WITHDRAWAL

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.

How it measures up

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.

View ’Typical’ Use Efficacy Rate

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.

View ’Perfect’ Use Efficacy Rate

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.

COMPARE METHODS

Will washing the vagina help prevent pregnancy after the withdrawal method?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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? SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL

Seek out an appointment with your doctor or nurse for further support that meets your needs.

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.

LEARN MORE

CONSIDER THIS

The pill should be taken every day at the same time, as a missed pill can compromise efficacy. If taking the pill every day doesn’t suit your lifestyle, it might be worth exploring other contraceptive methods.

WHAT’S MY METHOD?

CONSIDER THIS

If taking the pill every day is no longer something you wish to do, consider what other contraceptive methods might suit you better.

WHAT’S MY METHOD?

A TEST OF YOUR TIMING

How it measures up

EFFICACY WITH PERFECT USE

EFFICACY WITH TYPICAL USE

Hormones

Ease of Use

Your Period

6%

1
sperm

6
hours

NEED ADVICE? SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL

IS IT OK TO RELY ON PULLING OUT AS A FORM OF CONTRACEPTION?

IS IT OK TO STOP TAKING THE PILL EVERY DAY?

IS IT OK TO WANT TO STOP TAKING THE PILL EVERY DAY?

THE IUS

THE IUD

THE IMPLANT

THE PILL

THE INJECTION

THE PATCH

THE DIAPHRAGM

THE RING

THE FEMALE CONDOM

THE MALE CONDOM

THE SPONGE

NATURAL PLANNING

SPERMICIDE

WITHDRAWAL

FEMALE STERILIZATION

MALE STERILIZATION

WITHDRAWAL

A TEST OF YOUR TIMING

How it measures up

EFFICACY WITH PERFECT USE

EFFICACY WITH TYPICAL USE

Hormones

Ease of Use

Your Period

6%

1 sperm

6 hours

NEED ADVICE? SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL

Is It Okay?

IS IT OK TO RELY ON PULLING OUT AS A FORM OF CONTRACEPTION?

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IS IT OK TO STOP TAKING THE PILL EVERY DAY?

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IS IT OK TO WANT TO STOP TAKING THE PILL EVERY DAY?

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KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

THE IUS

THE IUD

THE IMPLANT

THE PILL

THE INJECTION

THE PATCH

THE DIAPHRAGM

THE RING

THE FEMALE CONDOM

THE MALE CONDOM

THE SPONGE

NATURAL PLANNING

SPERMICIDE

WITHDRAWAL

FEMALE STERILIZATION

MALE STERILIZATION

RETHINK YOUR

CONTRACEPTION.

1
sperm

6
hours