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U-M Health SystemThis information is approved and/or reviewed by U-M Health System providers but it is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for medical treatment. You should speak to your physician or make an appointment to be seen if you have questions or concerns about this information or your medical condition.
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Withdrawal Method of Birth Control

What is the withdrawal method?

The withdrawal method of birth control is the withdrawal of the penis from the vagina just before orgasm, when semen comes out of the penis (ejaculation or "coming"). This method is not dependable because it can be hard to know exactly when to withdraw the penis. Also, some sperm will come out of the penis during foreplay. A woman can get pregnant if even a small amount of sperm enters the vagina or cervix. Because withdrawal is unreliable, it is not recommended to prevent pregnancy.

Another term for withdrawal is coitus interruptus.

How is the withdrawal method used?

During sexual intercourse the man pulls his penis out of the woman's vagina before he has an orgasm, which is when most of the semen starts coming out.

What are the benefits?

The withdrawal method of birth control does not depend on any contraceptive devices or drugs. This may be more acceptable to people who have certain religious beliefs or who have allergic reactions to condoms, spermicides, or drugs.

What are the disadvantages?

The disadvantages of the withdrawal method are:

  • The best time to withdraw the penis from the vagina is hard to predict accurately.
  • Some sperm will come out of the penis during foreplay and may enter the uterus and cause pregnancy.
  • The woman may need additional stimulation to achieve orgasm or sexual gratification.
  • It requires the man to have good self-control, and may not be gratifying for the man to remove the penis from the vagina before orgasm.
  • It does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
  • It may work for a while and then fail at an unpredictable time.
  • It has a 27% failure rate (more than a 1 in 4 chance of causing pregnancy) when used by the average couple.
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Last modified: 2009-01-26
Last reviewed: 2008-10-28
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
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