The withdrawal method is an unreliable and risky form of birth control, as I pointed out in my previous article. If you’re thinking of using this method, you should reconsider.
Even if the man withdraws before ejaculation, it’s important to make sure that every drop of semen is far away from the vagina as possible. That’s because a few drops of semen contain thousands of sperm. If even one of them finds its way inside the vagina, that could result in pregnancy.
One more con to the withdrawal method is that sometimes, even if the guy pulls out in time, semen can leak out of the penis before he realizes it’s happening. This is especially true if he’s really turned on or if sex takes a long time. So there’s still a chance of pregnancy even if he uses this method.
Only half of all men tend to ejaculate in one large burst; the other half expels semen sporadically or in a slow stream. Many men do not know when the best time to withdraw is, since there may have been a small ejaculation of semen before they reach orgasm. Even a tiny ejaculation can contain millions of sperm, each one with the ability to fertilize an ovum,” as Dr. Niels Lauersen, a diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Steven Whitney explain in “It’s Your Body: A Woman’s Guide to Gynecology.”
Did you know that breastfeeding can actually help prevent pregnancy? That’s right – the benefits of breastfeeding are well-known and far-reaching. Not only is breast milk nutritionally superior to infant formula, but it also requires no special preparation, can be done anytime, and protects the child from infectious diseases. In addition, breastfeeding strengthens the physiological bond between the mother and infant.
So if you’re considering breastfeeding as a way to prevent pregnancy, rest assured that you’re making a wise choice – both for yourself and your child.
Some women use breastfeeding as a means of birth control, especially in countries where contraceptives are unavailable or in women whose religious beliefs prevent them from using pills or other family planning devices. Is this an effective method of contraception? It all depends on how long the woman has been breastfeeding. If she is exclusively breastfeeding (meaning her baby is less than 6 months old, and she is breastfeeding day and night), then it is an effective method. However, if she has started introducing other foods or liquids, or if her baby is over 6 months old, then it is less effective.
If breastfeeding is done on a regular basis, it can prevent ovulation and delay menstruation. This is because when a baby suckles at the breast, it stimulates nerves in the mother’s breasts which interfere with ovulation. The more you breastfeed, the less likely you are to ovulate.
According to the editors of In Health magazine, “Regular breastfeeding does interfere with the release of a woman’s eggs. The infant’s stimulation of the nipple triggers increased production of prolactin, a chemical that suppresses the hormones necessary for menstruation and ovulation. No eggs, no pregnancy.”
“According to one study, for the first six months after giving birth, if a breastfeeding mother hasn’t resumed menstruation and the baby often feeds and only on mother’s milk, breastfeeding can provide pregnancy protection that rivals accepted contraceptive methods – close to 99 percent,” In Health added.
Though this method does have some potential downfalls, the pros often outweigh the cons for mothers who choose to breastfeed. If breastfeeding is prolonged or done for more than six months, ovulation could occur before menstruation starts; meaning a woman’s missed period could actually be a sign of pregnancy. Pregnancy is also possible in those who supplement breastfeeding with an infant formula; however, it is still considered safer than traditional methods of feeding infants.
There are some potential side effects of frequent breastfeeding that mothers should be aware of, such as hair loss, skin changes, and hot flashes. Additionally, it can also increase the body’s demand for calcium, iron, and protein. (Next: Barrier methods of birth control.)
