Skip to content
Dark braids in hair and red lips fashion
Pull out method icon

Pull-Out Method

Non-Hormonal Method

  • Withdrawal

    • Per Use

    Pulling out (also called withdrawal method) requires no additional hormones or devices, just impeccable timing and a lot of luck.
    Effective
    0 %

    Details

    The pull out or withdrawal method is one of the least effective forms of contraception and works best when used with another birth control method, like a condom.

    It works by keeping the sperm out of the woman’s body as the man withdraws his penis from his partner’s vagina just before ejaculation and ejaculating away from the vagina.

    For withdrawal to work as well as possible, it has to be done right every time you have vaginal sex, and no semen must come into contact with the vagina.

    Young woman checking her phone
    Viya healt kenya lotus pose.jpg

    How to Use

    For the pull-out method to work, it is best to use it with another form of contraception, such as a condom or the Pill.

    This will help prevent pregnancy if you do no pull out in time. It is important that all of your penis is pulled out BEFORE ejaculating, and that you ejaculate away from your partner so that no semen comes into contact with her vagina.

    PROS

    • It is free
    • It makes all other forms of contraception more effective

    CONS

    • It is extremely unreliable when used on its own
    • It interrupts sex
    • It does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases

    Side Effects

    There are no known side effects

    FAQs

    What is the pull-out method?
    Pulling out (also called Withdrawal Method) requires no additional hormones or devices, just impeccable timing and a lot of luck.
    How does the withdrawal method work?
    The withdrawal method, also known as pulling out or coitus interruptus works just like this: the guy pulls out his penis before he ejaculates. The idea is that not ejaculating inside the vagina will prevent pregnancy. But as some sperms may already be released before ejaculation it is not the best idea we’d say. Although this method may be popular, it doesn’t work: Even when applied successfully, 78 percent – that is 22 of every 100 women – using this as their contraception method will become pregnant over a year. There are plenty of other more reliable contraception methods out there!
    Are any sexual positions better than others when using the withdrawal method aka "pulling out"?
    Yesβ€”positions like missionary or woman-on-top can give the male partner more control, making it easier to pull out in time. Positions with deep or fast thrusting (like doggy style) may make withdrawal harder to time. Still, no position makes pulling out highly reliableβ€”it's best to use a backup method too.
    Will douching help to prevent pregnancy after coitus interruptus also known as withdrawal or "pulling out"?
    No, not all, however it is far better to bathe and make sure that anything with ejaculate on it does not get near the vagina within one to six hours, their known lifespan outside the body.
    How to pull out correctly?
    To pull out correctly, the guy has to exactly know when he’s about to reach orgasm and to pull out in time, so that no ejaculate contacts the vagina or its proximate regions. It requires a lot of self-control and practice, and can always go wrong. Sperm can survive up to 6 hours outside of the body and they have only one thought in their little heads: find the egg and fertilize it. As these strong swimmers are also released before ejaculation, the withdrawal method or pulling out is a risky game.
    Will the withdrawal method aka β€œpulling out” work even when ovulating?
    To pull out correctly, the guy has to exactly know when he’s about to reach orgasm and to pull out in time, so that no ejaculate contacts the vagina or its proximate regions. It requires a lot of self-control and practice, and can always go wrong. Sperm can survive up to 6 hours outside of the body and they have only one thought in their little heads: find the egg and fertilize it. As these strong swimmers are also released before ejaculation, the withdrawal method or pulling out is a risky game.

    From periods to pleasure and everything in between

    Ask VIYA Health Anything!

    Intrauterine System-IUS

    A small T-shaped device inserted in the womb that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy for 3-5 years. Highly effective, reversible, and requires healthcare provider insertion and removal.

    Learn More Β»

    Emergency Contraceptive

    Hormonal pills taken after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. Most effective within 12 hours, they don’t protect against STIs and shouldn’t be used as regular contraception.

    Learn More Β»

    Contraceptive Ring

    A flexible vaginal ring that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy for one month. It’s 91% effective, easy to use, and doesn’t interrupt sex, but may cause mild side effects.

    Learn More Β»

    Contraceptive Patch

    A small skin patch that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy. Worn weekly, it’s over 91% effective when used correctly and doesn’t interrupt sex, but may cause skin irritation.

    Learn More Β»

    Contraceptive Injection

    A hormone shot that prevents pregnancy for 2–3 months by stopping ovulation. It’s over 94% effective when used on schedule, but may cause irregular bleeding and other hormonal side effects.

    Learn More Β»

    The Pill

    A daily hormonal tablet that prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation. Highly effective when taken consistently at the same time each day, but does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

    Learn More Β»

    Contraceptive Implant

    A long-acting, reversible contraceptive placed under the skin that steadily releases hormones to prevent pregnancy for 3–5 years. Highly effective and discreet, with quick return to fertility.

    Learn More Β»

    Sterilisation

    Sterilisation is a safe, permanent contraceptive method for men and women, offering 99% effectiveness without affecting hormones or sex drive. Ideal for those certain they don’t want children.

    Learn More Β»

    Sponge

    A hormone-free, on-demand vaginal sponge that blocks the cervix and releases spermicide, providing up to 24 hours of contraception but with moderate effectiveness and possible irritation.

    Learn More Β»

    Spermicides

    Spermicides are non-hormonal chemicals used before sex to kill or slow sperm. Best used with barrier methods, they’re easy to apply but offer low effectiveness when used alone.

    Learn More Β»

    Male Condom

    A thin sheath worn on the penis to block sperm, preventing pregnancy and protecting against STIs. Effective when used every time during sex, and available in latex and non-latex options.

    Learn More Β»

    Fertility Awareness

    A natural method that tracks fertility signals to avoid or achieve pregnancy. Effective when followed precisely, it requires daily monitoring and discipline but involves no hormones or side effects.

    Learn More Β»

    Female Condom

    A soft latex sheath worn inside the vagina during sex to prevent pregnancy and STIs. Used on demand, it offers protection but may require practice to insert correctly.

    Learn More Β»

    Diaphragm

    A reusable silicone dome inserted into the vagina before sex to block sperm from entering the uterus. Must be used with spermicide and fitted by a healthcare provider.

    Learn More Β»

    Intrauterine System-IUS

    A small T-shaped device inserted in the womb that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy for 3-5 years. Highly effective, reversible, and requires healthcare provider insertion and removal.

    Learn More Β»

    Join the Bold Community

    Be a Part of the Global Change for Sexual Health and Wellness

    Together, we can make a difference by normalising the conversation around sexual health and pleasure. Join VIYA Health’s global mission to shape a world where every woman’s pleasure, wellness and health are prioritised.

    Join the viya community contraception page.jpg
    Small c popup viya.png

    Got Questions about Sexual and Reproductive health?

    Ask VIYA Anything!

    Small c popup viya.png

    VIYA South Africa

    JOIN THE MOVEMENT

    * indicates required

    View previous campaigns.

    Please select all the ways you would like to hear from VIYA HEALTH ENTERPRISE LIMITED - SOUTH AFRICA:

    You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. For information about our privacy practices, please visit our website.

    We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices.

    Intuit Mailchimp

    Small c popup viya.png

    Need to Talk about
    Sexual & Reproductive health?

    Request A Call-Back From VIYA!