Yes, you absolutely can get pregnant from pulling out (also known as the withdrawal method) while ovulating.
Here's why:
-
Pre-ejaculate fluid: Even before full ejaculation, a fluid called pre-ejaculate is released. This fluid can contain sperm, even if it's a small amount.
-
Sperm viability: If you are ovulating, your cervical mucus is thin and watery, which helps sperm travel to the egg. This means sperm present in pre-ejaculate have a greater chance of surviving and reaching the egg, even if ejaculation doesn't occur inside the vagina.
-
Human error: It's difficult to perfectly time withdrawal every single time. There's a risk of some semen entering the vagina before complete withdrawal.
-
Effectiveness of the pull-out method: The pull-out method isn't a reliable form of birth control. Its effectiveness is significantly lower than other methods like condoms, birth control pills, IUDs, or implants. With typical use (meaning not always perfectly executed), about 22 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year using only the pull-out method. The pull-out method has a much higher failure rate than other more effective birth control options.
In summary, while pulling out can reduce the risk of pregnancy compared to not using any contraception, it doesn't eliminate it, especially during ovulation when fertility is at its peak. It's crucial to use a more reliable form of birth control if you are trying to prevent pregnancy.
