Evidence-Based MethodMind-Body & Cycle Practice

Withdrawal

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

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Withdrawal (Mind-Body & Cycle Practice)

Method facts

Withdrawal
Effectiveness
80% typical use96% with perfect use
How long it lasts
Per act
Reversibility
Reversible
STI protection
No
How you get it
Self-Directed · No prescription
Cost
$0Insurance coverage: Varies
Status
Evidence-Based Method

How well it works

80 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy in a year. Typical use effectiveness rate.

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

How was this measured?

First-year failure rates are 20% with typical use and 4% with perfect use, so withdrawal is 80% and 96% effective.

Research source: Guttmacher Institute Contraceptive Effectiveness / Contraceptive Technology 21st ed.

The details

What the evidence says

How well it works, what to watch for, who should avoid it, and the studies behind it.

How it works in the body

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.

Side effects

No side effects are currently listed.

Who shouldn't use this

Talk to a clinician first if any of these apply

  • Partner unable to withdraw consistently before ejaculationNot being able to use the method correctly and consistently
  • Need for highly effective contraceptionNeeding a highly reliable way to prevent pregnancy

Clinical guidelines

Cost and insurance

Free

Insurance coverageVaries

What to know about Withdrawal

How it works

Withdrawal, also called coitus interruptus, is when the man withdraws his penis from the vagina before ejaculation. The goal is to keep semen out of the vagina so sperm cannot reach the egg. Withdrawal does not protect against STIs.

How well it works

With perfect use, withdrawal is 96% effective. With typical use it is about 80% effective, mainly because it is hard to pull out in time every time. Pre-ejaculate may also 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. Withdrawal is free, always available, and has no hormones or devices. It works best combined with another method, such as condoms. It is less effective than many other contraceptive methods, so it may not be the right choice if you need highly reliable pregnancy prevention.

Where to get it

Withdrawal requires no prescription, device, or clinic visit. If you want to combine it with a more reliable method, search our provider directory for clinics near you.

Frequently asked questions

Sources (6)
  1. Research source: Guttmacher Institute Contraceptive Effectiveness / Contraceptive Technology 21st ed.
  2. Clinical guideline: CDC guideline
  3. Research source: Patel J et al. 2024, pilot study of sperm content in pre-ejaculate (PMID 39122085)
  4. Research source: Planned Parenthood — Withdrawal (pull out method)
  5. Research source: Planned Parenthood — What are the benefits of the pull out method?
  6. Research source: Planned Parenthood — What are the disadvantages of the pull out method?

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