Please do not link to pdf's like that!

Wow. I'm trying to access the PDF to see what the research methods were, but am unable to as it says the file is damaged. Is the article being published to a peer-reviewed journal? Who are the authors of the study?

I remain extremely skeptical about the findings. First of all, the pull-out method is not so reliable when a lot of guys have little control over when they reach climax; the pull-out method also comes with some subjectivity, especially considering most people won't have read about it in detail in a text-book or have been taught it in sex-ed or by their parents (many don't even get a "sex talk" from their parents); there's pre-ejaculate, which, surely, far few actually take into consideration; probably many other variables that escape my mind at the moment.

Also, what possible purpose could this study have other than to give the researchers and their buddies empirical (which is in question for me until I'm able to read into it further) evidence as to why they refuse to wear a condom?

The findings seem to encourage sex sans-condom, which is really something that shouldn't be encouraged; for so many reasons.

My boyfriend and I use this method...in addition to the pill. We haven't had an issue with it in 5 years.

Phil's comment is the best... I second that.

I know people who have gotten pregnant from pulling out. I am very skeptical about it being as effective as condoms. Then again, I don't fully trust condoms either which is why I'm glad I'm on the pill. My friend just had sex with a condom recently and it broke. Fortunately for her, she is also on the pill.

Condoms are better. Use them correctly, never re-use, put on a new one if you have pre-cum, and make sure you pinch the top to get rid of any air bubbles. Use plenty of lube (on the outside--just a drop will do on the inside) and it will be awesome!

All the stress and worry about the pull-out method isn't worth it. Also, it's much more difficult for a guy to control his orgasm than it is to just cover it with a condom.

Spermicidal lubricant is also a plus for condom use.

My husband and I use the pull-out method. I don't use the pill or anything else, but we don't mind if we get pregnant. I think it works better for those who are married and/or don't mind possibly getting preggers.

Every method has its flaws, unfortunately.. I still don't believe that this is better than condoms, though. Condoms break, pull out still allows sperm in... I don't think people need more excuses to not use condoms!!! (Especially when they get pregnant and are surprised...)

My boyfriend and I use it on occasion, in addition to the pill. We really use it probably about half of the time - the rest, we use a condom as a backup method.

As a second method, it's not bad (especially when one considers several recent studies suggesting that precum may not be quite as potent as we previously believed). I wouldn't use it exclusively, but as a backup I think it's fine, if used properly.

I use the pill. I like the freedom it gives me. But I also don't worry about pregnancy 24/7, and whatever happens, happens. That is the risk you take when you have sex.

this is what me and my man use. i am thinking of going on yaz tho, just for other symptoms related to menstruation. extra back-upu wouldn't hurt, either, but it's not a priority of mine.

but like chrstne said - whatever happens, that's the risk you take when you have sex. i agree full-heartedly.

One study and the pull out method is supposedly okay?

Using it in addition to the pill is okay, but using it as a 'method' by itself is stupid, IMO.

Plus, as the article points out, it doesn't protect against STDs.

i'm with bacon - married, stable, don't mind if i get preggers. true, it flies in the face of every safe-sex lesson we've been taught, but contraception is a personal choice whether we like it or not. i also agree with runningesq that one study is not enough to discount decades of info, but i also think education and exposure to the importance and benefits of contraception/protection are paramount to shaming people who use the 'pull-out' method. shame only leads to more shame, but exposure leads to dialogue.

Well obviously ANYTHING is probably better than nothing (save for not having sex) whether it be pulling out or condoms. They both have approximately the same fail rates, anywhere from 4 to 18% [which is a lot to me, if you consider it as 2-18/100 times a condom or pulling out is used, whether properly or improperly, you'll still get pregnant]...it's just is it worth your health or not? Go with the condoms, get on the Pill, and try to find out the STD/STI health status of your partners BEFORE you sleep with them. Better safe than sorry.

I can't take the pill because of medical problems, but my husband and I use VCF (spermicidal film) along with the pull-out method. No kids yet! We tried using condoms, but too many broke, slipped, came off at the finish line, etc., even after trying different brands.

Occasionally we're a little too impulsive and just use the pull-out method... I count the days until my next period! What the hey, we're married! If it happens, it happens!

pull out doesn't stop STI's.

Plus, who would want to pull out, talk about 'messing' up the fun!

I wouldn't. I've always practiced safe sex, whether it be using a condom, being on the pill or more recently having the implant.

I wouldn't rely on this alone unless I was ok with falling pregnant. That's a few years away yet.

This actually isn't a new concept. Christine Northrup writes about similar findings in her book "Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom" (you may have seen her on Oprah talking about hormonal issues during menopause). I do think that it depends on the individual people though. I know my body, I know when I ovulate so I feel comfortable with this method.

It didn't really say that it was okay to use the pull out method as a form of contraceptive, it said there was enough evidence to suggest it's valid and more studies should be done before it's discounted.

We use the pull out method. Getting pregnant would not be the end of the World for us and he doesn't want me to pump hormones into my body and I don't want him to use condoms. It works perfectly fine for us and we've both been tested for STI's so no worries!

I wouldn't recommend it to anybody

It is information like this that accounts for the relatively large amount of abortions that are performed. If you don't want to get pregnant, then use protection. It really is that simple, and I would agree that people do not need any more excuses for not using condoms. I say, don't be irresponsible and then act surprised when you are pregnant!

I'm in a committed relationship and we've only used the pull-out method maybe once in 4 1/2 years.... and I knew I wasn't close to ovulation at the time. I've been on the pill on and off (mostly on) for 4 years, but someones we just rely on condoms. We've yet to have a scare.

Pull out method is not very effective... my sister-in-law and brother used it and ended up with a child (she was 17, he was 18, not married at the time).

Condoms should still be encouraged because of the risks of STD's. That being said, I do believe that withdrawal is more effective than what some people think. My husband and I have used it for 7 years and had no problems. Our daughter was planned. It all depends on having a partner who performs it correctly. I'm convinced the failure rate is mainly due to the man not pulling out in time, rather than the pre-cum, which is not likely to contain sperm unless there has been a recent ejaculation. For that reason, withdrawal should only be used by couples who understand the risk and are stable enough to accept the consequences.