Withdrawal or Pulling Out

"Withdrawal" or "Pulling Out" is when the man stops sexual intercourse before he ejaculates. Withdrawal is considered by many to be a very ineffective method of birth control; however, it is considered to be better than using no method at all. Withdrawal depends solely on the man’s ability to predict ejaculation and withdraw in time to move away from the woman so that none of the ejaculate gets near her vaginal area.

Not Effective

It is difficult to accurately report on the effectiveness of this method because effectiveness depends on each man’s ability and willingness to withdraw. Among couples that report using this method nearly 1 in 3 couples will get pregnant within one year. Don’t risk it! Use another form of birth control.

Disadvantages:

• Goes against a man’s natural and physical desire to achieve sexual satisfaction
• Leaves the woman in a state of high excitement and without sexual satisfaction
• Does not protect against STIs
• Women can still become pregnant
• Women have no control in the effectiveness of this method

Things to Think About:

• Pre–ejaculate fluid contains sperm. Men release pre–ejaculate fluid, often called "precum," which is a small amount of fluid released by the penis at some time after becoming aroused, but before ejaculation. Men have no control over this release and are not aware when it happens, yet a woman can still become pregnant from this sperm.
• A man may think he has control when he really does not.
• You must put a great deal of trust in the man. He may say that he is going to pull out or say and act like he doesn’t want to get you pregnant, but he could be lying or making a promise that he is unable to keep.
• After a man withdrawals and ejaculates you cannot continue having unprotected sex. There will be sperm on the head and shaft of the penis that will cause a pregnancy. If you and your partner wish to continue sex after the man withdrawals and ejaculates, use another form of birth control.