Withdrawal

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 the man removing his 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 contraception. Not all sperm are released when a man ejaculates, so even if he pulls out before orgasm, you could still get pregnant.
The withdrawal method involves a lot of control on the part of the man, who must be aware of when he is reaching climax so he pulls 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 contraception.

Withdrawal

HOW IT MEASURES UP

78% 78%

EF­FI­CACY WITH TYP­I­CAL USE

The withdrawal method is self-directed and has an enormous amount of room for human error. It is less effective than other methods of contraception.

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96% 96%

EF­FI­CACY WITH PERFECT USE

The withdrawal method is self-directed and when done perfectly and in a timely manner, every time, it can be effective at preventing pregnancy. However, a perfect performance is relatively unlikely.

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HORMONES

No. Withdrawal is hormone-free.

EASE OF USE

Withdrawal needs to be performed during intercourse, each time you have sex.

YOUR PERIOD

Withdrawal has no impact on menstruation.

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FAQ Questionmark

DOES THE WITHDRAWAL METHOD ALSO WORK WHEN I’M OVULATING?

Since the efficacy of the withdrawal method is so low, and since fertility is at its highest in the few days before and after ovulation, it is not recommended to use the withdrawal method as the only method of contraception during this time.

FAQ Questionmark

CAN I GET PREGNANT EVEN IF MY PARTNER PULLS OUT CORRECTLY?

Yes. It takes a single sperm to fertilize an egg, and some are released before orgasm. Also, sperm can survive for up to 6 hours outside the body, and they can be transferred to the vagina by other means and still cause pregnancy.

FAQ Questionmark

HOW DO YOU USE THE WITHDRAWAL METHOD CORRECTLY?

To pull out correctly, the man must withdraw his penis from the vagina prior to ejaculation, ensuring that no ejaculate makes contact with, or gets near, the vagina. Sperm are able to survive for up to 6 hours outside the body, so it is important to ensure no ejaculate makes contact with the vagina in this time. Since some sperm are released prior to orgasm, the withdrawal method is not the most reliable method of contraception because it is not easy to ensure no sperm enter the vagina.

FAQ Questionmark

CAN YOU BECOME PREGNANT FROM PRE-EJACULATION?

It is possible, as pre-ejaculation contains sperm.

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

Make an appointment with your doctor or nurse today.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

6%

The percentage of women in unions who use withdrawal as their primary contraceptive.

1
SPERM

A sperm is all it takes to fertilize an egg.

6
HOURS

The length of time sperm can live outside the body.

  • It’s hormone-free and can be an option for women who experience unwanted effects from hormones.
  • It can be used when breastfeeding.
  • It’s self-directed.
  • It requires the male partner to have perfect timing to be at all effective, which can be risky.
  • It interrupts sex.
  • It doesn’t protect against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

NEED ADVICE?

Get ready to speak to a doctor or nurse. Use a 3-step guide to prepare for your next doctor’s appointment.

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Is It Okay?

CONSIDER THIS

This approach is entirely self-directed, and requires a lot of planning and tracking. Those who wish to avoid unplanned pregnancy should use a hormone-free barrier method when ovulating, or if menstrual cycles are irregular. For protection from STIs, condoms must be used.

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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.

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

THE
IUS

The Hor­monal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plas­tic frame that re­leases low lev­els of a prog­estin hor­mone for up to 3 to 6 years. It is given with a pre­scrip­tion and placed in your womb by a doc­tor or nurse.

Image of an IUS

THE
IUD

The Hor­monal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plas­tic frame that re­leases low lev­els of a prog­estin hor­mone for up to 3 to 5 years. It is given with a pre­scrip­tion and placed in your womb by a doc­tor or nurse.

Image of an IUD

THE
IMPLANT

A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones for up to 3 to 5 years. It is given with a prescription and placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse.

Image of the Implant

THE
PILL

A small tablet containing one hormone, or a combined pill containing two hormones, that is self-administered with a prescription and needs to be swallowed at the same time each day.

Image of birth control pills

THE
INJECTION

A shot containing hormone(s) that is given with a prescription and administered by a doctor or nurse every 1 or 3 months.

Image of an Injection

THE
PATCH

A small, thin, skin-colored plastic square that sticks to the skin and releases hormones. It is given with a prescription and can be self-administered once a week.

Image of the Patch

THE
DI­APHRAGM

A silicone cup placed in the vagina that prevents sperm from reaching the womb. Though some are fitted by a doctor or nurse, most are self-administered with a prescription up to 24 hours before sex.

Image of a Diaphragm

THE
RING

A small, flexible ring that is self-administered with a prescription and placed in the vagina, where it releases hormones for 3 weeks.

Image of a Ring

THE
FEMALE CONDOM

An internal condom that works in the same way male condoms do, though it is placed in the vagina. It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Image of Female Condom

THE
MALE CONDOM

A sheath placed over the erect penis to stop sperm from reaching the vagina, it is also the only method that helps lower the risk of STIs. It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Image of a Male Condom

THE
SPONGE

A small, round piece of foam with a nylon loop that is placed in the vagina right before intercourse. It is bought over the counter and is self-administered.

Image of a Sponge

NATURAL
PLANNING

Self-directed methods of avoiding pregnancy that include menstrual cycle tracking and body temperature measurements to identify fertile days.

Natural Planning

SPERMICIDE

Creams, films, foams, gels and suppositories that contain chemicals to stop or kill sperm. These are bought over the counter and are self-administered.

Image of spermicide

WITHDRAWAL

Also known as ‘the pull-out method’, this self-directed method involves withdrawing the penis prior to ejaculation to avoid pregnancy.

Image of a timer for the withdrawal method

MALE
STERILIZATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the tubes carrying sperm.

Icon representing male sterilization

FEMALE
STERILIZATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the fallopian tubes and removes the possibility of pregnancy.

Icon representing female sterilization
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Last updated on 21/02/2020

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