Is the pull-out method reliable for protection against my unplanned pregnancy?

Question

Hi doctor,

My issue is that I have a problem with my menstrual flow. My boyfriend and I had sex three weeks before. Even though he used the pull-out method, I used contraceptives. Three days later, I had sex again. He again pulled out, did not ejaculate inside, but I did not use any contraceptives. I had my periods four days later (my cycle was 13 days instead of the usual 21 or 22 days cycle I used to have lasted for four days). Then last Sunday, I had intercourse again. I used the contraceptive. I was supposed to get my period last Tuesday, but I have not got my periods till now. I have done the pregnancy strip test. It came out negative four times. I want to know what is wrong.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I want to tell you that the pull-out method is one of the worst birth control methods and is not reliable. So please do not rely on it for protection against unplanned pregnancy. Kindly tell me what contraceptives you have been using? Are you talking about emergency contraceptive pills like plan B (levonorgestrel) etc.? If yes, what is the dose you have taken?

I am worried that the pull-out method during second intercourse can result in pregnancy. If the flow after four days was not as per your usual period flow, then it can probably be implantation bleeding. So, I suggest you repeat the pregnancy test with the first urine of the day for an accurate result. The second option is that probably the pills you have taken, being hormone-based, have resulted in interference with your menstrual pattern, which is the reason for the delay. If your last period was like the usual one, the second option is more valid.

In any case, do not panic and worry.

Feel free to ask any questions or to share any additional information.