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Withdrawal

What am I?

This method, sometimes called the ‘pull out’ method, relies on the withdrawal of the penis from the vagina before ejaculation1

Effectiveness1

Perfect useTypical use
N/A80%
  • A natural method that does not rely on devices or prescription medicines
illustration of a woman making a heart with their hands and smiling
illustration of a woman making a heart with their hands and smiling
  • With typical use, withdrawal is around 80% effective – to put it into perspective, around 20 in 100 women will get pregnant in a year when using the withdrawal method1
  • Doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)1
  • Interrupts sex
  • Even if the penis is withdrawn before ejaculation, sperm released prior to ejaculation in pre-ejaculate fluid can make you pregnant1

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References

  1. NHS Inform. Natural family planning (fertility awareness). Available at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/contraception/natural-family-planning-fertility-awareness/ Last accessed May 2025

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