Can You Get Pregnant from Withdrawal Method? Your Questions Answered - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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The withdrawal method, also known as coitus interruptus, is a form of contraception where the male partner withdraws his penis from the vagina before ejaculation to prevent sperm from entering the female reproductive tract. While it may seem like a simple and natural way to avoid pregnancy, it is important to understand its effectiveness and the factors that can influence the likelihood of conception.

The effectiveness of the withdrawal method is often debated. According to various studies, when used perfectly, the withdrawal method has a failure rate of about 4%. However, in typical use, the failure rate can be as high as 22%. This discrepancy arises from the fact that many couples do not use the method perfectly every time, and pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) can contain sperm, which can lead to unintended pregnancies even if ejaculation occurs outside the vagina.

In your specific situation, you mentioned that your last menstrual period was from July 3 to July 8, and you had intercourse on July 9 with the withdrawal method, followed by taking emergency contraception (the morning-after pill). You also had intercourse again on July 14 without ejaculation. Given that your menstrual cycle has been regular, it is important to consider the timing of ovulation. Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the start of your next period, which means that if your cycle is consistently around 28 days, you would likely ovulate around July 20.
Since you had intercourse on July 9, it is possible that sperm could survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, which means that if you ovulated shortly after that, there could be a risk of pregnancy. However, taking emergency contraception shortly after the first encounter significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy. Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but it can be effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after.

Regarding your second encounter on July 14, since there was no ejaculation, the risk of pregnancy is lower, but it is still not zero. The withdrawal method relies heavily on the male partner's ability to withdraw in time, and as mentioned earlier, pre-ejaculate fluid can contain sperm.

In conclusion, while the withdrawal method can reduce the risk of pregnancy, it is not foolproof. Given your use of emergency contraception after the first encounter, your chances of becoming pregnant are significantly reduced. If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, consider taking a home pregnancy test after your expected period date. If you have further concerns or experience any unusual symptoms, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance.
In the future, if you are looking for more reliable contraception options, consider discussing with your healthcare provider about other methods such as hormonal birth control, intrauterine devices (IUDs), or barrier methods, which can provide more effective protection against unintended pregnancies.