Pullout Method Almost As Effective As Condoms

_jsw_
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 12:03 pm: [report]

I was about to enter some sarcastic remark (totally out of character for me, of course), probably something along the lines of anal sex being the next big way to go, and then… I read the article.

I understand fears that this will further decrease condom use, especially among teens and young adults. These fears are valid. However, the article makes good arguments for withdrawal being roughly as effective as condom use in real-world couples, where it is 82% effective over the course of a year, vs. 83% effectiveness for condoms… with respect to contraception, not STDs, obviously. Neither one is stunningly effective, I was somewhat surprised to see that IUDs were - by far - the most effective means amongst fertile couples.

Still, the article does a good job of proving its point. Not good for convincing teens to not use condoms. But, for couples who use condoms and who don’t have STD issues, it shows that, over time, he might as well just pull out… which I find to be fairly interesting.

tigersmilk
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 12:18 pm: [report]

“Can horny teen boys really be trusted to pull out?”

The answer is, shockingly, yes. They can be. No matter their age or horniness level, teen boys don’t want to be responsible for impregnating their partner. In fact, for most teenage boys, that’s pretty much the last thing on their list of wants.

And I can back this up; I’ve had a few partners (all “horny teen boys,” in fact) with whom I have used this method and can speak from experience: with me and each of these partners, the pullout method has proven to be 100% effective.

But it’s absolutely true, obviously this method can’t protect against STDs or HIV. But then again, neither can the pill.

Just like with any other method of contraception, the withdrawal method will work for some couples and not for others. But it definitely should NOT be dismissed all togther. It really can (and does) work.

powplz
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 12:23 pm: [report]

@jsw - why the surprise at IUD effectiveness?

bogart4017
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 12:27 pm: [report]

I wouldnt dismiss the method completely. It might do for monogamous married couples. But teens? Heck no. And i would be very nervous being the type of guy who leaks a lot of pre-seminal fluid. It hasn’t been proven yet that this doesnt impregnate.

Molly Jean
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 12:31 pm: [report]

I like the quote at the end of the NYTs story about being truthful when educating teens on sex.  I think it’s better to give too much info than too little.  Of course telling them about this method should include warning them about STDs, etc. 

Was really surprised by how effective this method is.  I think it’s fabulous news for monogamous STD-free couples who want condom-free sex on occasion.  Thanks for sharing this.

sadie
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 12:34 pm: [report]

Typical condom use accounts for the people who don’t know how to properly use condoms. If you don’t put the condom on properly it is less effective. Condoms, when properly applied, are 98% effective. Kids are better off learning to apply condoms properly than comparing them to withdrawal. Couples who really don’t want a kid are safer going that route too.

_jsw_
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 12:35 pm: [report]

@joyy: I’m sure I knew it before, but I was surprised to see how effective it was in comparison to other methods which I thought (because I forget what I used to know) were similarly effective.

@bogart4017: Actually, I think studies have shown that the risks of getting pregnant from pre-ejaculatory fluid are pretty low (not zero, just low), but you raise another point in that younger/less experienced guys (and sometimes older/experienced ones) might finish unexpectedly, before they can pull out. I’m guessing that had something to do with the 18% pregnancy-after-a-year rate.

*sam*
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 12:36 pm: [report]

Personally, I would like to see the actual study(ies) that show this. Moreover, it’s a rather well-known fact that teens who engage in sex are also more likely to engage in other ‘risky’ behaviors such as drinking and/or experimenting with drugs. Did any of these studies take into account that if one is drinking, the pull-out method *may* be less effective due to a *delay* in one’s timing??? Speaking from experience, drinking does in fact hinder this method’s effectiveness, and I think it should be taken into account.

eskim00ninja
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 12:38 pm: [report]

My husband can’t be trusted to pull out in time either!

Raugiel
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 12:42 pm: [report]

I’d NEVER trust a guy to pull out. Anyone can have an unexpected early finish, so his ability to pull out in time might not even be in his total control.

z3nger
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 12:58 pm: [report]

I thought condoms were way more effective..damn, guess I need my facts checked. I recently got off of birth control pills because I’ve been on them since I was 18 so that’s a lil over 6 years…been thinking about IUD…any advice for me guys?

powplz
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 01:01 pm: [report]

@z3nger - I’m a huge fan, about 2 months into it.  it’s extremely cost effective and efficient - though it does hurt like a motherfukcer when the insert it (at least it does if you haven’t had kids).  PM me if you want to talk in more detail.

