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Compare Birth Control methods

Browse every side-by-side birth control comparison, or select methods from the list to compare your own combination.

Side-by-side comparison

  • Withdrawal The man withdraws his penis from the vagina before ejaculation to reduce the chance of sperm reaching the egg.
  • Second method

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Method
Withdrawal The man withdraws his penis from the vagina before ejaculation to reduce the chance of sperm reaching the egg.
Second method

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EfficacyWithdrawal 80% typical use

Least effective: under 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.

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CostWithdrawal $0 —
DurationWithdrawal Per act—
ReversibilityWithdrawal Reversible—
STI protectionWithdrawal No—
How it worksWithdrawal

The man withdraws his penis from the vagina before ejaculation to keep semen out of the vagina. Pre-ejaculate may contain some sperm. A 2024 pilot study found sperm in about 13% of pre-ejaculate samples, though roughly 75% of participants had no sperm in any sample.

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PrescriptionWithdrawal Not required Self-Directed—
Who shouldn't use thisWithdrawal
  • Partner unable to withdraw consistently before ejaculation
  • Need for highly effective contraception
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