lube, & female condoms).

IUDS (both Mirena – 5 years w/ some hormones & the Copper T – 10 years w/ out hormones) are MORE or for sure AS effective as Tubal Ligation but can be removed as easy as 1,2,3 & you can immediately choose to begin having children (as opposed to w/ birth control pills – where you need to wait a certain period of time before trying to conceive). They are extremely safe & effective.

There are just too many REAL & at least REASONABLY safe options (MANY FREE – especially through agencies like Planned Parenthood) out there for these folks to be disseminating bunk science – it seemed to almost legitimize the use of coca cola to prevent pregnancy.

STU… STU… STUPID!!!

And, as much as I am not a fan of this – before I’d be stupid enough to solely rely on the effectiveness of withdrawal if I was stupid enough to attempt it in the first place – I’d be at the Doc and/or Pharmacy within minutes or hours to get the morning after pill to AT LEAST prevent any fertilization from occurring (THIS IS NOT the abortion pill – if the egg has already fertilized – this pill will NOT end that pregnancy or interfere with it).

Now that’s only about my 59 cents worth!

Peace…


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Shay from L.A. (Los Angeles)

CONDOMS, CONDOMS, CONDOMS, CONDOMS…


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100K

No glove no love. end of story.


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Aisha Nadra

I honestly get sick of all the catchy cutesy glitchy phrases too!

I know MANY MANY MANY men & women who claim “no glove. no love. end of story.” & all that sort of thing but it’s bull.

We need to start being more real with ourselves first… I am 41 & I have friends within my age range & I have friends in their very early to mid 20’s as well. They all know the importance of condoms but nearly NONE of them are actually using them – at all, or most def not on a regular/consistent basis.

People get freaked out over the remote possibility of the swine flu – but refuse to do something that all but eliminates the possibility of some pretty nasty & potentially deadly diseases – things that are definitely life altering & 100% preventable!!!

That’s just the STD issue – don’t even let me get started on these trifflin folks who think it ain’t nothin but a thing to bring a human being into their messed up lives!!!


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Masala

Ok, seriously where going on
With you?


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paulette-BAJAN-gal

@ NWSO…please note that you are a single man not in a marriage or committed relationship.

The withdrawal method has worked for me in committed relationships…with no STDs present.A woman can study her ovulation patterns and safely prevent pregnancy…I did it for a long time.When I was ready to have a child had no problem getting pregnant.

Contrary to popular belief..there’s only a window of 2 days when an egg is even available to be fertilised.So a man can actually cum inside 7 days after or before a period occurs.Actually its 2 weeks after for me…cause I know when I’m ovulating.

Keep in mind many happily married couples don’t need to use condoms.What did people use for thousands of years before condoms?? Its a very effective method to prevent pregnancy.I can vouch for that …within a committed STD free relationship.

Women should take the time to learn their body’s rhythm…took me 3 months of charting and listening to my body to figure it all out.And men can be responsible and vigilant with pulling out…especially when you both aren’t ready for kids but are advancing towards it.

Jumps offs and booty calls…condoms every time.


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MamiLove

I tell you a sure fire way not to get pregnant, have your man take it out before he comes and then let him come in your mouth :) Swallow those babies!


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sweetsexxybrown

Agree with Paulette. You must know your body if you’re gonna use the pullout method. In my younger years, I used the withdrawl method in my committed relationships. Luckily, I never became pregnant. However, as I’ve matured and seen & heard some things and thought about how much I treasure Miss Kitty, condoms are used everytime. Quite honestly, even in a committed relationship you can’t always be sure. I’m waiting til marriage to go raw again. Although it should be a shared responsibility when it comes to contraception, it really is an individual responsibility. I know its hard in that moment (believe me I’ve been there) but u gotta resist that ‘let me just put the head in” or ‘let me just rub it on there” comments, cause that could have you at the doctor quick fast and in a hurry.These commercials aren’t airing for nothing people. It’s very real in the field. Love yourself and use a condom.


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sweetsexxybrown

Agree with Paulette. You must know your body if you’re gonna use the pullout method. In my younger years, I used the withdrawl method in my committed relationships. Luckily, I never became pregnant. However, as I’ve matured and seen & heard some things and thought about how much I treasure Miss Kitty, condoms are used everytime. Quite honestly, even in a committed relationship you can’t always be sure.IMHO, the pull out method should be used with married couples not looking to get pregnant. (Although its ur choice) I’m waiting til marriage to go raw again. Although it should be a shared responsibility when it comes to contraception, it really is an individual responsibility. I know its hard in that moment (believe me I’ve been there) but u gotta resist that ‘let me just put the head in” or ‘let me just rub it on there” comments, cause that could have you at the doctor quick fast and in a hurry.These commercials aren’t airing for nothing people. It’s very real in the field. Love yourself and use a condom.


