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Home Sexual Health Information Contraception Options Withdrawal (pulling out)

Withdrawal (pulling out)

The main points
  • 80-96 % Effective
  • No STI Protection
  • Single use

Withdrawal is when the penis is withdrawn (pulled out) of the vagina before ejaculation (cumming). It is not recommended as a method of contraception, especially for young people (who are most fertile) but is more effective than using no contraception.

If withdrawal is used perfectly with the penis removed before ejaculation every time you have sex, it can be 96% effective at preventing pregnancy. Given it can be difficult to withdraw the penis during sex, withdrawal with real-life use is closer to 80% effective (typical use).

The withdrawal method works by lowering the chance of sperm entering the vagina when ejaculation (cumming) occurs outside of the vagina.

Withdraw (pull out) the penis from the vagina before ejaculation (cumming). It is important that the ejaculate (cum) is not near the vaginal opening.

Illustration of withdrawal (pulling out)

Illustration of implant in arm

If you are going to have sex a second time, there could be sperm left inside the penis, on the penis or on the hands. Before having sex again, sperm can be cleared from the penis by passing urine (pee) and washing the penis and cleared from the hands by washing them thoroughly with soap and water.

  • If there is sperm in the pre-ejaculate (pre-cum).
  • Not withdrawing (pulling out) in time.

  • No cost.
  • Always available.
  • Does not use devices or medications.
  • No side effects.

There are no side effects from using withdrawal.

There are no serious health risks from using withdrawal.

  • There could be a health risk to you or the baby if pregnancy occurred. This is because the risk of pregnancy when using withdrawal is higher than with many other types of contraception.
  • If ejaculation (cumming) happens quickly or without much warning.
  • It is difficult to withdraw the penis during sex.

If you or your partner do not want to be pregnant, you might need emergency contraception, if you had sex without using withdrawal or other contraception (check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist).

It is safe to continue the pregnancy or to have an abortion.

You can use withdrawal any time after giving birth.

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Last updated: 10 June 2021

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