Fact v/s Fiction: Intimacy

There are many ways to express intimacy with your partner. Intimacy can be both. – physical and emotional, although the most commonly understood form of intimacy is a sexual relationship that in itself involves various mannerisms of expressions and various methods too. Let’s separate the facts from fiction out of sexual intimacy by throwing out some light on the “pull-out” method.

Coitus interruptus or the ‘pull out’ or ‘withdrawal’ method is when the male partner pulls the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation. It is one of the oldest methods, and, though it is not reliable, it is still widely practiced.

Pulling out is no protection. This so-called withdrawal method is the most dangerous of all and so it is a myth, which has caused more pregnancies than any other.

Why it is not a safe birth control option?

Some men, in the heat of the moment, are unable to pull out right in time. Sometimes even if the man does pull out before he ejaculates, it’s already too late. There is a pre-ejaculatory fluid that may pick up sperm left inside the urethra from previous ejaculations, and those sperm are already making their way up into the uterus long before the man withdraws.

Fiction: You won’t contract STDS

Fact: Nope, the pulling out method puts you completely to the risk of or STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases). For safe intercourse, wearing condoms – male or female – is the best way to protect yourself from STDs. Even though you feel you will pull out on time, the risk of developing infections still persists. 

Fiction:  Withdrawal is easy

Fact: Withdrawal method might sound like a simple and easiest option but in practice it is not so easy – especially for beginners. Going for the withdrawal method takes practice and communication between partners. It’s always better to use an alternative, more reliable form of contraception so that you do not put yourself at risk of an unwanted pregnancy.

Fiction: The pull-out method can be used as a stand-alone method of birth control.

Fact: Try other birth control methods like IUDs. The pull out method is not as effective as condoms. Using the pull-out method in combination with another birth control method is a better decision. 

Fiction: Withdrawal prevents pregnancy

Fact: The withdrawal method is pulling out from the vagina before orgasm so that ejaculation occurs outside instead of within the woman’s vagina. If not used correctly, the pulling out method can still result in pregnancy. For those who haven’t yet mastered the art of pulling out just in time, should not rely only on this method. And even if a man manages to pull out in time, pregnancy may still occur, as pre-ejaculate, or pre-cum can pick up enough sperm left in the urethra from previous ejaculations to cause pregnancy.

Fiction: You need sex to have true intimacy.

Fact: A relationship with your partner may lack intimacy for various reasons like being over-involved in work, caring for children or others in your family, or just plain tired. Although getting involved in emotional intimacy is associated with physical intimacy. 

Footnote

Sterilization is one of the most effective forms of contraception, is permanent and generally irreversible. There are other most effective methods available which are reversible methods like hormonal contraceptives birth control pills, intrauterine devices, and condoms used with spermicide. Many methods of contraception hold secondary health risks. The safest contraceptive methods involve the use of barrier devices.