A halfway peeled banana with creamy liquid coming from the tip

How effective is the withdrawal method?

This method requires good timing and seven kilograms of good luck.

Withdrawal means that a man pulls out from the vagina before ejaculating.

It is a birth control option which prevents sperm from entering the vagina. The man withdraws (pulls out) his penis from the vagina and preferably away from the woman’s external genitals before ejaculating.

This method is also known as ‘pull out’ or ‘coitus interruptus’ (if you like fancy words!).

How effective is it?

If you are not ready to be a mother or father, do not use the withdrawal method. It is not an effective method of birth control. Its failure rate stands at 20% in typical use and 4% in perfect use.

This method requires a lot of self-control. I am not saying you don’t have it, but do you?

Let’s be honest, it’s not easy to pull out on time!

Many men get overexcited and fail to pull out on time.

Secondly, many men actually release the sperm before ejaculating. If the pre-ejaculation (pre-cum) contains sperm, the effectiveness of this method is greatly reduced. So, even if you pull out, chances of getting her pregnant are high.

Remember, millions of sperm are released, but only one is required to fertilize an egg. Just one.

If you insist on using this method:

  • Make sure that the withdrawal is timed well. When a man is about to ejaculate, he should pull out and ensure that he ejaculates away from the woman’s genitals.
  • If you are going for a second, third, or seventh round, the man needs to urinate and clean the tip of his penis. This will help remove sperm from previous ejaculation.

If the withdrawal was not done on time and you are worried about getting pregnant, consider taking emergency contraception.

Don’t forget:

This method does not protect you from STDs and STIs. So always use a barrier method like condoms to protect yourself. These diseases never go on holiday. You can get them anytime you have unprotected and unsafe sex.

Related: All Facts About Withdrawal Method

Have you ever tried the withdrawal method? How did it go? Talk to us in the comments section.

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Recent Comments (79)

  1. Am using the “pull out”…
    Am using the “pull out” method and its the best in my family.

    1. Hi Daniel, thank you for…

      Hi Daniel, thank you for reaching out to us. We appreciate it. The pull-out or withdrawal method has a high rate of failure and we advise that you find other more reliable methods.

        1. Hi there, 

          Thank you for…

          Hi there, 

          Thank you for visiting Love Matters! 

    2. Yes but but not very…
      Yes but but not very effective

      1. Hi there, 

        Absolutely! This…

        Hi there, 

        Absolutely! This method requires high levels of discipline and great timing. It’s failure rate is very high. 

      1. Hi M, 

        What are your…

        Hi M, 

        What are your thoughts about the withdrawal method? Have you ever used it?

    3. it’s good and fun
      it’s good and fun

      1. Hi Kukukndakwe, 

        It seems…

        Hi Kukukndakwe, 

        It seems that this method has worked for you! If that’s the case, more power to you! 

  2. I have been practicing it…
    I have been practicing it for more than 3 years without failure.
    I think the only problem with that for me is that the level of enjoyment is minimal

    1. Hi Simon, thank you for your…

      Hi Simon, thank you for your input we appreciate it. What do you mean the enjoyment is minimal? Are you in a position to explain?

    2. Sure,, have been doing for…
      Sure,, have been doing for five years now but you really don’t enjoy

      1. Hi Bonny, 

        Glad to hear…

        Hi Bonny, 

        Glad to hear that the withdrawal method has worked for you for years. I see what you mean by not enjoying, getting the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation is not easy and it may take away all the fun built to that point. That is why it is important to opt for another method such as condom or other methods of birth control. Here is a list of other methods of birth control you can consider: Types of birth control

  3. It’s true, best method it’s…
    It’s true, best method it’s use of condom

    1. Hi Walter, thank you for…

      Hi Walter, thank you for your feedback.

  4. Am sekyanzi ,I have ever…
    Am sekyanzi ,I have ever used but ts not easy because at end of a year she got pregnant

    1. Hi sekyanzi, 

      Yes this…

      Hi sekyanzi, 

      Yes this method has a high failure rate. If you are not ready for parenthood, it is better to use other birth control methods. Read about other methods: Types of birth control

  5. That’s seems to be too risky…
    That’s seems to be too risky I try it but it fail horizontally

    1. Hi there, 

      Yes, this method…

      Hi there, 

      Yes, this method is not recommended since it has a high failure rate. Also, it does not protect you from STIs. Here is a list of other birth control methods you can consider: Types of birth control

  6. I’ve used it since I started…
    I’ve used it since I started having sex till now I have a family.. my wife doesn’t use any family planning methods since they have side effects on her. I pull out on time every time.. we have only one kid almost 3yrs old now.. I learnt to be self disciplined..

