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.
No. Withdrawal is hormone-free.
Withdrawal needs to be performed during intercourse, each time you have sex.
Withdrawal has no impact on menstruation.
Washing or douching the vagina after sex will not reduce the risk of pregnancy. However, it is a good idea to bathe and wash any ejaculate off your body after sex.
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.
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.
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.
It is possible, as pre-ejaculation contains sperm.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS? Make an appointment with your doctor or nurse today.
The percentage women in unions who use withdrawal as their primary contraceptive.
A sperm is all it takes to fertilize an egg.
The length of time sperm can live outside the body.
Seek out an appointment with your doctor or nurse for further support that meets your needs.
If you’re concerned that your ring may fall out or has fallen out for more than three hours, you should consult your doctor or nurse and read your Patient Information Leaflet. In the meantime, consider using another form of contraception such as a condom.
PP-PF-WHC-ALL-0047-2, PP-PF-WHC-ALL-0010-2, PP-PF-WHC-ALL-0052-2
