Is it safe to pull out?

Is it safe to pull out before coming? Not really …

Many people having sex with penises have relied on ‘pulling out’ to prevent pregnancy and STIs for years. In theory this might reduce the risks of both but it’s very very hard to do properly and there are a few problems with it.

1. Ejaculation can start before people realise it so the penis might not be pulled out in time.

2. Sometimes sex can lead to ejaculation but not always an orgasm. So they could fully ejaculate in their partner without realising. Orgasm and ejaculation aren’t really the same thing.

Read more about how orgasm and ejaculation aren’t the same thing

3. It’s very hard to do. The feeling of ejaculation and orgasm (when they come together) inside someone can be very very pleasurable. It’s easy to get carried away.

is it safe to pull out

4. Pre ejaculation fluid is often known as pre-cum (although it’s not actually semen). This is a little bit of fluid at the tip of the penis which cleans the urethra in preparation for the next ejaculation. Some researchers say it’s *possible* for there to be some sperm in pre-cum. In theory that could cause pregnancy as soon as the penis enters the vagina. It’s unlikely because the sperm isn’t great quality, they are low in number, and wouldn’t be kept alive by semen. More on pregnancy risks here. For more about pre-cum go here

5. STIs. Withdrawing the penis before ejaculation (if done successfully) might prevent the male transmitting some infections where the germs are in semen or blood (eg HIV) but it won’t prevent STIs where the penis is infected with something like chlamydia (where the germs can be in the pee hole). It also won’t prevent germs from blood or vaginal wetness getting into the penis through the pee hole or under the foreskin. It’s possible to infect someone with unusual discharge or pre-cum from the tip of the penis too. So as a method of safer sex it is nowhere near as good as using a condom.

6. It’s ok if you do this and use condoms. For people who use condoms, and are worried about them breaking, then withdrawing the penis, with the condom on, before ejaculation can make them feel a bit safer.

Remember also that if you choose not to ejaculate internally, ejaculating on someone is not everyone’s cup of tea, even though it is very very popular in porn.

Comment below if you like. I moderate all comments before they appear, just so you know!

See what else you can find out about today!

A-Z of Porn About You Abuse Arousal Ask Bish Body Image Clitoris Communication Condoms Consent Contraception Coronavirus Dry Humping Ejaculation Erection Feelings Friendships Gender Kissing Law Love Masturbation Oral Sex Orgasm Parents Penis Pleasure Porn Positions Pregnancy Pressure Relationships Safer Sex Saying No Self Care Self Esteem Services Sex Education Sexting STIs Teach yourself Team Bish The Right Time Trust Vagina

© Justin Hancock, 2024 Find out more about me and BISH here.

Did you find my advice helpful? Please let me know in this quick survey.

If you have a question that I’ve not already answered you can contact me here

I’ve kind of given up on social media as they keep deplatforming sex education! Most of my readers like to stay updated via email. So sign up here and get an automatic email every time I post a new resource on here.

You can buy my book wherever you buy books. If you buy it via my Bookshop then I earn more money and that helps me keep this website running.

This website is free and free of adverts. To keep it that way it relies on your support. Here are all of the ways you can support BISH and keep us going.

If you’re over 18 and would like an advanced version of BISH check out my podcast Culture Sex Relationships. Also I’ve written a sex advice book for adults with Meg-John Barker called A Practical Guide to Sex available wherever you get books. We also did some zines to help you to figure out what you want from sex and relationships. They are at our website.

If you are an educator please don’t just show this website in class, they aren’t designed to be used as teaching resources. Instead, facilitate your own really great RSE with my resources at bishtraining.com.

I’ve been a sex and relationships educator since 1999 (with a background in youth and community work). In that time I’ve taught and given advice about sex and relationships with thousands of young people in person and millions online. I’ve worked with many charities, local governments, schools and youth organisations facilitating training and workshops. My two books, Enjoy Sex (How, When, and If You Want To) and Can We Talk About Consent? are widely available around the world. I’m also a member of the World Association for Sexual Health. Justin Hancock

One thought on “Is it safe to pull out?

  1. Hey, Im 14 Years Of Age And I Have A Girlfriend Of 15 Years. We Have Had Sexual Intercourse Several Times Before, Point Being Should I Tell My Parents? We Both Enjoy It Very Much, We Are Always Comfortable And Have Been In The Relationship For 2 Years. I Use A Condom And She Is On The Pill, So I Have Three Questions. 1. Should I Tell My Parents? 2. Is There A Safe Way To Make Sure She Doesnt Get Pregnant? 3. Is It More Enjoyable Without The Condom? PS: Our Favourite Position Is When She Is Ontop Of Me (Cowgirl I Believe?) Because That Way We Can Always Communicate Plus I Love Her Breasts They Turn Me On.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.