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boomsilent

the pull out method has lasted me through multiple girlfriends, so i can vouch for it, i guess.

BUT you have to really know yourself. there will always come a time where you may blast off too early (damn thats some good cooch) so if you are an amateur at doing it, you are destined to fail.

Also you have to be mindful even if it is a girlfriend- if she’s not seriously anti-getting-pregnant, chances are one day she will be so enamored with your performance she will “lock-on” and your seed will be…well, you know…and the sweating bullets commences.

and anyone who has been down that route- commonly referred to as “the scare”- knows that it is the worst…avoid at all costs!


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D

Lol@ swallow those babies… Wow MamiLove!


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Latsyrc41

@MamiLove

:-o


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K@ta

Ill be honest with my last long term relationship we lived by “pulling out” we were together for 5 years sex consistently for 4 and a half with one scare…maybe I was just lucky..or he mastered the pulling out thing…ill elaborate on the scare..he knew he possibly came inside and told me it would be wise to get the plan b pill.


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MamiLove

I’m married so it’s all good! ;)


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Netta

I did research on this last year when I decided to write a blog about it. I thought it was amazing how close the stats were and what a waste of money condoms are if you are monogamous and not concerned with STDs.

http://semi-literate.blogspot.com/2008/08/pull-out-method-is-still-method-damn-it.html


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July

Honestly what is so hard about using condoms? I just don’t get it. Is it that they are expensive, the pleasure factor, what?


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Kwana AKA OrangeStar AKA Phoenix7

right the pull method should reserved be for married folks ONLY..cause it sure doesn’t protect agaisnt HIV, herpes, or various other STD’s on deck out here!!!!
Please protect ya neck out this mofo, its real serious esp in the balck community!!!


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Dc Man with a Plan

This ladies article did what it was designed to do: Generate sensational headlines and unworthy discourse. The facts are not disputable, the efficacy of the study results are well understood…And SO-WHAT? Are there couples out there that are in a committed, monogamous relationship that NEVA thought of this? Never heard of the concept, never thought to ask their doc for advice on options for having sex, not getting pregnant and not using condoms? Are you kidding me…Just as several ppl in this blog have indicated they have successfully used this method for years b4 this article was printed, others would have stumbled onto this process without this ” study.” And if your Catholic, you don’t even have to stumble on it…actually, if you can spell Google, you can get at tons of info….This is pretty much cheap headlines and invitations to discuss the subj on “Good Morning America” for the writer and something to give irresponsible dudes another thing to hold ova some gullible young woman’s head: in an attempt to convince her that goin RAW is ok, if you use this methodology. Yeah, it CAN be done, but from a MALE perspective, you have to be disciplined, caring and likely, in love with the woman, cuz otherwise, you just bound to be like, oops, that one got away, Boo…….WTF? Are you kidding me? This “study” is for mature, grown azz ppl…and unfortunately, those aren’t the ONLY ppl having sex. There are tons of immature, selfish dudes convincing women to go raw–cuz they in love….and dude can give less than a rat’s azz about her…but she won’t find that part out, until she’s pregnant, with disease or dude gets tired of hittin it and finds a new play thing……..


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That Guy

The only pull out method I use and trust is pulling out a condom. There is no reason these days to take unnecessary risks. I’m the father to 3 God-Children who’s fathers all thought they pulled out, one even to this day doesnt even remember “busting” but that doesnt change the fact that he has a 4 yr. old.

People, be smart…. A few strokes of pleasure isn’t worth your health or the life that comes with unexpected pregnancy.

Stay strapped!


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Brandon St. Randy

Interesting the way this conversation has gone. I mean, it’s just science. Pure statistical analysis of one factor. That’s all it is. The author of the study makes no claims about disease prevention or social behavior or anything else. But that’s all everyone talks about when you bring the topic up. It’s like trying to link legalization of medicinal marijuana with people becoming crackheads. How people use the findings of science is something completely different than whether the methods are sound or not. Should you use a condom? In most of y’all’s situations, more than likely yes. But if that motherfucker breaks right before the point of ecstasy? Hmmm. Pull out or stay in? Pull out or stay in?


