Coitus interruptus

Coitus interruptus, also known as withdrawal or the pull out method, is a method of contraception in which, during sexual intercourse, the man removes his penis from the woman's vagina just before he ejaculates. That way, the emission of semen is not in the vagina but elsewhere. This method has been widely used for at least 2,000 years and was used by an estimated 38 million couples worldwide in 1991.Population Action International (1991). "A Guide to Methods of Birth Control." Briefing Paper No. 25, Washington, D. C.

Effectiveness

Like many methods of birth control, reliable effectiveness is achieved only by correct and consistent use. Observed failure rates of withdrawal vary depending on the population being studied: studies have found actual failure rates of 15-28% per year., which cites:

In comparison the pill has an actual use failure rate of 8%, while the diaphragm has an actual use failure rate of 16%.

For couples that use withdrawal correctly at every act of intercourse, the failure rate is 4% per year. In comparison the pill has a perfect-use failure rate of 0.3%, while the diaphragm has a perfect use failure rate of 6%.

Used by itself, coitus interruptus is unreliable, because of the difficulty of controlling the process of ejaculation. The primary cause of failure of this method of contraception is the lack of self-control of those using it. Poor timing of the withdrawal can result in semen on the vulva, which can easily migrate into the female reproductive tract.

It has been suggested that the pre-ejaculate ("Cowper's fluid"), fluid emitted by the penis prior to ejaculation, contains spermatozoa (sperm cells), and is easily drawn into the vagina by capillary action. However, several small studies have failed to find any viable sperm in the fluid. While no large conclusive studies have been done, it is now believed the primary cause of method failure is the pre-ejaculate fluid picking up sperm from a previous ejaculation. For this reason, it is recommended that users of withdrawal have the male partner urinate between ejaculations, to clear the urethra of sperm, and wash any ejaculate from objects that might come near the woman's vulva (e.g. hands and his penis).

Popular opinion

According to a widely circulated joke, the obstetrics and gynaecology nurses' argot term for a woman relying on "the natural method" is "mother". In actuality, being educated about different forms of natural methods and combining them can improve the effect.

The dated Australian slang term 'getting off at Redfern' derives its meaning from the location of Redfern's CityRail suburban train station, which is situated one stop from Sydney's Central railway station. Most CityRail suburban train lines pass through Redfern en-route to Central, making Redfern the second-last stop for many commuters. To 'get off at Redfern', therefore, means to interrupt one's journey just before completion.

Advantages

The advantage of coitus interruptus is that it can be used by people who have religious objections against or do not have access to other forms of contraception. It has no monetary cost, requires no artificial devices, has no physical side effects, and can be practiced without a prescription or medical consultation.

Disadvantages

The difficulty of using the method correctly makes it a poor choice of birth control for many couples. Even when it is practiced correctly, it can be frustrating for the couple.

Withdrawal is also largely ineffective in the prevention of STDs, since pre-ejaculate may carry viral particles or bacteria which may infect the partner should the fluid come in contact with mucous membranes. However, a reduction in the volume of bodily fluids exchanged during intercourse may reduce the likelihood of disease transmission due to the smaller number of pathogens present.

References

Rogow, Deborah, and Horowitz, Sonya. (1995). "Withdrawal: A Review of the Literature and an Agenda for Research." Studies in Family Planning. Vol 26, No 3 (May-June 1995), pp. 140-153.

Notes

Birth control | Sexual health