Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting, no matter how
close you are. But discussing issues like abstinence,
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of an
unintended pregnancy
or contracting an STD.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) supports sex education
that includes information about both abstinence and birth control.
Research has shown that this information doesn't increase
kids' level of sexual activity, but actually promotes and
increases the proper use of birth control methods among sexually
active teens.
How and when you discuss sex and birth control is up to you.
Providing the facts is vital, but it's also wise to tell your
kids where you stand. Remember, by approaching these issues
like any other health topics, not as something dirty or
embarrassing, you increase the odds that your kids will
feel comfortable coming to you with any questions and
problems. As awkward as it might feel, answer questions honestly.
And if you don't know the answers, it's OK to say so, then
find out and report back.
If you have questions about how to talk with your son or
daughter about sex, consider consulting your doctor. Lots of
parents find this tough to tackle, and a doctor may offer some
helpful perspective.
What Is Withdrawal?
Withdrawal, also called pulling out, is when a male removes his
penis from the vagina just before he ejaculates.
How Does Withdrawal Work?
Withdrawal is an attempt to keep sperm from entering the vagina
by having the male ejaculate outside the vagina.
How Well Does Withdrawal Work?
Over the course of a year, about 27 out of 100 typical couples
who rely on withdrawal to prevent pregnancy will have an accidental
pregnancy. Of course, this is an average figure and the chance of
getting pregnant depends on whether the couple uses this method
correctly and every time they have sex.
Even for people who think they are doing it correctly,
withdrawal is not an effective way to prevent pregnancy. Males leak
a bit of sperm out of the penis even before ejaculation, which
means that even if the male pulls out before he ejaculates, a girl
can still become pregnant. Also, if the male ejaculates close to
the outside of the vagina, the sperm can swim up into the vagina.
However, withdrawal is considered a better method of contraception
than none at all.
Protection Against STDs
Withdrawal does not protect against STDs. Couples
having sex must always use
condoms
to protect against STDs even when using another method of birth
control.
Abstinence (not having sex) is the only method that always
prevents pregnancy and STDs.
More Information About Withdrawal
Withdrawal is not a reliable way to prevent pregnancy and is
considered the least-effective method of birth control. And it can
be difficult for males to know exactly when they should pull
out or to have the willpower to do so. Even if they do, some
sperm will leak out of the penis before ejaculation, which can
then result in pregnancy.
Reviewed by:
Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: January 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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