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Is withdrawal is a perfectly acceptable contraceptive?

When it comes to contraception, many options are available—birth control pills, condoms, implants, and intrauterine devices (IUDs). But one method that still has people debating is the withdrawal method, also known as “pulling out.” It’s simple: the man withdraws before ejaculation to avoid sperm entering the vagina. But is this method reliable?

The withdrawal method is one of the oldest forms of contraception, but it’s also one of the most controversial. The basic idea is for the male partner to pull out of the vagina before ejaculation to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Seems straightforward, right? But like many things, it’s not quite that simple.

Let’s talk numbers. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), Pulling out isn’t a very reliable way to prevent pregnancy. It works about 78% of the time, which means that over a year of using this method, 22 out of 100 women — about 1 in 5 — would get pregnant. By comparison, male condoms are 98% effective when used correctly every time.

Why? Well, even before ejaculation, some sperm may be present in the pre-ejaculate (precum), which can contain sperm and lead to pregnancy. This is one of the key risks of using withdrawal—there’s no guarantee that the man can control when he pulls out.

While pregnancy is the biggest concern, there’s another issue that needs attention: sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Withdrawal offers no protection against STIs like HIV, chlamydia, or gonorrhea. In Rwanda, where HIV prevalence remains a serious concern, relying on withdrawal could leave individuals exposed to these infections.

Condoms, on the other hand, are a much safer bet. Not only do they prevent pregnancy, but they also act as a barrier against many STIs. If you’re in a long-term relationship or just want added protection, combining withdrawal with condoms or another method can be more effective.

According to Rwanda’s Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), while many couples use modern contraceptives, a significant percentage still rely on traditional methods, possibly due to cultural factors or limited access to healthcare services.

That said, Rwanda has made great strides in improving access to contraceptive methods through public health initiatives. Family planning services are available, and many healthcare centers provide counseling on how to use different methods effectively. The government’s efforts to make contraception more accessible have played a key role in reducing unintended pregnancies and improving maternal health.

So, should you rely on withdrawal? If you’re asking whether withdrawal is a perfectly acceptable contraceptive, the short answer is: it’s not the most reliable method. It’s certainly better than nothing, but there are more effective methods out there. Modern contraception methods, like birth control pills, implants, and IUDs, are much more effective in preventing pregnancy, with typical use rates of 91% to 99%.

However, if you decide to use withdrawal, it’s important to use it with caution and in combination with other contraceptive methods, especially if you’re trying to avoid unintended pregnancy or protect against STIs. Talking to a healthcare provider about your options is always a smart move. They can help you choose the method that’s right for you based on your lifestyle, health, and preferences.

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