Contraception Reviews

Birth control shot vs Withdrawal or pull out method

Birth control shot

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Withdrawal or pull out method

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Overview

Rated 2.9

31 reviews

Every 2-3 months

Frequency

94% - 99+%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

Short term

Effect on fertility

Rated 3.1

7 reviews

During or before sex

Frequency

80% - 96%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Birth control shot ingredients

Main hormones in Birth control shot

Withdrawal or pull out method ingredients

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.

What Lowdown reviewers say

Mood

36% somewhat negative

Bleeds

42% stopped periods

Sex drive

36% lost sex drive

Weight

48% gained weight

Skin

36% no impact on skin

Cycle return

40% in 3-6 months

Mood

43% no impact on mood

Bleeds

57% no change

Sex drive

43% no impact

Weight

71% no impact

Skin

86% no impact on skin

Cycle return

Not enough data to say

Benefits: What this birth control can help with

Endometriosis

Heavy periods

Period pain

There are no benefits that are recognised in scientific research or guidelines for this birth control

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Check out our latest reviews

Real life reviews from people like you

Birth control shot reviews

31 reviews

Birth control shot  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
21 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  3 weeks ago

Depo-Provera shot  

Been on it for 4 years, I’ve gained 50lbs from it, went up 4 cup sizes, I throw up so much I have to take meds to keep it down, my hair is ALWAYS falling out, my body is always aching and I haven’t had a single period since I started it. Not to mention I get dizzy, sweat non stop, and have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep now.

Read more

Increased sex drive

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control shot  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
32 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  1 month ago

Depo-Provera shot  

I have been on depo for 4 months almost. It has been a ROUGH time. From day one it’s been non stop nausea, dizziness and fatigue. I have almost no appetite ever so I keep dropping weight like crazy. Another symptom I have had since the start has been continuous tingling in my arms and legs, almost like they are about to fall asleep but don’t. My doctor said it could take some getting used to but this is almost unmanageable. When does it get to the point of feeling normal again? Not sure I can handle another couple months of this and I heard stopping the shot comes with its own set of issues because of your body trying to readjust again.


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control shot  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
26 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  23rd Jun 25

Depo-Provera shot  

Getting off birth control and having cramps idk why I only been off for like a month or so


Somewhat positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control shot  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
21 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  3 weeks ago

Depo-Provera shot  

Been on it for 4 years, I’ve gained 50lbs from it, went up 4 cup sizes, I throw up so much I have to take meds to keep it down, my hair is ALWAYS falling out, my body is always aching and I haven’t had a single period since I started it. Not to mention I get dizzy, sweat non stop, and have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep now.


Increased sex drive

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control shot  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
32 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  1 month ago

Depo-Provera shot  

I have been on depo for 4 months almost. It has been a ROUGH time. From day one it’s been non stop nausea, dizziness and fatigue. I have almost no appetite ever so I keep dropping weight like crazy. Another symptom I have had since the start has been continuous tingling in my arms and legs, almost like they are about to fall asleep but don’t. My doctor said it could take some getting used to but this is almost unmanageable. When does it get to the point of feeling normal again? Not sure I can handle another couple months of this and I heard stopping the shot comes with its own set of issues because of your body trying to readjust again.


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control shot  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
26 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  23rd Jun 25

Depo-Provera shot  

Getting off birth control and having cramps idk why I only been off for like a month or so


Somewhat positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments


Withdrawal or pull out method reviews

7 reviews

Withdrawal or pull out method  
Used for 8+ yr
36 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  30th Jun 25

Withdrawal or pull out method  

I have my tubes tied.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Withdrawal or pull out method  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
24 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  10th Apr 25

Withdrawal or pull out method  

I don't recommend going multiple rounds. Otherwise, seemed pretty effective.


Increased sex drive

1 helpful

0 comments

Withdrawal or pull out method  
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  28th Sep 24

Withdrawal or pull out method  

Annoying to have to fuss with putting the condom on, and I don’t enjoy the change in sensation while using a condom. But I feel protected against pregnancy. I occasionally rely on pull out method, and the anxiety over my partner accidentally not timing this correctly (ie not pulling out soon enough) negatively affects my sexual experience.


Very positive mood

1 helpful

0 comments

Withdrawal or pull out method  
Used for 8+ yr
36 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  30th Jun 25

Withdrawal or pull out method  

I have my tubes tied.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Withdrawal or pull out method  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
24 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  10th Apr 25

Withdrawal or pull out method  

I don't recommend going multiple rounds. Otherwise, seemed pretty effective.


Increased sex drive

1 helpful

0 comments

Withdrawal or pull out method  
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  28th Sep 24

Withdrawal or pull out method  

Annoying to have to fuss with putting the condom on, and I don’t enjoy the change in sensation while using a condom. But I feel protected against pregnancy. I occasionally rely on pull out method, and the anxiety over my partner accidentally not timing this correctly (ie not pulling out soon enough) negatively affects my sexual experience.


Very positive mood

1 helpful

0 comments

Withdrawal or pull out method  
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  20th Jun 24

Withdrawal or pull out method  

Still can get pregnant with pull out method or anal


Very negative mood

3 more effects

1 helpful

0 comments

Withdrawal or pull out method  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  20th May 24

Withdrawal or pull out method  

I get pretty sick on the pill and with same partner 3.5 yrs no issues but recognize not most effective practice.


Top side effects not reported

1 helpful

0 comments

Withdrawal or pull out method  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  27th Mar 24

Withdrawal or pull out method  

It worked but I was terrified I was pregnant until I got my period. I had no sex drive because of this and was incredibly stressed. It worsened my mood as well.


Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Withdrawal or pull out method  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  26th Feb 24

Withdrawal or pull out method  

No side effects


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control alternatives and comparisons

Compare the Birth control shot with other birth control

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