_jsw_
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 01:03 pm: [report]

@ z3nger: Every woman I know personally who uses an IUD swears by it, although I’ve heard of complications. It’s not truly get-it-and-forget-it, as you need to check on it occasionally, but I’ve heard it’s less hassle than any other form. And, as seen above, it’s the most effective method.

Obviously, though, it does nothing at all to stop STDs.

I am certain that my opinions as a man who knows of it only via second-hand conversations will have a huge impact on your decision.

powplz
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 01:07 pm: [report]

*effective, not efficient.  too much going on today, hah.

writergirl
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 01:12 pm: [report]

I would be concerned about publicizing this because kids are likely to forget that they run the risk of catching an STD; mainly because they have that idea of being young and invincible.  However, I think they should know that it is an option, as effective as a condom, that way, if they decide to engage in sex sans prophilactic (lets say they get carried away wihtout planning) they can at least take steps to avoid pregnancy.  Of course in that case, they can also be made to understand that a mutual hand job or oral sex wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing, either.

Having said that, the unexpected finish can happen to anyone.  So even if he does pull out, but doesn’t get the chance to redirect his flow, she could still wind up pregnant.

Of course, all of that is a lot of contingencies that I’m not sure horny teenage boys and girls, even some horny grown-up boys and girls, necessarily will have the brain power to grapple with in the moment.

ahw
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 02:02 pm: [report]

People forget that “typical” condom use consists of sometimes not using condoms.  If they are used every time, condoms are over 95% effective.  Does that sound right?  I heard it on TV so I can’t find the source.

_jsw_
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 02:09 pm: [report]

@ahw: True, but the statistics show “real world” use, where people do sometimes forget/decide not to use them. IUDs are probably so effective because, like Depo, you pretty much cannot forget or decide against them. The pill can be forgotten, but typically isn’t as forgotten as frequently as condoms tend to be.

ahw
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 02:15 pm: [report]

@_jsw_ Yeah, i totally agree.  I think all women should have an IUD or at least the pill!  Just saying, if they’re used correctly, I think this means condoms are still more effective than the pullout method.

*sam*
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 02:23 pm: [report]

I was told by my Ob/Gyn that I couldn’t get an IUD b/c I don’t have kids—so instead she suggested this thing that goes into your arm (it kind of reminded me of the microchip they insert in dogs…) and it releases hormones for like 3 yrs or something. It sounded *great* but unfortunately it’s relatively new and from what she was saying a lot of insurance companies don’t cover it yet and it’s really expensive…

Jacqueline
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 02:29 pm: [report]

@ *sam*  a friend of mine got the shot and ended up bleeding for a month or so. I don’t know if it’s the same shot your doctor was talking about, but I’d skip that one if I were you. At least until it’s been around for awhile.

ahw
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 02:30 pm: [report]

I’m looking forward to the day when those will be cheaper, because until then I’m stuck with the pill.  Haven’t had kids either, so no IUD for me.  And the Depo shot is a bad idea for me because of some side effect risk group.  Still, being on the pill is a million times easier than breaking the moment to put on a condom or to pull out.

*sam*
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 02:34 pm: [report]

@jacqueline: oo, that’s good to know!! in that case, I’m glad I decided to just stick with the pill—it hasn’t failed me yet!!! :D

Jacqueline
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 02:38 pm: [report]

@*sam* yeah, the never ending period is never fun. I think the pill is pretty much the best way to go

powplz
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 02:41 pm: [report]

I do not have children (also, have never been pregnant), and I have an IUD.  Your dr is either sheisty or ... I don’t know what.

Your dr.s *may* be referring to Paraguard, the copper one that you absolutely cannot have if you haven’t had children.  Mirena is the one with hormones (that doesn’t put hormones into your system and cause emotional side effects like other hormonal BC).  It comes in two sizes, and they will order you the small one if you haven’t had children.  And there is a chance your uterus isn’t big enough, not having had children.

I repeat: you do NOT need to have children/have ever been pregnant to get an IUD.

