What is it?
Withdrawal (also known as "pulling out") is the removal of the man's penis from a woman's vagina before ejaculation.

How does it work?
Withdrawal can reduce the chance of conception by depositing the sperm outside of the vagina. However, withdrawal is not a reliable or effective method of birth control. Pre-ejaculate lubricating fluid, which may contain sperm, can be left in the vagina and could therefore cause a pregnancy.

How effective is it in preventing pregnancy?

If…

• a man who has recently ejaculated urinates to get rid of any left over sperm before penetration, and
• the tip of the penis is wiped dry of lubricating fluid before penetration, and
• the penis is withdrawn before ejaculation, and
• ejaculation occurs outside the vagina and well away from the vaginal opening

Then… withdrawal has an approximately 80-90% effectiveness rate.

But… control is difficult. With typical use of this method, there is a 19% failure rate.

What are the advantages?

• Better than using no method of birth control

What are the disadvantages?