    1. Hi James, 

      Great! You seem…

      Hi James, 

      Great! You seem to be a pro at it. It is very heartwarming that you have taken up birth control. This method requires high discipline and you seem to have mastered it. Keep at it! 

  7. I find it very difficult for…
    I find it very difficult for me to pull out because it is too sweet

    1. Hi Giddi, 

      This is totally…

      Hi Giddi, 

      This is totally understandable and most men will agree with you. The withdrawal method is not as easy as it sounds. On the other and, unless you are ready to be a father or catch an STI, it is important to consider using other birth control methods. Here is a list of other birth control methods: Types of birth control

  8. I have been using the method…
    I have been using the method for a long time now,
    My fast child is 8yrs now second born 5yrs and between I was doing the same method,
    Now it’s my favorite method to my wife, because she will never take any pills that can bring hurt to her body, I love my wife that’s wife I don’t like her to take pills,

    1. Hi James, 

      Seems like you…

      Hi James, 

      Seems like you love this method very much despite the fact that it failed you twice. Maybe you have become a pro? It is heartwarming that you are taking charge of the birth control role in your relationship. Good job. Yet, remember that this method has a high failure rate so unless you want to risk having another child, you should consider another backup method e.g. condoms. Here is a list of other birth control methods: Types of birth control

  9. I’ve been using it and it’s…
    I’ve been using it and it’s the best

    1. Hi there, 

      Glad to hear you…

      Hi there, 

      Glad to hear you are a pro! Could you share some tips here? 

  10. I’ve been using it and it’s…
    I’ve been using it and it’s the best However am usually very cautious.

    1. Hi Richard, 

      Glad to hear…

      Hi Richard, 

      Glad to hear you have tried it and like it. I agree, you have to be very careful because this method requires you to be very accurate in terms of timing. Keep it Love Matters for more informative content. 

  11. Have been using the method…
    Have been using the method for the past 4 years. It’s quite effective if you know yourself very well, but if you’re too quick the possibilities of been a parent are extremely high.

    1. Hi Francis, 

      You are right!…

      Hi Francis, 

      You are right! This method requires high discipline and timing. It has a high failure rate thus if you are not ready to become a parent, it is better to opt for other methods. Read here to see what other methods are available: Types of birth control

  12. I tried it bt it failed am…
    I tried it bt it failed am now a father ??

    1. Hi Cornelius, 

      Hi Cornelius, 

      Congratulations on being a father! Well, now you know better, the withdrawal method has a high failure rate. Here are other birth control methods: Types of birth control

    1. Hi Nico, 

      I am glad you…

      Hi Nico, 

      I am glad you enjoyed reading it. Keep visiting Love Matters for more informative content.

  13. Honestly have done for more…
    Honestly have done for more than five yrs but wen the excitement level is high, I fail to withdraw hence ended up having my first son

    1. Hi Joseph, 

      True, most men…

      Hi Joseph, 

      True, most men may find it hard to pull out at a time when the excitement is high. Either way, congratulations on the birth of your son! At least now you know better thus you will make informed decisions next time. Here are other birth control options you can use: Types of birth control

  14. I really enjoyed bt what I…
    I really enjoyed bt what I just read I experienced last night and have learn somthing more than I knew

    1. Hi Gladstone, 

      I am glad…

      Hi Gladstone, 

      I am glad you enjoyed reading the article and that you learnt something new. Keep visiting Love Matters for more informative content. 

  15. I always use this method and…
    I always use this method and have never failed…it’s the most effective with no side effects..have learnt it and self control is not a problem since I always think of taking care of my gal

    1. Hi Aleckie, 

      I am glad to…

      Hi Aleckie, 

      I am glad to hear that the withdrawal method has worked for you. Seems you are a pro! Keep going as long as you are in a faithful monogamous relationship. 

  16. does it have medical effect?
    does it have medical effect?

    1. Hi Wesley, 

      No it does not…

      Hi Wesley, 

      No it does not. The withdrawal method does not have any effects. Remember that a woman can get the pregnant and you can also catch an STI. 

  17. Yes i have ever but then i…
    Yes i have ever but then i didn’t urinate. All i did was cleaning my penis with a soft cloth & moved on enjoying my vagina to un countless rounds.