Coral
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 02:47 pm: [report]

I wish people would be more responsible and just use 2 forms of birth control—end of discussion. Whether that means pulling out and a pill, 2 forms truly does prevent pregnancy. Many schools, doctors, and parents teach kids and young adults that 2 forms are the only effective way besides abstinence or permanent birth control.

andelizastrin
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 04:06 pm: [report]

Thank you for saying that, Coral, I’m glad it’s not just me who thinks like that.  I’ve been on the pill for years, but I won’t let my boyfriend not wear a condom.  I’m really paranoid about getting pregnant, so this seemed like a good idea to me, but my friends all seem to think I’m weird.  Only one of them feels the same as I do.

Coral
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 04:10 pm: [report]

@andelizastrin: I know, I was just talking about this to my mom today (I know, kind of awkward) but she was saying that it’s a good thing to use 2 forms as well, because she accidentally got pregnant when she was 27 (and she didn’t get married and have kids until she was 36). I try to educate my college-age friends about this because I have seen way too many people in my life face the troubles of having an unwanted pregnancy and having to face the options available—when it is not hard at all to use both condoms (which are good at preventing STDs) and another type of birth control. I know I don’t want kids right now and it is my responsibility (along with my boyfriend) to ensure that it doesn’t happen.

LinSea
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 04:23 pm: [report]

I agree. If I have to remember to take a pill everyday at the same time 28 days outta the month, he can wrap it up for the 25 minutes, lol. I figure its 50/50, I postpone getting pregnant and he makes sure we remain STD free.

retro chic
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 04:40 pm: [report]

Yes *PLEASE DO* pull out!... immediately, before you start – get your head on straight AND the condom/cream – THEN proceed.

Agree with Bogart4017: pullout should only be *risked* (still a risk) with married/SOs who have trust and a consistent sex life and presumably no STDs.

Agree with awh: condoms work WHEN they’re a) used, b) used properly and c) used properly and consistently. Horny guys and pro-lifers will tell you otherwise. Consider the source of the info/advice you receive.

Agree with writergirl: this sends out a misleading message bigtime – ANY barrier protection is better than none.

The path of least resistance is a part of Human Nature already, why tempt certain fate on hormonally unstable teens and others? Condoms just need to be worn at minimum! “Accidents” are avoidable.

hellosunrise
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 05:49 pm: [report]

i’ve also been thinking about getting an iud for the longest time now, but haven’t been able to afford it. i am hoping to get it, eventually.

as for the withdrawl method, i cannot find myself to get behind it. it’s just not smart, and i learned that lesson the hard way. i was using this method for a little over a year and ended up getting pregnant, and unfortunetly had to get an abortion. so i suggest getting on some form of birth control other than this one. i am currently on the depo right now, am really happy with it, and i feel so much better taking responsibility for myself.

GirlyLocks
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 06:14 pm: [report]

@sam—that is the newer version of something they used to have called “Norplant”.  Norplant was horrible!  It was several little sticks the size of matches (more or less) inserted under the skin in the arm.  It wasn’t very painful, and it did stop periods (for up to 5 years of use).  However, I have never met a person who used it and had no problems.  I gained 60 pounds on it, and know of people who gained many more than that on it.  It was awful!  I was one of those they suckered in when it was still new.  NEVER again.  Don’t be a guinea pig!  Let them figure out the side effects long-term first! 

As for pulling out vs. condoms?  “Typical” condom use means sometimes people forget, or they don’t put them on right, etc.  The actual rate of effectiveness (when used correctly every time) is much higher.  I wish it were true that we could rely on pull-n-pray, because I hate condoms.  But we can’t.  We’ve got plenty of kids though, so hubby is thinking about the big V.  Thank goodness!

draymond
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 06:54 pm: [report]

As if the only reason we are encouraging teens to use condoms is birth control?

Proper condom use is not difficult to teach.  It also allows the woman to insist on it as a precondition rather than trusting some horny boy’s promise to pull it out in time. 

Even if the guy has his own reasons for not wanting to make the girl pregnant there is too much temptation for the boy to stretch it out to the very very last second or to beleive that he is postponing climax when in fact he is only supressing the symptopms of climax.

If withdrawl were effective in practice the rate of unintentional teen pregnancy would be only a fraction of what it is.

