How it works
Keeping semen away from the vagina reduces the chance of sperm reaching an egg. It is not very reliable, because pulling out in time takes a lot of control and the fluid released before ejaculation (pre-ejaculate) may contain sperm.
Couples who have no other method available at the time, ideally as a backup rather than their only method.
How effective is it?
Typical use
80%
In real life about 20 in 100 people get pregnant in a year with typical use.
Perfect use
96%
About 4 in 100 when used exactly as directed every time.
About 96% effective if done correctly every time
See how it ranks against every method in the effectiveness chart.
How to use it
Agree with your partner in advance that you will use withdrawal, and consider a more reliable method or combining it with condoms.
Pull the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation and make sure semen does not land on or near the vulva.
Peeing and wiping the tip of the penis before sex may reduce sperm left from an earlier ejaculation, but it does not make the method reliable.
If ejaculation happens inside or near the vagina, consider emergency contraception as soon as possible.
Pros and cons
Advantages
- Free and always available
- No hormones, devices or side effects
- Better than using no method at all
- Can be combined with other methods, such as fertility awareness or condoms
Disadvantages
- One of the least effective methods with typical use
- Pre-ejaculate may contain sperm, so pregnancy can happen even if pulling out works
- Needs a lot of control and trust between partners
- Does not protect against STIs
- Can make sex less relaxed for some couples
Effect on periods: No effect on periods.
Possible side effects
- No physical side effects
- Some couples find it stressful or less satisfying
- Worry about pregnancy, as mistakes are easy to make
Who it may not suit
A clinician checks your medical history before you start. This list is not complete.
May not be suitable if
- A pregnancy would be very risky for your health or would be very unwelcome
- Your partner often ejaculates early or finds it hard to tell when ejaculation is coming
- You need protection from STIs
Get medical help if
- Your partner did not pull out in time and you want emergency contraception
- Your period is late or you think you may be pregnant
- You want help choosing a more reliable method
Frequently asked questions
How effective is pulling out?
With typical use about 20 in 100 people get pregnant in a year using withdrawal. Done perfectly every time, the figure is about 4 in 100, but that is hard to achieve.
Can you get pregnant from pre-cum?
Yes, it is possible. Pre-ejaculate (pre-cum) can contain sperm, especially if there has been a recent ejaculation, so pregnancy can happen even if the penis is pulled out in time.
Does withdrawal protect against STIs?
No. STIs can be passed on through pre-ejaculate and skin-to-skin contact, so use condoms if you need STI protection.
What should I do if my partner didn't pull out in time?
If you don't want to get pregnant, get emergency contraception as soon as possible. A copper IUD can be fitted up to 5 days after sex, and emergency pills are available from pharmacies in many countries.
Sources
Reviewed 1 November 2026. We link to the guidance itself so you can check it.