Withdrawal

How does withdrawal work?

During vaginal sex, the man pulls his penis out before he ejaculates. Then, he ejaculates away from the woman’s vagina and vaginal area.

How effective is the withdrawal method?

There isn’t very much information about how good the withdrawal method is when used as birth control. Some research shows that out of 100 women whose partner is using withdrawal, about 80 will not get pregnant.

There are many reasons why withdrawal does not always work. Men cannot always control when they are going to ejaculate. Even before they ejaculate, men release a clear liquid from their penis which they may not be aware of. Sometimes you can’t even see the fluid. This fluid is called pre-ejaculate. The pre-ejaculate also has sperm in it. If a woman gets pre-ejaculate in her vagina, she could become pregnant. Withdrawal may work better if the pre-ejaculate is wiped off before the penis is inserted into the vagina.

However, a man can release pre-ejaculate fluid once his penis is inside the vagina. Withdrawal will not work well if you have sex at the time of the month when you are likely to get pregnant. Withdrawal is a better form of birth control if you use it with another kind of birth control, like condoms and spermicidal foam

Withdrawal does not protect you or your partner against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You can pass on or get an STI from pre-ejaculate.

How do you use withdrawal?

When the man feels he is about to ejaculate, he should take his penis out of the woman’s vagina. He should ejaculate away from the woman’s vagina and vaginal area. If you think some ejaculate has gotten into your vagina, put some spermicide into your vagina right away. Your chances of getting pregnant may be lowered.

If you have used withdrawal and are concerned about pregnancy, there are two options:

1. You can take the emergency contraceptive pill within 72 hours of the intercourse.

2. You can ask about having an IUD put in within one week of the intercourse.

What are the advantages of withdrawal?

• It is better than using no birth control at all.

• There is no cost.

• You don’t need to see a doctor to use it.

• You only use it when you need it, i.e. during intercourse.

• It doesn’t cause any changes in your body.

What are the disadvantages of withdrawal?

• You and your partner(s) are not protected against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.

• You might get pregnant.

• You need to negotiate with your partner that you will both interrupt or stop sexual intercourse before ejaculation.

• You will have to stop sexual intercourse suddenly.

Where can you get information about withdrawal?

You can ask a nurse, doctor, or counsellor about using withdrawal and other kinds of birth control.