I am sure that more than one of us thinks that the withdrawal method is a form of contraceptive. It is true that, before it rains, it drizzles and all the water gets wet. Therefore, it is clear that in realizing this practice, there are only two probabilities: one becomes pregnant or they do not. In order to understand well why one of these cases occurs, our psychologist specialist in sexology, Claudia Kösler, clarifies several concepts in regard to the precum that will be the cause of pregnancy in the case of getting it.
What is this liquid?
The precum (coming from the Cowper’s glands) and the semen (coming from the seminal vesicle passing through the prostate) have similar components; although, only semen actually contains real sperm. The precum goes directly through the urethra, without passing through the same pathway as the semen. In a first heterosexual sexual relation with penetration and without protection, the egg cannot be fertilized. Therefore, there is no possibility of becoming pregnant. The question is, once you have ejaculated, the sperm could stay in the urethra, which makes pregnancy a probability in the next unprotected heterosexual penetration sexual intercourse or if there was a previous stimulation with ejaculation without intercourse.
Is it posible for pregnancy to occur?
It is possible if we take into account that the woman can be found in her fertile days. In addition, the sperm can live for an average of 24 hours and it is known that they can fertilize an egg until their 3rd day of their expulsion.
We can differentiate both liquids: the precum is in charge of lubricating and neutralizing the acidity of the vagina in order to facilitate the survival of the sperm, while the semen is in charge of transporting the sperm in order to fertilize the egg.
Is it reliable?
The practice of withdrawal is not considered a contraceptive method because of the risks involved increasing the probability of unwanted pregnancies and STI or STD infections.
Although it is common in our western society, we have to worry about the increase in rates of unwanted pregnancies. In addition, there is the increase in STIs among the population, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, candida infection, syphilis, HPV… there is a great fixation on pregnancy when we should contemplate health in its entirety.
Using this method -reliable or not- also has produced an increase in the intake of the morning after pill.
Unfortunately, the worst outcome is the woman’s side effects. Therefore, it is our job to raise awareness about the consequences of using this emergency method as a contraceptive method.
*Content validated mediQuo medical team.
