8 Signs He Didn't Pull Out in Time (And What to Do)
- The Match Lab
- Jun 24, 2023
- 5 min read
How do you know if he pulled out in time?

Here are some key signs to look for.
And what to do next.
8 Signs He Didn’t Pull Out in Time
1. Sensation or Feeling of Ejaculation
If you experienced the sensation or felt the release of semen inside you during or after sex, then it’s likely that he didn't pull out in time.
2. Leaking Semen
If you notice semen leaking out of your vagina after sex, it’s a good sign that your partner didn't fully withdraw before he came.
But, it's important to note that some leakage can occur even if a guy pulls out in time successfully, so leakage may or may not be a cause of concern here.
3. His Body Language
Pay attention to a guy’s body language during and after he ejaculates.
While his mannerisms and what they mean might not be so straightforward, you could notice subtle changes like him fidgeting more or avoiding making eye contact.
This may indicate some level of discomfort in him, suggesting that he’s feeling unsure whether he managed to pull out in time or not.
4. Mixed Signals
Notice if he’s giving you mixed signals after sex.
He might change the subject quickly or seem emotionally distant, and these behaviors may imply that he's worried about having done something wrong, like not pulling out soon enough.
However, don't assume that these mixed signals automatically mean late withdrawal.
He might just be feeling normally self-conscious or awkward.
You’ll only know if you have an open and honest conversation with him to understand the situation better.
5. Missed Period
If you missed your period or noticed any irregular period pattern, it could be a sign that he didn't pull out in time.
While a missed period doesn't necessarily mean you're pregnant, it's definitely something to look into and be attentive to.
Monitor your menstrual cycle by keeping a calendar or using a period tracking app and do what you can to confirm or rule out pregnancy.
6. Pregnancy Symptoms
If you start experiencing early pregnancy symptoms, like breast tenderness, fatigue, nausea, or frequent urination, those are some signs that you could be pregnant.
These symptoms, however, can also occur due to other reasons, so they are not definitive proof indicators of pregnancy.
If you notice these symptoms happening a reasonable timeframe after a sexual encounter where your partner may not have pulled out in time, then they can be causes for concern.
7. Eye Contact
Notice your guy’s eye contact after you have sex.
If he seems to be avoiding eye contact or appears uneasy when talking about the experience, it could be a sign that he's concerned about the timing of withdrawal.
Don’t assume anything without discussing it openly with your partner and avoid villainizing him.
Take a lack of eye contact as a sign it’s time to discuss the matter and figure out what’s going on.
8. Stress and Disorganized Behavior
Observe if he seems stressed or shows disorganized behavior after cumming.
This could involve forgetfulness, difficulty focusing on tasks, or changes in his regular routines.
These behaviors may indicate he’s concern that he didn’t pull out in time, leading to added stress on his mind.
A limit on how to know if he pulled out in time
Remember, noticing these signs alone isn’t enough to conclude for sure that he didn’t pull out in time.
It’s essential to communicate openly with each other and take appropriate measures to confirm or eliminate pregnancy concerns.
Contraception and Pregnancy Risks of Him Not Pulling Out in Time
Withdrawal Method Effectiveness
The withdrawal method, also known as pulling out, involves the male partner removing his penis from the vagina before ejaculating.
While this method of contraception can be effective in reducing the risk of pregnancy, it is definitely not foolproof. In fact, it’s far from.
Pre-ejaculate (“pre-cum”), a fluid released by the penis before ejaculation, can contain sperm. So, there’s still a risk of pregnancy even if your partner does not ejaculate inside you.
For the most reliable protection against pregnancy, it is recommended to use another form of contraception, such as condoms or birth control pills.
Alternatives to Pulling Out
There are several alternatives to pulling out for contraception, which can offer more reliable protection against unintended pregnancy.
Some of these alternatives include:
Hormonal birth control, such as pills, patches, and injections
Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
Barrier methods, including condoms and diaphragms
Fertility awareness-based methods
Choose a birth control method that best fits your needs and lifestyle.
Risk Factors for Unintended Pregnancy
Several risk factors can contribute to an increased likelihood of unintended pregnancy if he didn’t pull out in time.
These factors include:
Incorrect or inconsistent use of contraception
Failure to use a backup method when necessary (for example, missing a birth control pill)
Reliance on the withdrawal method as the sole form of contraception
Lack of knowledge about the fertility cycle
Next Steps After Concluding He Didn’t Pull Out in Time
Emergency Contraception
If you determine there’s a high chance he didn’t pull out in time, then emergency contraception can be employed to reduce the risk of pregnancy.
Emergency contraception is available in the form of pills, often referred to as the "morning-after pill," and should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
It can be effective for up to 5 days but is more effective the sooner it is taken.
Keep in mind that emergency contraception is not a long-term birth control method and should be used only in emergency situations.
Discussing Contraception and Trust
It's important to have open and honest communication with your partner about contraception and trust.
If you suspect that he didn't pull out in time, it's important to have a conversation on the topic.
Make sure both of you are aware of the risks of not using effective methods of contraception, such as condoms, and to discuss what, if any, other methods you might consider using.
Establishing trust is key in any relationship, and discussing these sensitive topics can help strengthen it.
Choosing to Move On
If, after discussing contraception and trust, you find that your partner is not taking the responsibility seriously or is not willing to use effective methods, it might be time to move on.
Trust is an essential aspect of any healthy relationship, and without it, the relationship can become toxic.
Reflect on whether this is a deal-breaker for you and decide if it's worth investing more time and effort into the partnership or just moving on.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pulling Out in Time
What could happen if he didn't pull out in time?
If your partner doesn't pull out in time, there's a chance that sperm may enter your vagina, increasing the risk of pregnancy.
While the withdrawal method can be more effective than no withdrawal method at all, when done correctly, it requires proper timing and discipline and still risks sperm entering the vagina through pre-cum.
If you suspect that he didn't pull out in time, consider using emergency contraception to reduce the risk of pregnancy.
How do men know when to pull out?
For men to effectively use the withdrawal method, they need to understand their body's signals and recognize when they're about to orgasm and ejaculate.
This typically requires practice and self-awareness.
It’s better than nothing, but it’s not foolproof.
What are the chances of getting pregnant if he pulls out and puts it back in?
If your partner pulls out but then re-enters without cleaning his penis, there's a chance that pre-ejaculate or leftover sperm may be transferred to your vagina.
While the risk may be lower than not pulling out at all, putting it back in still increases the likelihood of unintended pregnancy.
Using additional contraception, such as condoms, when penetrating again can help reduce this risk.
Should I be worried if he didn't pull out in time?
If your partner didn't pull out in time, there is a higher risk of unintended pregnancy so it’s definitely something to worry about.
It's crucial to discuss this situation and consider options like emergency contraception.
Remember that the withdrawal method alone isn't as effective as other birth control methods like condoms or birth control pills.
What are some pull-out method pregnancy symptoms?
Pregnancy symptoms following the use of the withdrawal method can be similar to those experienced in any other pregnancy.
Some common symptoms include a missed period, breast tenderness, increased urination, fatigue, and nausea.
If you suspect that you might be pregnant, consider taking a home pregnancy test or consulting with a healthcare professional for more accurate results.