Reviews

Withdrawal or pull out method reviews

3.5

13 reviews

The withdrawal method relies on removing the penis all the way out of the vagina before ejaculation occurs during sex. It is not considered a reliable method of contraception on its own, but can be used in addition to other effective methods of contraception.

During or before sex

Frequency

80% - 96%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Withdrawal or pull out method

How does the Withdrawal or pull out method work?

The withdrawal method (also known as the pull out method) relies on the penis being all the way out of the vagina before ejaculation and ejaculation occurring away from the vagina or vulva.

Withdrawal or pull out method alternatives

Contraceptives that work in similar ways, or brands that have close or exactly the same hormonal ingredients


Withdrawal or pull out method FAQs

No FAQs at this moment

Reviews

3.5

13 reviews

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Community reviews

Used for 8+ yr
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

  •  Stopped using

Only used it on occasion and normally alongside another form of contraception. I don't really recommend it as it feel risky

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Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  15th Feb 24

  •  Still using

The withdrawal method is really not for everyone. But me and my partner prefer to not use male condoms and I use my Flo app to track my ovulation and period which helps me gauge when is the best time to use this method. As I’m not trying to fall pregnant again right now, and I don’t really want to use any hormonal contraceptives, this method has definitely worked for me but can only work if your willing to take control with family planning.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 12 - 18 mo
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  9th Feb 24

  •  Still using

I’ve gained a lot of weight


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

1 comments

Used for 5 - 8 yr
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  8th Feb 24

  •  Stopped using

With the male condom, it was fine, however I didn’t like using flavoured ones as they gave me more thrush than usual


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 1 - 3 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  8th Feb 24

  •  Still using

I'm not pregnant so definitely doing something right! It is not my fave method, I would only recommend this if you: 1. trust the person you are with and you know they will pull out 2. both you and your partner have been tested for sti's before sleeping together 3. you are able to check if you are ovulating or not 4. use another form of contraception with this, such as the morning after pill, I personally don't use this as my sole method of contraception.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 8+ yr
44 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  7th Dec 23

  •  Still using

I've been using this method for about 15 years. I don't have children and have never been pregnant. The only downside is it's supposed low reliability, but it's been working for me. I tried the combined pill at the beginning of my relationship, for a year or two, but it didn't agree with me. By that time our relationship felt pretty stable, so we switched to withdrawal method. Although I never wanted children, for many years I just accepted the possibility of a surprise baby. I thought if it happened then it was meant to be. There are no side effects, and my partner is happy with this method also. Now that I'm in my mid 40s I'm less accepting of the possibility of an accidental pregnancy, and I do sometimes get a bit anxious over this. So I also started tracking my cycle on an app, so I can avoid the fertile days. But my cycle has gotten shorter, so I don't even know if I have any fertile days anymore. For years we've used the method without tracking the cycle, and it still worked though. Recently for a short time I tried the POP desogestrel, that I got for heavy periods. I was kind of looking forward to using this reliable contraception, but unfortunately I got really bad mood swings, so I'm back to this method again.


Top side effects not reported

1 helpful

0 comments

Used for 12 - 18 mo
29 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  29th Jul 23

  •  Still using

Came off the pill after using for 11 years and wanted to be hormonal contraceptive free so we decide on pull out method as if got pregnant would be happy accident. Been using for 12 months and completely successful reliable contraception for us.


Top side effects not reported

1 helpful

0 comments

Used for 6 - 12 mo
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  27th Jul 23

  •  Still using

Quite a risky method that I wouldn't recommend. I use this method on-and-off (sometimes using condoms instead) as I don't want to use hormonal contraception and I had a terrible experience with the IUD. I have never gotten pregnant from this method. But having very irregular periods means this method causes considerable stress at the end of each month when my period is inevitably late. Even after getting a negative pregnancy test I'll still convince myself I'm pregnant. Not very fun!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

1 comments

Used for 3 - 5 yr
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  21st Jun 23

  •  Stopped using

Used after 6 years of implant to allow my cycles to ‘go back to normal’. Continued to use for 3+ years, however this is not a form of contraception on its own only alongside other forms. After an unplanned pregnancy due to not using this alongside another method I will be seeking a more formal contraception method to ensure this does not happen again.


Top side effects not reported

1 helpful

0 comments

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  20th Jun 23

  •  Still using

Pull out method as long as you are careful and don't have sex again a second time in same session. If you use in conjunction with cycle tracking you can be extra careful in ovulation period. Been doing this for nearly 3 years now and so far not pregnant.


Top side effects not reported

1 helpful

0 comments

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