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Dc Man with a Plan

Yeah, Brandon and that’s the point: WHO is the report for? Bears f*cking in the woods? Naw, it’s for PEOPLE…to read….so how do you NOT take social behavior into consideration–unless as I stated, your goal is to sensationalize something that should OT be for mass distribution. If this report was buried in some Scientific journal…cool, most of us wouldn’t even have heard of it, but that’s not how it went down. This ‘communiqué’ was intended for public discussion but is NOT a reasonable public topic…This is a topic for committed couples…This is NOT the type of material that should be expected to be discussed by dudes in the 18 – 26 year age group, bcuz the over-whelming majority of dudes in this age range, if YOU’RE honest, are just tryin to get azz…they ain’t tryin to find love…….maybe a steady piece, but not love. So whom do you suppose the author’s target audience was? What age range?The author’s article was in a mag I’ve never heard of, but the other article was in News week, therefore by association, many more ppl were going to come into contact with this subj matter bcuz a lot of ppl read News week……And BTW: the leap in logic one would have to make to accept the mary-jane and crack comment is a great stretch, esp for a guy who often is very logical sounding…….


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TaiTai

Interesting…
These days, I know more folks that are out hunchin for da hell of it, and are not in a committed, monagamous, disease free relationships. Folks barely know their partners’ last names good before they are getting it in, let alone if they are “responsible” enough to pull out in time. Sad but true.

IMO, if you gonna be out like that, you gotta protect yourself. Too many folx dying and babies being born not to. One of my girlfriends says “this pussy is a dress-to-impress party; if you aren’t properly attired, YOU WILL BE DENIED ENTRY!” LOL

Now if you are in a relationship, and both parties have been tested and AGREE ON THIS METHOD (dude, no takin off da rubber and ladies no lies about being on the pill) have at it. Just make sure the mofo you are dating and sexing with no protection is someone you can marry or at least stand dealing wit forever! (so many of my guy friends don’t think that far ahead. SMDH)


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YoungJay

IMHO the pull out method should be reserved for those couples who are completely committed to each other. I wont stand on a soap-box and say “Don’t do it, always strap up” because I know from experience that things dont always work that way. Just take everything into consideration before making possible life-changing decisions.


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litabia

I didn’t read the article but from the small exerpts that you quoted I don’t see how she was promoting the withdrawl method she was just stating facts. Wether or not a consenting adult make that decision is their decision at will and people (guys) have been trying that method probably centuries ago. She was giving numbers to its effectiveness when it comes to birth control.

Do I trust the withdrawl method, no. Never have don’t think I ever will. Hell I really don’t believe in birth control either. I feel that if that baby is meant to be conceived it figure out a way to get to that egg.


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Brandon St. Randy

@DC Ma with a Plan: Hiding a scientific fact in a journal doesn’t make it less so a scientific fact. what you’re arguing is that you should keep people ignorant of scientific fact if there’s a potential for them to misuse it. People have the capacity to misuse almost anything, so whether or not it was a “morally acceptable” choice for Newsweek to print it is a different story. It also automatically assumes that people were engaging in safe behavior before and only now, after reading this article, are they going to throw condoms to the wind, and let the skeet fly. I think it’s fairly reasonable to assume by the teen birth rate and percentage of babies born to unwed mothers in most inner cities that folks have not been investing in Trojans like they should. So if this article helps to change people’s behavior to at least lessening the chance for unwanted pregnancy, I would argue that’s a good thing. Let good not be the enemy of perfect.

As far as marijuana to crack, I mean isn’t that the reason marijuana’s illegal? Because it’s supposedly a gateway drug and leads to hardcore drug usage? I think the analogy is pretty close. Which is that by denying someone something (in one case that purple, in the other case information), you’ll lead to a lessening of negative outcomes.


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da ThRONe

I really dont understand where the negative backlash of this report is based on? How is this hurting anybody to have more knowledge. And just like Brandon St. mentioned its not like people arent poppin out unplanned(unwanted) babies at an alarming rate anyways.


