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