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- MENSTRUAL HEALTH
- CONTRACEPTION
- MENOPAUSE FAQSTALK MENOPAUSE
WITHDRAWAL
METHOD
- HOW DOES THE WITHDRAWAL METHOD WORK?expand_less
The withdrawal method, also known as pulling out or coitus interruptus works by pulling the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation. The idea is that avoiding ejaculating inside the vagina will prevent pregnancy.
- WILL VAGINAL DOUCHING HELP TO PREVENT PREGNANCY AFTER PULLING OUT?expand_more
No, douching after sex is unlikely to work as sperm travel very quickly through the vagina and may reach the uterus before you douche.
- WILL THE WITHDRAWAL METHOD AKA “PULLING OUT” WORK EVEN WHEN OVULATING?expand_more
The odds of pregnancy are always higher during the 5 days leading up to, and during, ovulation — these are called fertile days. If you do not want to get pregnant it may be a good idea to use another method e.g., a barrier method or avoid sex during your most fertile days.
PREPARING FOR YOUR GP APPOINTMENT
TALKING TO YOUR DOCTOR
Get the information you need for an informed discussion with your doctor.
PP-UN-WHC-GB-0306 July 2025