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Dc Man with a Plan

come on dude…Mary-jane is LEGAL in Cali for medicinal purposes…I just watched a fascinating film about THAT subj this week on the Public TV channel……And I also do not accept your pronouncement that anyone is being denied information. In my post, I said all you have to do is Google and you can get reams of info about the rhythm method, but on average, I doubt many peeps are tryin to hear that noise bcuz in today’s typical relationship, it’s not a worthwhile discussion. And bcuz you can make a science based argument about a subject, doesn’t legitimize turning B/S into a conversation. China restricts births to one child per family….it’s illegal to have more than one child……IF, Chinese authorities decide to under take a study on the efficacy of the best methods to kill babies to keep the birth rate in check, it could be done and sound very scientifically relevant..but that wouldn’t make it a legitimate issue for discussion, though over population is a REAL issue that deserves real attention, especially in the part of the world where they have the greatest population and can’t feed them all…..How would that topic work for you? Ethnic cleansing has been performed in some regions of the world and is STILL going on in Darfur….what’s the science behind that?
On another note, you’re right, if the condom breaks, on the RARE occasions that happens, I vote for pulling out bcuz it’s a sensible thing to do at that point and under those unusual circumstances. I get your point and think you make very interesting and engaging arguments–from a theoretical stand point..but this is real shyt we talkin about here……


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Brandon St. Randy

I completely reject your claim that it’s not a worthwhile discussion. What about it doesn’t make it a “legit” conversation? I’m pretty sure the government and people in China have very legit conversations all the time about birth control, abortion, and infanticide. Because these are real ass issues over there. As far as Darfur goes, there’s always a conversation about the politics behind what’s going on there. Racial politics, land rights politics, historical grievances, etc. Scientifically, it’s just AK-47 bullet plus brain matter equals death. But who’s right and who’s wrong and what should be done about it are very legit conversations. There’s a very legit conversation in Africa and southeast Asia about whether or not washing one’s genitals after sex helps prevent HIV infection. It’s another one of those discussions people try to de-legitimize because you want the behavior to be abstinence or condom use. But again, people will do what they’re going to do. If there’s an incremental decrease in negative effects, than why is it not cool to discuss. If you’re an 18 year old reading this blog and the responses, trying to figure out what to do, the vast majority of the answers have been to roll with a condom every time until you’re in a monog, disease free relationship. Worst case scenario, if buddy decides to roll the dice, at least he knows what his odds are if he doesn’t pull out or if he lets a little go before he pulls it out. Or maybe ge goes and finds him a good woman like @mamilove


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None Known

@DC Man

You are making no sense. And I can tell from your responses that you know it. Just too much pride to admit when another is right.


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MomOf3

Well… I’m married and we used the pills AND the pullout method… Just pullout and I got my 2yo daughter. Using both the pill and pullout I got my 8mo son… So yeah…. Forget that mess! Or maybe he just has some ss (super sperm)… lol..


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HoneyBee

I love the discussion on here today…personally, at this point in my life, I’m too much a chicken to use the withdrawal method. I’ve been in a committed relationship for a few years, but I’m not ready to test the theories just yet. I know there are pros and cons to everything, but the pill has done me well for years, and when I happen to forget one and get a bit nervous, it’s all about getting those Trojans and getting to work. Whichever method is chosen, the biggest issue is having the correct knowledge so that you can stand 100% behind whatever your choice is.


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Aisha Nadra

Yes, this is LONG, but between the articles & many of the responses to it, I had to say or do something more… lol

You can have sex – COMPLETELY UNPROTECTED, & EVERYTIME afterwards jump up & down 5 times, twirl around in circles, stand on your head, then run around the block nekkid & never ever ever get pregnant/get someone pregnant, or get any STD’s.

If this were the case, you’d likely attribute your crazy ritual to your “success” – when one had zero to do w/ the other.

THIS is one example of flawed logic, anecdotal evidence, & so on.

There is no reason for this kind of stupidity in 2009 in the US of A w/ all the access to info & resources we have. If you are going to rely on EVIDENCE – make sure it comes from recognized, respected, scientific sources. God help that poor child who ends up with the parent who thought “washing up” was going stop his seed from growing into a human life!

————

ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE:

The expression anecdotal evidence has two distinct meanings.

(1) Evidence in the form of an anecdote or hearsay is called anecdotal if there is doubt about its veracity: the evidence itself is considered untrustworthy or untrue.

(2) Evidence, which may itself be true and verifiable, used to deduce a conclusion which does not follow from it, usually by generalizing from an insufficient amount of evidence. For example “my grandfather smoked like a chimney and died healthy in a car crash at the age of 99″ does not disprove the proposition that “smoking markedly increases the probability of cancer and heart disease at a relatively early age”. In this case, the evidence may itself be true, but does not warrant the conclusion.

In both cases the conclusion is unreliable; it may not be untrue, but it doesn’t follow from the “evidence”.

Evidence can be anecdotal in both senses: “Goat yogurt prolongs life: I heard that a man in a mountain village who ate only yogurt lived to 120.”

