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WITHDRAWAL

METHOD

Other names: pull out method

WHAT IS THE WITHDRAWAL METHOD?

This method (also known as the pull-out method) involves removing the penis from inside the vagina before ejaculation to minimize the risk of sperm entering the vagina and reaching the egg.

Withdrawal method

OVERVIEW

EFFICACY

EFFICACY

78%

FREQUENCY

FREQUENCY

EVERY TIME

EFFECT ON FERTILITY

EFFECT ON FERTILITY

NONE

BLOOD CLOT RISK

BLOOD CLOT RISK

NONE

HOW DOES THE WITHDRAWAL METHOD WORK?

The withdrawal method involves taking the penis out of the vagina before the man's climax (ejaculation).

This reduces the amount of sperm entering the vagina and attempts to minimize the risk of sperm reaching the egg.

HOW EFFECTIVE IS THE WITHDRAWAL METHOD?

Not all sperm are released during ejaculation. Pre-ejaculate, or 'pre-cum', contains some sperm so even if the pull out-method is used correctly, you could still get pregnant. It can also require a lot of self-control and trust, and therefore it can be an unreliable method of contraception. As such, your doctor or nurse are not likely to recommend it as a method of contraception.

Typically, the withdrawal method is 78% effective at preventing pregnancy but can be up to 96% effective if done perfectly.

PERFECT USE*

96
%

Effective

Approximately 4 out of every 100 women in a year will experience an unintended pregnancy.

 

* Perfect use of a contraceptive method is when it is used correctly all the time.

TYPICAL USE*

78
%

Effective

Approximately 22 out of every 100 women in a year will experience an unintended pregnancy.

 

* Typical use is what generally happens in real life. It takes into account human error e.g. Not pulling out before ejaculation.

PP-UN-WHC-GB-0306 July 2025