Withdrawal

Questions, answers and facts about withdrawal.

 

Withdrawal is when one partner takes their penis out of the other partner’s vagina before ejaculating (cumming or busting) and then ejaculates away from the vagina and vulva in order to prevent pregnancy.

 

There are many birth control options available for women, and a few that are available for men. Withdrawal is a birth control method that men can use to take an active role in preventing unplanned pregnancy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

How does withdrawal prevent pregnancy?

  • During ejaculation, fluid called semen is released from the penis. This fluid contains sperm.
  • In order to get pregnant, sperm must travel to and fertilize an egg that has been released during ovulation.
  • Withdrawal and ejaculating outside the vagina can help prevent sperm from entering the body, reaching an egg and fertilizing it.

 

Can I trust withdrawal?

  • When used perfectly withdrawal works 96% of the time. This means that if 100 people use the withdrawal method for one year, only 4 people will get pregnant.
  • If you use the withdrawal method incorrectly, it may not prevent a pregnancy.

 

How do I use withdrawal?

  • During vaginal sex, before you feel you are about to ejaculate, pull your penis fully out of your partner’s vagina and ejaculate away from the vagina and vulva.
  • Practice makes perfect!  Learn the signs your body gives off when you are about to ejaculate through masturbating so that when you are with a partner, you can pull out in time.
  • Talk to your partner ahead of time. Tell them that when pulling out, you may have to stop having sex suddenly.
  • Talk to your partner about where you will direct your semen when you cum. Don’t assume that you can ejaculate on their body without their permission.

 

Useful tips

  • Pee after every ejaculation (from sex or masturbation) to clear out any sperm that may be left behind. This can reduce the risk of causing a pregnancy with your pre-ejaculate. (Pre-ejaculate is the drop of clear fluid that comes out of your penis’s urethra (pee hole) when you start to get turned on.  This fluid doesn’t usually contain sperm, but it can pick up sperm still living in the reproductive tract from a recent ejaculation.)
  • Be prepared: Have a back-up form of birth control such as  emergency contraception ready if you are still worried about pregnancy. 
  • Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy up to 5 days after sex.  The sooner you take it, the better. For more information, check out Emergency Contraception.  
  • Be honest: If you make a mistake and don’t pull out in time or you ejaculate close to the vagina/vulva, tell your partner so they can use emergency contraception if they choose to.

 

What are the pros and cons of withdrawal?

Pros:

  • It’s free and convenient to use.
  • You don’t need a prescription or any tools.
  • It is something guys can do themselves to reduce the risk of pregnancy.
  • It doesn’t cause any changes to you or your partner’s body

 

Cons:

  • You may not always be able to control when you are going to ejaculate or know exactly when to pull out.
  • Sex may not be as much fun if you or your partner aren’t confident that you will pull out in time.
  • Pre-ejaculate may contain sperm (if you have ejaculated recently), which may cause pregnancy.
  • Sometimes, ejaculating on or near the vaginal opening may cause pregnancy.

 

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