The term is often used in contrast to scientific evidence, such as evidence-based medicine, which are types of formal accounts. Some anecdotal evidence does not qualify as scientific evidence because its nature prevents it from being investigated using the scientific method. Misuse of anecdotal evidence is a logical fallacy and is sometimes informally referred to as the “person who” fallacy (”I know a person who…”; “I know of a case where…” etc. Compare with hasty generalization). Anecdotal evidence is not necessarily representative of a “typical” experience; statistical evidence can more accurately determine how typical something is.

When used in advertising or promotion of a product, service, or idea, anecdotal reports are often called a testimonial, which are banned in some jurisdictions.[citation needed] The term is also sometimes used in a legal context to describe certain kinds of testimony. Psychologists have found that people are more likely to remember notable examples than typical examples[1].

———

In science, anecdotal evidence has been defined as:

* “information that is not based on facts or careful study”[2]
* “non-scientific observations or studies, which do not provide proof but may assist research efforts”[3]
* “reports or observations of usually unscientific observers”[4]
* “casual observations or indications rather than rigorous or scientific analysis”[5]
* “information passed along by word-of-mouth but not documented scientifically”

Anecdotal evidence can have varying degrees of formality. For instance, in medicine, published anecdotal evidence is called a case report, which is a more formalized type of evidence subjected to peer review.[6] Although such evidence is not regarded as scientific, it is sometimes regarded as an invitation to more rigorous scientific study of the phenomenon in question.[7] For instance, one study found that 35 of 47 anecdotal reports of side effects were later sustained as “clearly correct.”[8]

Researchers may use anecdotal evidence for suggesting new hypotheses, but never as supporting evidence.

———-

Anecdotal evidence and faulty logic

Anecdotal evidence is often unscientific or pseudoscientific because various forms of cognitive bias may affect the collection or presentation of evidence. For instance, someone who claims to have had an encounter with a supernatural being or alien may present a very vivid story, but this is not falsifiable. This phenomenon can also happen to large groups of people through subjective validation.

Anecdotal evidence is also frequently misinterpreted via the availability heuristic, which leads to an overestimation of prevalence. Where a cause can be easily linked to an effect, people overestimate the likelihood of the cause having that effect (availability). In particular, vivid, emotionally-charged anecdotes seem more plausible, and are given greater weight. A related issue is that it is usually impossible to assess for every piece of anecdotal evidence, the rate of people not reporting that anecdotal evidence in the population.

A common way anecdotal evidence becomes unscientific is through fallacious reasoning such as the Post hoc ergo propter hoc fallacy, the human tendency to assume that if one event happens after another, then the first must be the cause of the second. Another fallacy involves inductive reasoning. For instance, if an anecdote illustrates a desired conclusion rather than a logical conclusion, it is considered a faulty or hasty generalization.[9] For example, here is anecdotal evidence presented as proof of a desired conclusion:

“There’s abundant proof that drinking water cures cancer. Just last week I read about a girl who was dying of cancer. After drinking water she was cured.”

Anecdotes like this do not prove anything.[10] In any case where some factor affects the probability of an outcome, rather than uniquely determining it, selected individual cases prove nothing; e.g. “my grandfather smoked 40 a day until he died at 90″ and “my sister never went near anyone who smoked but died of lung cancer”. Anecdotes often refer to the exception, rather than the rule: “Anecdotes are useless precisely because they may point to idiosyncratic responses.”[11] Even when many anecdotes are collected to prove a point, “The plural of anecdote is not data.” (Roger Brinner)

More generally, a statistical correlation between things does not in itself prove that one causes the other (a causal link). A study found that television viewing was strongly correlated with sugar consumption, but this does not prove that viewing causes sugar intake (or viceversa).

In medicine anecdotal evidence is also subject to placebo effects[12]: it is well-established that a patient’s (or doctor’s) expectation can genuinely change the outcome of treatment. Only double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials can confirm a hypothesis about the effectiveness of a treatment independently of expectations.

Sites devoted to rhetoric[13] often give explanations along these lines:

Anecdotal evidence, for example, is by definition less statistically reliable than other sorts of evidence, and explanations do not carry the weight of authority. But both anecdotal evidence and explanations may affect our understanding of a premise, and therefore influence our judgment. The relative strength of an explanation or an anecdote is usually a function of its clarity and applicability to the premise it is supporting. [1]

By contrast, in science and logic, the “relative strength of an explanation” is based upon its ability to be tested, proven to be due to the stated cause, and verified under neutral conditions in a manner that other researchers will agree has been performed competently, and can check for themselves.

