AIBU to hate the term "withdrawal method"?

[EthelThePiratesDaughter]

It's not a method, it's just having unprotected sex and hoping you don't end up with an unplanned pregnancy or the clap.

YANBU.

I can't believe the term is still in use.

Haha! I don't know why I found this so funny! YANBU OP - certainly wasn't a fool prof "method" for me if DC1 is anything to go by

Agree!

X post, agree that I hate the expression

They always seem shocked when they end up pregnant.

When I was at school, 30 years ago, we were very quick to correct anyone who thought it was an actual method

Tbh before I joined MN I had no idea anyone in the UK still thought of it that way. I thought sex education started earlier and would deal with dangerous myths like this, but I've seen it so many times on MN, I'm thinking many schools have neglected this myth?

I also have a passionate hatred of the term "fell" pregnant. I appreciate if contraception has failed, you might say that, but otherwise, no.

In fact I assume it's dire misfortune if someone says "I fell pregnant".

Although it's a method that worked for me!

Wikipedia has it at 96% effective for perfect use and 78% effective for typical use. So not great, but probably a good enough method for a stable couple who don't especially want but wouldn't be devastated by a pregnancy.

Sounds like an expression a former Foreign Secretary could have used, allegedly.

I thought you were going to say you prefer a euphemism such as "getting off at Haymarket"

I love "getting off at Haymarket"!

*When I was at school, 30 years ago, we were very quick to correct anyone who thought it was an actual method

Tbh before I joined MN I had no idea anyone in the UK still thought of it that way.*

^ this

Never fails to surprise me how many people “use” this method on MN

Worked for me

What Mr Whippy?

It should be called whip it out quick and hope for the best !

Never fails to surprise me how many people “use” this method on MN

Same here.

Mumsnet is essentially an enormous online resource for women of childbearing age to exchange information and share their experiences.

Surely, if there is anywhere in the world (or on the internet) that everyone should know basic facts such as "the withdrawal method is not actually a method of contraception", Mumsnet should be that place, right?

It works for me. DH and I have used it for well over 10 years and never had an unplanned pregnancy. I think it relies on the man’s self control!

Worked for us with no problems. I also tracked my fertile days and was careful that way. It can be good if it's done properly

I am pregnant but it was planned lol

Worked for us for 6 years at least 3 times a week . But we're in a relationship and always said if it didn't work that was no problem

YANBU Op!

Until MN I didn’t even know it was considered an actual “method” of contraception. It’s pretty much the closest thing to the opposite of contraception next to trying for a baby

Worked for me for 8 years! Got pregnant twice, both within the first month of trying so I assume we are both fairly fertile!

I'm pretty sure there are things in this world that are more deserving of your hatred.

It's relatively safe to warm up with (depending on a laundry list of factors), but you should be sticking a rubber on it way before the guy approaches orgasm, then sticking it back in. After all, finishing off with a hand is never as much fun.

Worked for me for a year or so!

Now also have two DC conceived in fairly short order (as does my ex).

I think it's fairly reliable method, worked for me for 8 years.