Withdrawal (Pull out method)

What is it?

Withdrawal (AKA “pulling out”) is when someone removes their penis from the other person’s vagina before they ejaculate, or come. By removing the penis before that happens, semen is not in the vagina where it can potentially reach an egg and cause a pregnancy.

Does it prevent STIs?

No, it doesn't prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Using condoms or internal condoms and combining the withdrawal method helps prevent diseases and pregnancy at the same time.

How does withdrawal work? 

When the person feels like they are going to come, they pull out their penis from the vagina and turn away from the other person so no semen gets on the other person. Afterward, washing hands before touching the other person’s vulva helps keep sperm away as well.

If someone is concerned that pregnancy might happen, they should use emergency contraception.

Is it right for you?

The person practicing the withdrawal method needs to know how their body feels when they are about to come in order to “pull out” correctly. It can be hard to predict correctly every time because human bodies are constantly changing. Since this method is more unpredictable, it is less effective than other types of birth control.

Talking with a health provider is a great place to start. It can also be helpful to talk with friends or trusted adults in your life. Everyone is different, what works best for one person might not be what works best for you.

What is it?

Withdrawal (AKA “pulling out”) is when someone removes their penis from the other person’s vagina before they ejaculate, or come. By removing the penis before that happens, semen is not in the vagina where it can potentially reach an egg and cause a pregnancy.

Does it prevent STIs?

No, it doesn't prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Using condoms or internal condoms and combining the withdrawal method helps prevent diseases and pregnancy at the same time.

How does withdrawal work? 

When the person feels like they are going to come, they pull out their penis from the vagina and turn away from the other person so no semen gets on the other person. Afterward, washing hands before touching the other person’s vulva helps keep sperm away as well.

If someone is concerned that pregnancy might happen, they should use emergency contraception.

Is it right for you?

The person practicing the withdrawal method needs to know how their body feels when they are about to come in order to “pull out” correctly. It can be hard to predict correctly every time because human bodies are constantly changing. Since this method is more unpredictable, it is less effective than other types of birth control.

Talking with a health provider is a great place to start. It can also be helpful to talk with friends or trusted adults in your life. Everyone is different, what works best for one person might not be what works best for you.

Go Ask Tara

Go Ask Tara is on a mission to provide sex education and help the youth of Colorado prevent pregnancy and STIs.