Releasing sperm outside the vagina during sexual intercourse can indeed help prevent pregnancy. However, this is not always the case. Because the chance of getting pregnant still exists with several underlying causes.
When having sex, some couples choose to apply the method withdrawal or pulling the penis out of the vagina just before ejaculation occurs to prevent pregnancy.
This method is actually the oldest method of contraception and has existed before the advent of contraceptives. Generally, this method is chosen because it does not require other tools, can be done at any time, does not cost money, and has no side effects.
Causes of Pregnancy Even though Sperm Is Released Outside
In principle, pregnancy occurs when the sperm successfully fertilizes the egg. This makes some couples think that if they release sperm outside the vagina, then the fertilization process can be prevented so that they can avoid getting pregnant.
In fact, this assumption is not entirely true. A woman's chances of getting pregnant are still there, even though her partner releases sperm outside the vagina when ejaculating. Why does this happen? Here's why:
Pre-ejaculatory fluid also contains sperm
Many people think that sperm is only found in the semen that is released during ejaculation. Though, that's not entirely true. The pre-ejaculatory fluid that has begun to be produced once the penis is erect or tense can also contain sperm.
This is the reason why the chances of pregnancy are still there, even if the penis is pulled before ejaculation.
Men can't always fully control ejaculation
This method will not work if the man can not realize when he will have an orgasm. A man who does not know when he will have an orgasm will not know when the time is right to pull his penis out before ejaculation. So, indirectly, men are the determinants of the success of the method withdrawal.
Sperm accidentally enters the vagina
Although sperm is released outside the vagina, pregnancy can also occur if a man has pre-ejaculate or ejaculated fluid around the body parts adjacent to the vagina.
Why does this risk exist? The reason is, sperm can accidentally enter the vagina. When a partner releases pre-ejaculatory fluid or ejaculates in the abdominal area, for example, sperm can enter the vagina if your partner or you touch the fluid using your finger and then touch the vagina.
Who is Suitable to Apply This Contraception Method?
The method of pulling the penis before ejaculation is actually less reliable for preventing pregnancy or avoiding sexually transmitted diseases. This makes it more suitable for use by couples who are not planning a pregnancy but are not delaying it either.
The reason is, as discussed earlier, the risk of getting pregnant still exists even though the man releases his sperm outside the vagina.
If you really want to prevent pregnancy, you or your partner are encouraged to use condoms when having sex, even if you have used other contraceptives.
If used correctly, condoms can prevent sperm from entering the vagina and reaching the egg, thereby preventing pregnancy. The use of condoms is also useful for reducing the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
Releasing sperm outside can indeed reduce the risk of pregnancy, but the risk of pregnancy is still there, even quite large. So, if you want to delay pregnancy, consider another, more reliable method of contraception. If necessary, consult further with the obstetrician.