Coitus interruptus: does it work or is it possible to get pregnant?

Coitus interruptus is a natural contraceptive method that consists of removing the penis from the vagina moments before ejaculation, in order to prevent the entry of sperm that could fertilize the egg and generate a pregnancy.

Although it is a simple method with some successful situations, coitus interruptus is considered an ineffective contraceptive method, as sperm may be released into the pre-ejaculatory fluid during sexual intercourse, resulting in pregnancy. Furthermore, the man needs to have great self-control, to understand when he will ejaculate and withdraw his penis.

Coitus interruptus is still discouraged by health professionals, as in addition to not being completely safe in preventing pregnancy, it also does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HPV, genital herpes, HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea or chlamydia, for example. . Check out the main STIs.

Is it possible to get pregnant with coitus interruptus?

It is possible to get pregnant with the coitus interruptus method, even if the penis is removed from the vagina. This happens for a few reasons, such as:

• Difficulty for men to control the right moment to remove the penis from the vagina, so as not to ejaculate inside the vagina;
• Difficulty for men to understand when they will ejaculate;
• Presence of small amounts of sperm in the pre-ejaculatory fluid, which is a lubricating fluid released by men during sexual excitement, before ejaculation;
• Presence of a small amount of sperm in the male urethra, from a previous recent ejaculation, which can reach the egg and fertilize it, starting pregnancy;
• Ejaculate on the woman’s upper thighs or female vulva. If the semen comes into contact with the vaginal fluid, the sperm can reach the egg and fertilization can occur.

In these situations, it is recommended that the woman consult a gynecologist, especially if the woman is in her fertile period and does not wish to become pregnant, as the doctor may recommend emergency contraception, to be taken within a maximum period of up to 72 hours after unprotected intimate contact. . See how the morning-after pill works.

Furthermore, the gynecologist can recommend other effective contraceptive methods, which in addition to preventing pregnancy, also prevent sexually transmitted infections.

Why is coitus interruptus not recommended?

Coitus interruptus is not recommended because it is not very effective, with 78% effectiveness, that is, around 2 in every 10 women who practice this method can become pregnant. Furthermore, it does not prevent sexually transmitted infections, and therefore its practice is completely discouraged.

Ideally, the couple should use a condom for each intimate contact to prevent not only pregnancy, but also diseases that can be transmitted sexually. Discover the main contraceptive methods.

When might it be a good option?

When a woman has a very regular menstrual cycle and is able to know exactly when her fertile period is every month, coitus interruptus may be a possibility if the couple does not have access to any other contraceptive method, even if it is very risky, and there is the possibility of getting pregnant.

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