————–

Amen & Amen!!!


Avatar
Brandon St. Randy

Aisha:

I fail to see how you copying and pasting a wikipedia entry proves whether or not the study reaches true conclusions or not. If you read the article, it’s based on statistical analysis and surveys that would be accepted by anyone in the scientific community. Explain how this counts as anecdotal evidence. And given the stakes, if this were true, why wouldn’t there be an entire chorus of other researchers and scientists refuting the findings?


Avatar
chicken all the time

, regardless of how many people dont respect themselves or care about there self enough that they would use a condom or know there sexual partners , thats a very stupid ignoranous person because later on in life they may have something they have to live with for the rest of there life and not enough money to afford the medical care to prevent dyning from it,

the wise intellectual person thinks about it ,because a few moments of pleasure can cost you a life time of pain, i just dont understand why some people bring children in the world thats they dont know how or understand how to support, then destroy the childs life because of a problem they created from there sexual behavior, and then blame the child ,

then act crazy with the male or female they were with when he/ she doesnt want to be responisble for the child , well stupid you know a irresponisble person before you have sexual intercourse with them unprotected so why not use a rubber,

like snoopdogg said aint no lovin good enough to get burnt while youre up in it —–

why would you want to have unprotected sex with someone who sleeps around with everybody they aint good for nobody, they dont even respect there self, and why bring a child in the world with a moron and have a baby moron or worse a stds, use a rubber i dont agree with that pulling out stuff semen is liquid ,
liquids flow they go where ever they want unless in container a rubber
i went to school for studies in nucluer medicine and liquids

use your head be wise save your life and your organs there are infectious disease thats stds that arent common going around, and why have a child by someone you dont want or dont want to be with you only have one life . semen is a liquid form it goes where ever it pleases pulling out , not fast enough , it has to be contained use a condom

chicken all the time my passion is learning


Avatar
WaterLove

My husband and I used the withdrawal method alot before we got married. After we got married, I got on BC pills, but we went back to the withdrawal method and condoms while waiting for the BC pills to leave my system before I got pregnant.

Of course, I wouldn’t recommend this method for casual sex or non-committed relationships at all. And really, in this day and age, as others and NWSO always blogs about, get tested. The withdrawal method can work though. I never got pregnant until we decided we wanted to start a family.


Avatar
litrisha

This was years ago but my ex boyfriend at the time would always use the “pull out” method, and I can remember each time getting paranoid and reminding him to “pull out” in time and he would casually tell me “ok baby I got this”. It was one time when his little method didn’t work and I end up getting pregnant, and very young and scared at the time I decided not to have the baby, but yeah you can never depend on that “pulling out” method. To this day I will not…..WILL NOT have sex with a man that is talking about “pulling out”, I don’t trust it one bit!!!! Thankfully I didn’t get any diseases and just ended up getting pregnant instead but yeah I don’t ever want to put myself in that position again!!!


Avatar
SugarNSpice527

I”m not sold as my first son was a result of the ‘pull out’ method and my two other sons were ‘planned births’ as a result to the effectiveness of condoms.


Avatar
BADbrownbunny

WRAP THAT STUFF UP….I am lucky to never have gotten any std’s or sti’s. BUT damn I do have 2 BAD ASS Kids……LOL

whom i love :.)


Avatar
DragonFly

All I can say is that I got pregnant using the “pull out method” once in the span of a month. You can get pregnant/STDs from pre-cum and that initial ejaculation. So, um, yeah…NO.


Avatar
laura

My baby is 5 months old. He’s a pre-cum baby.
Dont fucking do it. Im typing w/ 1 hand with a bottle in the other. The Father is not helping me.
Fuck him and his pre-cum






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I Want You So Bad (It’s Best That I Leave Now)

As much as it hurts me to say this, I think it’s best that I leave now. My staying here right now isn’t what’s needed. Yes, we both want this, but we can’t. This just isn’t the right time. Not now, maybe never. It’s best that I leave now.

Staying will on complicate things and make [...]

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Thank You, You’re Welcome (NWSO’s 1st Anniversary)

Cue: Tony! Toni! Tone!’s “Anniversary.”

Do you know what today tomorrow is… Well, yeah, it is Independence Day for folks in the United States, but July 4th also marks the birth of NakedWithSocksOn.com. It’s hard to believe it’s been a year already, but here we are.

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