Withdrawal

Withdrawal is the oldest form of birth control on the planet – sometimes called “the pull out method” or “coitus interruptus”. There’s not much to explain, really. The guy pulls out before he ejaculates. End of story. The key thing to remember is this: The guy has got to do it right—every single time—for withdrawal to be effective. Gals don’t have much control. If you lean toward this method because of concerns about hormones, the cost of other methods, or something else – we urge you to check out other methods, too. There are other non-hormonal options and changes in health coverage may make any method affordable for you.

Withdrawal

Withdrawal doesn’t cost a dime or require a visit to the doctor, but you get what you pay for.

YOUR PARTNER HAS SUPER CONTROL
Your partner needs to be a pro in bed for withdrawal to work. Really. They’ve got to be totally in tune with their body and able to predict when they’ll come.

YOU WOULDN’T MIND GETTING PREGNANT IF IT HAPPENED
The “typical use” failure rate for withdrawal is around 22%. That’s pretty darn high.

AT LEAST IT’S CHEAP
Withdrawal is certainly better than nothing, and it has the distinct advantage of being completely free.

NO PRESCRIPTION NECESSARY
Enough said.

The withdrawal method is totally dependent on your partner and their self-control. They’ve got to make sure they pull out before they ejaculate, and they have to keep their semen away from your vulva when they do. So it’s really important that your partner understands their own sexual response patterns.

But let’s be real for a minute. This is not a foolproof plan and it can get derailed if you get lost in the moment or your partner miscalculates their timing.

Withdrawal is always better than nothing—but it’s pretty risky if you’re serious about not getting pregnant.

There are positive and negative things to say about each and every method. And everyone’s different—so what you experience may not be the same as what your friend experiences.

THE POSITIVE

  • As inexpensive as it gets.

  • No prescription necessary.

THE NEGATIVE

  • The only side effect of withdrawal is very real possibility of having a baby before you’re ready.

  • Difficult to perform perfectly every single time

  • You might want to use a spermicide along with pulling out to make withdrawal more effective.

WE’RE HERE TO GET THIS METHOD WORKING BETTER FOR YOU.
And if it still doesn’t feel right, we’ve got ideas for other methods. Just remember: If you change methods, make sure you’re protected during your switch.

I WANT SOMETHING MORE EFFECTIVE, BUT STILL DON’T WANT TO VISIT THE DOCTOR.
Good to hear that you’re thinking about more reliable methods of birth control! The most effective methods are only available after a visit with the doctor, though, so we hope you’ll think about making an appointment. At the very least it’s good to be getting annual exams when you’re sexually active.

Try searching for low-cost health centers, if you don’t have insurance coverage. And while you’re there for the appointment, you might as well talk with your provider about your birth control options, right?

Still not working?
Even if you’re dead set against a visit to the doctor, we still want you to be covered. Give female condoms or male condoms a go—you can find them in drug stores, health centers, supermarkets, and even some bars and clubs.

You can also get emergency contraception without a prescription if you’re 17 or older. It’s great to have on-hand, but we don’t recommend you use it as a regular method. Think of it as a backup for those “whoops” moments.

I WANT SOMETHING MORE EFFECTIVE AND DON’T MIND A DOCTOR VISIT.
Good for you for looking into more reliable methods of birth control!

Still not working?
If you don’t mind visiting your doctor for a prescription or procedure, you might want to
check out one of these more effective methods: IUD, the implant, the shot, the ring, the patch, or the pill.

Effectiveness

Somewhat effective, but it completely depends on always pulling out in time. Always.


Perfect Use

96%


Typical Use

78%


Side Effects

No hormones, no devices, no side effects.


Effort

Has to happen every single time you have sex.


How do I get it?

Find your local health center here.