Sex Without a Condom: Try Not to Get Knocked Up

I’m not advocating a game of “just the tip,” but a new study shows withdrawal to be almost as effective as condoms in preventing pregnancy. With correct use, condoms have a two percent failure rate and withdrawal (pulling out before ejaculation) has a four percent one. With “typical use,” condoms have a 17 percent failure, and withdrawal an 18 percent one. It’s a pity this information may take a while to spread – a study two years ago indicated birth control pills are safe to give over the counter, and I still find myself shelling out the cash for a doctor’s visit when all I need is a new pack.

In terms of effectiveness, Planned Parenthood and other sex educators put withdrawal on the bottom of the list. Perhaps the simplest reason for this is that it doesn’t feel effective. As the New York Times states, it feels like “cheating.” And being in a generation that grew up with AIDS, we’re told you can’t have sex without a trade off or you might die.

But now I don’t have to buy anything, I don’t have get a prescription, and I don’t have to listen to my partner bitch about how it feels better without a condom. Apparently, preventing pregnancy is just a penis-pull-out away. No more “we didn’t have one” excuses, and no panic if you don’t get to the pharmacy in time for the morning after pill (which, although it should by no means be considered birth control, can be effective up to five days after intercourse). Knowledge is power! And gets you laid.

Of course, it’s still an 18 percent failure rate (that’s nearly a one in five chance of getting knocked up) and there’s no protection against sexually transmitted infections, so you still want to throw on that condom if you’ve got it. And while this study gives us important information about how effective withdrawal is, I’m also worried how ineffective condoms can be. Between this and that horrifying TLC show “I Didn’t Know I was Pregnant,” abstinence advocates just might win me over.

Photo by Corey Ann.