Coitus Interruptus

Coitus interruptus, also known as the withdrawal method or pulling out, is a method of birth control and a form of contraception.

Definition

It involves the removal of the penis from the vagina before ejaculation during sexual intercourse, with the goal of preventing sperm from entering the vagina and fertilizing an egg.

Efficacy

The effectiveness of coitus interruptus as a contraceptive method is relatively low compared to other forms of birth control. The failure rate can be high due to several factors:

• Precum, which is a fluid that leaks out of the penis before ejaculation, may contain sperm and can cause pregnancy.
• It requires great self-control and timing on the part of the male partner to withdraw in time.
• There is also a risk of accidental ejaculation or incomplete withdrawal.

Failure Rates

Studies have shown that coitus interruptus has a high failure rate, with an estimated 20% of couples experiencing pregnancy within the first year of using this method. This translates to about 1 in 5 couples getting pregnant unintentionally.

Risks and Considerations

While coitus interruptus can be used as a form of birth control, it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is also important for couples to consider the potential emotional and psychological implications of an unplanned pregnancy if this method fails.

Alternatives

There are many other forms of contraception available that have higher efficacy rates than coitus interruptus, including hormonal methods (such as birth control pills, patches, and rings), barrier methods (like condoms and diaphragms), and long-acting reversible contraceptives (such as IUDs and implants).

Conclusion

Coitus interruptus is a method of contraception that involves withdrawing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation. While it can be used, its effectiveness is relatively low compared to other forms of birth control, and it does not protect against STIs.