CheeeeEEEEse
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 06:56 pm: [report]

@draymond: I just looove how you say “The woman”. Responsibility belongs to everyone.

And now you know, and knowing is half the battle. GI Jooooooe!

DancingGeek
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 07:08 pm: [report]

@writergirl - exactly.  if you’re in a married/monogamous relationship and you wouldn’t be upset if you got pregnant/know you aren;t at risk for stds, then have at it otherwise- do the smart thing.

@cheesy - well done! although you’d be surprised how many guys will try to talk a woman into bareback.

Both sides need to wake up and sack up and just wear the damned things or use another method.

spark
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 07:30 pm: [report]

the pull-out method is EXTREMELY effective, and it’s gotten a bad rap.  i’m all for educating people that it works, especially in a pinch.  i wouldn’t trust a teen boy to pull out on time, though, and i’d only feel comfortable using this method with a man whom i KNOW can control it and is concerned about pregnancy—and during “safe” times in my cycle, just in case.  and only when i know his sexual history.

i don’t think this method is appropriate for most people, though, because it doesn’t prevent STDs.  this is the same reason why i don’t think that any method of birth control besides condoms is appropriate for unmarried/not long-term-committed people.

Antiquity
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 08:45 pm: [report]

@Phil in Reno- I think this is the first comment you’ve made that made me not want to smack you for ignorance. It made me laugh…

As for this article. I’m pretty sure that I agree with everyone else that it would be dumb to tell high schoolers this factoid.

wonderfultonight
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 11:06 pm: [report]

I think those of you who suggest using 2 methods are right. You want to prevent STDs as well as unwanted pregnancy. Unfortunately, stds seem to be on the rise among teens and twenties. Therefore, using condoms properly just makes sense as one of them.

Not just teens, but 20+ college-age guys are not always careful or trustful about withdrawal and I would not recommend this method for them at all. Especially considering the partying, drinking, std factors. (It’s true that this is not confined to those age groups, either.)

Anyone who has used withdrawal “successfully” should add “so far.” It’s still risky and best used by married or long-time committed couples with no stds.

Some of the newer condoms, especially a Swedish make, are very close to the natural feel, for those who object to using condoms on that basis. There are always new ones coming out now, so it pays to look around and/or check some of the stores or online sites that carry sex items.

pryce2
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 11:12 pm: [report]

The first time my boyfriend and I had condom-less sex, I stood up and all the ejaculate literally fell out of me and onto my dry clean only black dress. No one ever told me that would happen. If that’s not a reason to use condoms, I don’t know what is.

Personally, I’m just too neurotic to trust the pull out method. At least with condoms, you can have some forewarning if it failed. A rip, a tear, a slip off—all give you the chance to run and get Plan B. With the pull out method, all you can do is wait and hope…and by the time you know the verdict, it’s too late.

I’ll keep this in mind the next time I’m on the pill and in a relationship. For now? Let’s just say that I’m not going be testing the efficiency of the pull out method myself.

Jacqueline
wrote on July 21 2009 @ 11:34 pm: [report]

@ pryce2 haha my boyfriend at least warned me about that.

My boyfriend has mastered the pull out method and I applaud him for his control. The few times we used it, it worked. That being said as soon as we started having sex I got myself on birth control. I adore him, but it’s just dumb to assume it will work all the time.

betty123
wrote on July 22 2009 @ 08:31 am: [report]

I think that possibly the best way to use this information with teenagers would not be to say that the pull out methods are as effective as condoms which makes it seem like a positive thing, but to speak in a negative way. Say something like when condoms are not used properly, they are just as ineffective as the pull out method. This can be a lesson in the proper use of condoms.

ahw
wrote on July 22 2009 @ 08:44 am: [report]

@betty123 I agree.  Good idea.