    1. Hi there, 

      How long ago was…

      Hi there, 

      How long ago was this? You may want to ask her to undergo a pregnancy test. This method has a high failure rate thus there is a chance that she got pregnant. 

  18. It’s good but at times u can…
    It’s good but at times u can fail to time

  19. Hi Beast monster, 

    Hi Beast monster, 

    Absolutely! The withdrawal method is not a reliable method of contraception. Also, don’t forget that you can still catch an STI. To be safe, use a more effective both control options. Here is a list of other birth control options: Types of birth control

  20. I never used condom in my…
    I never used condom in my life,I always use pull out method and I’ve never messed

  21. I’ve never used condom in my…
    I’ve never used condom in my life,I use pull out method and I’ve never messed

    1. Hi Abdi, 

      Great! You are a…

      Hi Abdi, 

      Great! You are a pro! You seem to have mastered the art of pulling out right on time. Could you give us tips?

    2. Hi there,

      You are a pro!…

      Hi there,

      You are a pro! You are one of the few men who have mastered the art of pulling out right on time. Could you give us tips?

  22. Eti what,how can u stop…
    Eti what,how can u stop taking honey and run a way no way

    1. Hi there, 

      Well, I see what…

      Hi there, 

      Well, I see what you’re saying but  if you are not ready to be a parent, you can use another birth control method. Here’s a list of other birth control options

  23. My second born was as a…
    My second born was as a result of withdrawal I can’t advice anyone to use it as a family planing method

    1. Hi Terro, 

      Yes, the…

      Hi Terro, 

      Yes, the withdrawal method has a high failure rate! 

  24. I have been pulling out for…
    I have been pulling out for 3 years now and have never been tempted to cum inside..it is very effective. I prefer it to condoms and contraceptives

    1. Hi there, 

      Good to hear!…

      Hi there, 

      Good to hear! You seem to be a pro! It seems that you have mastered the art of pulling out. 

  25. I too love pull out method…
    I too love pull out method rather than using a condom…..Its also so sweet and my gel loves seeing me cum…..she screams and enjoys more when i cum on her boobs………i also love when she gives sensitive handjobs at my glans till i cum…cool

    1. Hi Daniel, 

      Loving your…

      Hi Daniel, 

      Loving your story! I am glad to hear that the withdrawal method has been working for you. You must be a great timer and have lots of discipline. More power to you!

  26. Actually to me withdrawal is…
    Actually to me withdrawal is the best, I’ve used this for so long and it has never failed me though enjoyment is very minimal

    1. Hi Ohanya, 

      Great! You have…

      Hi Ohanya, 

      Great! You have mastered the art of pulling out! Fell free to share tips with us! As long as you are doing it with one faithful partner, you should be good to go. 

  27. Withdrawal is really tricky…
    Withdrawal is really tricky even for us ladies.
    We need to feel that knock from the “water” tight into our ovaries

    1. Hi Faith, 

      Lol, it is not…

      Hi Faith, 

      Lol, it is not easy at all. Plus, the failure rate is quite high. 

  28. Itried the method but alas!…
    Itried the method but alas!
    Burnt to ashes

    1. Hi Andy, 

      Kindly share your…

      Hi Andy, 

      Kindly share your experience with us. We are happy to hear it. 

    1. Hi kule, 

      Glad to hear you…

      Hi kule, 

      Glad to hear you like the withdrawal method. For how long have you been using it?

  29. Haaa people u made mine
    Haaa people u made mine

    1. HI Okello, 

      Great! Glad you…

      HI Okello, 

      Great! Glad you loved the article. Have you ever tried the withdrawal method?

    1. Hi Molloy, 

      Thank you for…

      Hi Molloy, 

      Thank you for your input. Have you ever tried it? What do you hate about it?

  30. I have been using it for…
    I have been using it for 6years and it has worked. correct timing is key here

    1. Hi Edw, 

      Great to hear! You…

      Hi Edw, 

      Great to hear! You seem to have mastered the art of pulling out on time! Good for you. 

  31. I have learned a lot… I have been using it though am now worried, especially in the case of second or third round after every withdrawal!

    1. The withdrawal method has a high failure rate thus not a reliable method of birth control.

  32. I have been using it for the past 3yrs since I can’t use any family planning method, we are used to it that he can’t forget to pull out

    1. That’s great to hear! I am glad that your partner is a pro. It takes a lot of self-discipline.

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