Contraception

Withdrawal method

Alsopulling outpull-out methodcoitus interruptuspull outpulling out method

Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.

Definition

The withdrawal method means the penis is pulled out of the vagina before ejaculation in an attempt to prevent pregnancy.

At a glance

  • It means pulling out before ejaculation to try to prevent pregnancy.
  • It costs nothing but depends on precise timing every time.
  • It is about 78% effective in typical use, according to Planned Parenthood.
  • Pre-ejaculatory fluid can sometimes contain sperm.
  • It offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections.

In detail

It needs no equipment and costs nothing, but it depends on precise timing every time. Planned Parenthood estimates it is about 78% effective in typical use, meaning around one in five people relying on it become pregnant within a year. Pre-ejaculatory fluid can sometimes contain sperm.

Withdrawal offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections. Some couples use it as a back-up alongside another method or fertility awareness rather than on its own.

In a sentence

  • My friend said they relied on the withdrawal method, and the nurse gently explained how risky that is.
  • Some couples use the withdrawal method as a back-up alongside condoms.

Where the word comes from

It is one of the oldest known methods of contraception and is also called by the Latin term "coitus interruptus" or, informally, "pulling out".

Not to be confused with

  • Fertility awareness

    Fertility awareness avoids sex or uses barriers on fertile days rather than relying on withdrawal.

Common questions

Can you get pregnant from pre-ejaculate?

Pre-ejaculatory fluid can sometimes contain sperm, which is one reason the withdrawal method is less reliable than many people expect. A clinician, pharmacist or sexual health service can help with questions about a specific situation.

Does pulling out protect against STIs?

No. Withdrawal offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections, so condoms are needed for that.

Related terms

Sources

  1. Planned ParenthoodWithdrawal (Pull Out Method)
  2. Contraception (peer-reviewed)Contraceptive failure in the United States