QTGirl
wrote on July 22 2009 @ 01:06 pm: [report]

“Almost as effective” is not a cool term when dealing with pregnancy. That like “a little bit pregnant!”
Speaking as someone who has tried them both I’ll tell you - the pull out method definitely turned the pee stick pink! Condoms worked very well for over a decade of sex.

spark
wrote on July 22 2009 @ 04:09 pm: [report]

giving kids this information is as dangerous as informing them about the pill:

1.  neither prevents STDs
2.  can’t trust a teen boy to pull out = can’t trust a teen girl to remember her pill

november82
wrote on July 22 2009 @ 10:45 pm: [report]

I’ve read that pre-cum has a higher amount of sperm in it than the “big load” which is expelled with more force, pushing it all further into to vagina, increasing the chance pre-cum gets you preggers. You add that to the fact that condoms can be and are being used incorrectly and I can see how it all adds up. Not that I think anyone in a casual/young relationship should stop using them. Practice makes perfect!

workerbee
wrote on July 24 2009 @ 08:07 am: [report]

Hahaha this is amongst my favorite topics to speak about to teens.  I have a withdrawal baby so I agree with wonderfultonight who says that anyone who says it works for them needs to add “so far” to the end of that sentence.  My teenage brother and sister are very well acquainted with the fact that it’s not a very good method to gamble with if you don’t have a back-up.  And my son’s father now knows that when your girlfriend says she can’t afford birth control pills, unless you wanna go back to condoms, ante up.

majicksand
wrote on July 24 2009 @ 11:36 am: [report]

I was under the impression that many of the people on this site are younger than me (I’m 36), so how is it you guys still think teenagers care what the sex-ed teacher says.  I was an honor roll student ~~ who was STILL stupid when it came to boys.  My 15 yo son knows all the statistics, but I’m not naive enough to believe that “coach whoever” from health class has had any impact whatsoever on his decision making process. 

Thankfully, my son isn’t sexually active just yet.  No, I’m not naive there either.  He spent the last year and a half in a long-distance relationship.  She just broke up with him (for another boy, fickle little tart), so he’s too heartbroken right now to consider anyone new.  Who knows how long that will last?  When he does find a new girl, he’ll make his own choices without regard for some random teacher’s point of view.

On another subject… Does anyone else find the random “cougar” ads annoying?

ahw
wrote on July 24 2009 @ 11:51 am: [report]

@majicksand I’m 19, and I did actually have an excellent health teacher who taught us a lot about the social and emotional implications (both good and bad) of sex, and the various forms of birth control.  The reason she was so excellent is that she was the only person we knew to go to for honest, straightforward answers.  This was middle school.  In an area that tended to be conservative and support abstinence only education, she was a beacon of sorts for us.  She was possibly the first adult I’d ever met who did not think sex was a taboo topic, and she explained to us that sex could be a good thing.  Up until this point, many of us still had the “lie back and think of England” attiude because our parents and teachers wanted to scare us into abstinence.  I know that if it weren’t for this class, I would probably be ashamed to talk about my sex life today, and I doubt the sex I’ve had would be as interesting.  This teacher taught us not only the basics of birth control and sex ed; she gave us confidence.  Not to say that she told us to have sex, but she taught us that it was our decision and not to do anything we weren’t ready for.

In contrast, we got abstinence education during my first year of high school, and I remember all of us “taking the surveys” they handed out afterwards.  The woman they called in to talk to us had held up a rose and taken petals off of it, saying that each time she took a petal off it signified us having sex.  The more we had sex, the less beautiful we were.  She said that.  Not even kidding.  Even though we hadn’t yet had sex in many of our cases, we still put down on the surveys that we’d had several sexual partners.  We didn’t care; it was our way of speaking out against what we felt was an injustice.  This was a public school.

Overall, my point is that students listen to their health teachers when they are honest.  Plenty of teens out there want to learn about birth control and are afraid to even google it in case their parents find out.  I took to heart what my middle school health teacher taught me, and a lot of that was proper birth control use.  Also, the statistics that you find may not be as correct as you think they are, assuming they used the surveys that I took. 

majicksand
wrote on July 24 2009 @ 12:27 pm: [report]

@ahw:  I’m glad you had a positive experience in at least one health class.  What I remember and what my son has told me leads me to believe most teachers either throw the basic info out there because they are required to or interject their personal bias.  Many of them seem just as hesitant to discuss anything beyond basic anatomy, birth control methods and stds as parents.

