HEALTH SERVICES

Withdrawal

What is it?
A man who performs withdrawal will pull his penis out of the vagina before he ejaculates. Pregnancy cannot happen if sperm is kept out of the vagina. The man withdraws his penis from the vagina before or when he feels he has reached the point when ejaculation can no longer be stopped or postponed. He ejaculates outside the vagina, being careful that semen does not spill onto his partner's vulva.

How effective is it?
73–96% Pre-ejaculate can contain enough sperm to cause pregnancy. Pregnancy is also possible if semen or pre-ejaculate is spilled on the vulva.

Upside

• Withdrawal can be used to prevent pregnancy when no other method is available

Downside

• Requires great self-control, experience, and trust

• Not for men who ejaculate prematurely

• Not for men who don't know when to pull out

• Not recommended for sexually inexperienced men

• Not recommended for teens

• Withdrawal offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections. Latex or female condoms can reduce the risk of infection.