Pulling out to avoid pregnancy, also called “withdrawal” and “coitus interruptus,” is risky. The guy has to be totally aware of when he’s going to ejaculate. Then, he has to have enough self-awareness and control to pull out before he ejaculates—every single time. Just one mistake can result in an unplanned pregnancy. Also, even if a guy doesn’t ejaculate, the skin-to-skin contact can expose either partner to an STD.

A lot of guys are unable to have this much control, especially when they’re so close to the pleasure of orgasm and ejaculation. Plus, a girl can get pregnant even if a guy ejaculates just a little bit of semen near the opening of her vagina or just inside of her vagina.

Safer sex is not just about preventing unplanned pregnancy. It’s also about keeping you and your partner healthy and free from STDs.

Pulling out is better than using no birth control at all. But it’s not very reliable and gives no protection against STDs.

Learn more about the withdrawal method.