I admit the “sex talk” was the hardest one for me at first.  Drinking?  Drugs? Smoking?  I breezed those.  Sex was a challenge.  We got there.  It became MUCH easier once he actually had a girlfriend, believe me!  He got the statistics from school; he got the emotional implications from me.  I still think he’ll be stupid at least some of the time.  My younger sister was still stupid in college after watching me give birth when she was 16.  If that isn’t incentive to protect yourself, nothing is.

wonderfultonight
wrote on July 24 2009 @ 02:48 pm: [report]

@majicksand Kudos on talking to your son even though it was difficult. Some sex ed courses are Ok but not many and a lot of parents don’t give “the whole talk.” My mom was OK with stuff like periods, etc, but my Dad is the one who really gave me the whole deal about boys and how to handle sex. He even took me to the doctor when I was 17 to have me put on the pill before I went away to college. Mom preferred that I get married at 17 (?) instead of attending college “to control my sex drive”. OMG!!!! Her reason was that she was afraid I was going to be “just like your father.” Well, at least then I knew why she was always exhausted when he was homw on leave from the navy. HaHa.

To think she would want to “save me” from ALL THAT!

dlc910
wrote on July 24 2009 @ 03:36 pm: [report]

I found this article interesting, as a women in a comitted relationship (10 months).  In high school a friend got pregnant while using a condom correctly.  Scared me so bad I have never had sex with less than 2 forms of birth control, lol.  I’m on the pill, and I know my boyfriend would like to have sex without a condom.  I don’t intend to have kids, and he’ll never get a vasectomy.  It would be nice not to have to use condoms and a pill forever.

greenbird321
wrote on July 27 2009 @ 10:39 am: [report]

that’s idiotic. do we want more teenagers/irresponsible women faced with the prospect of abortion, which is presented as an easy option, yet will likely scar them emotionally for life? if one is sexually active, it is only logical to be responsible and respectful of one’s body by using at least one form of birth control.

wonderfultonight
wrote on July 27 2009 @ 12:34 pm: [report]

@dlc910 THere are some newer condoms that look and feel”“almost natural.” They are thinner and some are so transparent it looks pretty natural. We bought some different ones to try. A few are, sadly, not for the *big guys* but they are a vast improvement. The Swedes seem to be in the vanguard on this if you or your guy can find a place that sells them.

ahw
wrote on July 27 2009 @ 12:44 pm: [report]

@wonderfultonight Where?  Would you mind posting a link?  Thanks!

powplz
wrote on July 27 2009 @ 12:55 pm: [report]

@ahw - I noticed you were one of the commentors lamenting not being able to get an IUD because you haven’t had children.  Just a reminder, the two are not mutually exclusive!

wonderfultonight
wrote on July 27 2009 @ 03:05 pm: [report]

@ahw Babeland.com has a selection, even a variety pack. If you click on safe sex on the menu and then go to How to Choose, it will give you an overview of the different types. The Japanese ones are very good, too. It’s good to read some of the customer comments, too, since some find these thinner ones break more easily (wonder about fingernails in some cases, though, this hasn’t happened to us.) Also, one does smell “rubbery.

They also have stores in some places, but not near me.

Happy shopping and afterward!

pragmatryst
wrote on July 27 2009 @ 03:53 pm: [report]

Let me get this straight.  The 83% effectiveness rate of condoms as birth control includes instances where a condom was actually NOT used.  And the withdrawal method has an effective rate of 82%.  So what the experts at “Contraception” magazine are really saying is that a birth control method that relies on the man to pull out at the exact moment he wants to stay in is nearly as effective as a birth control method where the couple sometimes has normal sex and the man just stays in.  Well DUH, if that is the sort of garbage that passes for science I have a brilliant announcement too.

There are 30 days in a month (give or take).  Women are fertile about 9 days out of the month, or approximately 30% of the time, so I’m here to tell you that HAVING REGULAR SEX is actually a BIRTH CONTROL METHOD with an effectiveness of 70%.  That’s right.  For a mere 12% increase in risk over the withdrawal method you can have all the sex you want without having to pull out or even use a condom!  Genius right?  Aren’t statistics just swell?

_jsw_
wrote on July 27 2009 @ 06:09 pm: [report]

@pragmatryst: I think the point of the story was simply that, since actual people in actual relationships will, over the course of a year, typically not use any form of birth control optimally, using withdrawal is as effective as using condoms - on average. I don’t think they were attempting a run at a Nobel. I think they were pointing out that withdrawal was more effective than most would think, and I agree: most people would not have suspected that withdrawal was roughly as effective as condom use. The fact that either method leads 1/5 of couples to becoming pregnant should act as a bit of a deterrent to using either exclusively, but, of course, the average person can’t or won’t deduce that.

