
WITHDRAWAL
IT HAPPENS IN THE MOMENT.
A TEST OF YOUR TIMING
There's no science involved in the withdrawal method, probably because it pre-dates science as we know it. It simply involves removing the penis from the vagina before climax. It requires a lot of self-control and trust, and therefore it can be a pretty unreliable method of birth control. Not all sperm are released during ejaculation, so even if the penis is pulled out before orgasm, you could still get pregnant.
The withdrawal method involves a lot of control on the part of your partner, who must be aware of when they are reaching climax so they pull out when ejaculation can no longer be postponed. Pre-ejaculate, or 'pre-cum', contains some sperm, and as such your doctor or nurse will likely not recommend it as a method of birth control.

HOW IT MEASURES UP

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
5%...3
Worldwide use withdrawal as birth control.
1
SPERM
A sperm is all it takes to fertilize an egg.
Minutes to a few hours2
The length of time sperm can live outside the body.
PROS
- No prescription.4
- No cost.4
- Hormone-free with no side effects.5
CONS
- Not the most reliable birth control when used on its own.4
- No protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).5
- Trust in your partner is key.4
References
- Planned Parenthood. How effective is pulling out? https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/withdrawal-pull-out-method/how-effective-is-withdrawal-method-pulling-out#:~:text=What%20we%20do%20know%20is,or%20not%20you're%20ovulating. [Accessed October 2022]. Return to content
- Healthy Male. Ask the Expert: How long does sperm live outside the body? https://www.healthymale.org.au/news/ask-expert-how-long-does-sperm-live-outside-body [Accessed October 2022]. Return to content
- UN. https://www.un.org/development/desa/pd/sites/www.un.org.development.desa.pd/files/files/documents/2020/Jan/un_2019_contraceptiveusebymethod_databooklet.pdf [Accessed August 2022]. Return to content
- American Pregnancy Association. Withdrawal Method as Birth Control. https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/withdrawal-method-as-birth-control/ [Accessed October 2022]. Return to content
- Planned Parenthood. What are the benefits of the pull out method? https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/withdrawal-pull-out-method/what-are-the-benefits-of-withdrawal [Accessed October 2022]. Return to content
Is It Okay?
CONSIDER THIS
Withdrawal has a huge capacity for human error. As some sperm can be released before orgasm, the withdrawal method should only be considered if you’re comfortable with the risk of conceiving. It does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.