Your “70% effective” argument is very misleading for a couple of reasons. First, sperm can survive for more than a day (a few days, IIRC), so the number of fertile days is higher than you mention. Second, and more significant, the effectiveness percentage is based on a year of typical sex. Even if there were only a 30% chance of getting pregnant in one month (which, in fact, is the actual estimated chance for the average couple due to typical fertility rates), using the same method for 12 consecutive months would virtually assure pregnancy in a fertile couple.

So, yeah, using nothing would be about 50 times less effective than using either withdrawal or condoms.

wonderfultonight
wrote on July 27 2009 @ 09:26 pm: [report]

@pragmatryst - withdrawal doesn’t prevent stds, either, and unless you know BOTH of you are free of that risk, it makes no sense to use this method at all. If you are married or in a monogamous relationship that is std-free, and you are willing to chance a pregnancy, OK. Remember, a man can impregnate a woman ANY time he has unprotected sex unless he is sterile. You lucky devils!

pragmatryst
wrote on July 28 2009 @ 09:07 am: [report]

@_jsw_: “I think the point of the story was simply that…using withdrawal is as effective as using condoms - on average.”

Statistically I agree, but that is a horribly irresponsible message.  For an individual couple making a birth control decision on a particular sexual encounter, overall statistics are no longer meaningful.  Like playing Russian roulette with a six-shooter, on average your chance of survival is 5 out of 6 or 83%, but on the on the one particular squeeze of the trigger when a bullet is in the chamber the chance of survival is probably close to zero.  Would anyone in their right mind refer to Russian Roulette as a life preservation method?  Withdrawal isn’t birth control, it’s a way of getting pregnant with a lower success rate than regular sex.  As you noted, plenty of people will not see a 1 out of 5 failure rate as a deterrent and the “Contraception” magazine article should have done a better job of sending that message loud and clear.

“Your “70% effective” argument is very misleading…”

If that wasn’t obvious, then my facetious assertion that sex is actually birth control may have missed the mark as well.  Hopefully my gun example above clarifies the point I was making.

ThatChick
wrote on July 28 2009 @ 05:39 pm: [report]

I’ve found the pull-out method to be extremely effective. Just use a backup if you’re drunk! If you’re intoxicated, suddenly no one cares. We’re not drinkers, but we’ve managed to conceive 2 children this way. I tell people if the Birth Control had been under the couch instead of in the bedroom, I wouldn’t be shopping for carseats!

For the record, we love eachother, and adore our kids. We kinda think it’s funny when I turn up pregnant occasionally. As business owners, it helps on the taxes. ROFL.

rn_damia
wrote on August 2 2009 @ 05:05 pm: [report]

Wow, some interesting comments…
The pull-out method is most definitely NOT extremely effective, you’re just lucking out each time you DON’T get pregnant.
I’ve known how one gets pregnant since 5th grade when everyone (who’s parents signed the permission slip) watched sex-ed films: one for everyone, and one each for boys and girls separately.  Guess what?  I’ve never gotten pregnant.  I’ve also never had sex that could GET me pregnant without using at least one form of birth control.
Thinking that boys are always thinking of pulling out because they don’t want the responsibility of a child??? Are you kidding me???  Kids, and quite a few adults, don’t think of the responsibility of kids when having sex.  Teaching abstinence doesn’t work.  Waiting for sex until you’re married doesn’t work (just makes kids want to get married so they can have sex without feeling guilty).  Parents/teachers who refuse to discuss sex frankly with kids (“not in MY house”) are really fooling themselves.  Hormones will win every time.  Knowing your teen son isn’t sexually active is great, but I’d start stocking up on condoms for him and his friends as soon as possible.  STDs will be with us forever… get used to trying to prevent the spread.
Childbirth is not a prerequisite for an IUD, but it does hurt like hell for at least a week.
Anyone who has kids, please, PLEASE teach them to use a condom all the time, every time.  The world would be a better place without so many teen pregnancies (or those who can’t afford children).  Raising a child is a responsibility that too many don’t take seriously.