Withdrawal or pull out method vs Implant

Need help choosing? Speak to a doctor
Withdrawal or pull out method

Add your withdrawal or pull out method review

Implant

Add your Implant review

Overview

Rated 3.6

14 reviews

During or before sex

Frequency

80% - 96%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Rated 2.8

590 reviews

Every 3 years

Frequency

Over 99%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

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.

Implant ingredients

Main hormones in Implant

progestogen

What Lowdown reviewers say

57% no impact on mood

71% no change

86% no impact

93% no impact

86% no impact on skin

Cycle return

100% in 1 month

38% somewhat negative

49% irregular periods

50% lost sex drive

41% gained weight

58% no impact on skin

Cycle return

31% in 1 month

Benefits: What this contraceptive can help with

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

Heavy periods

Ovulation pain

Period pain

Try it now

Add your withdrawal or pull out method review

Try it now

Add your Implant review

Check out our latest reviews

Real life reviews from people like you

Withdrawal or pull out method reviews

14 reviews

Withdrawal or pull out method  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  26th Mar 24

Withdrawal or pull out method  

I came off the combined pill around 4 years ago after trying many different pills and never quite feeling myself/having terrible clots in my periods on breaks. I'd been told by drs it was the only way to have safe sex from pregnancy and felt i had no choice. The good old fashioned pull out method has been my best friend ever since! Once i spoke to a very wise nurse who told me that i could try the natural cycle way or rely on pull out cleverly. Now i want to say that this isn't for everyone. I have been in a healthy long term relationship with someone i trust and with whom we communicate during all aspects of sex. Because of this we have been able to have all kinds of sex (including penetrative) without any pregnancy scares. My partner is a cis man and i a cis women, and the secret is FULL COMMUNICATION. If he is close to cuming he stops (NEVER ACTUALLY RELY ON PULLING OUT AS YOU CUM NO NO). It's about calming things down on his end when he thinks he'll climax. that means pulling out and moving to oral etc for a while before going again. Normlly this means i get a whole lotta love while he calms down so BONUS!! POSITIVES - I often cum first as it means i always get to cum as he can keep going and we are not relying on one way to have sex. I feel myself! We are more experimental and go on for longer. Its about trust so things feel more intimate, it has led to better communication and much better forplay. This means i cum more often. Knowing my own cycle and getting to know how my body and hormones work. Having sex slowly and sensually, with my pleasure and his both being taken into account due to the fact you can't just have full penetrative sex without thinking. NEGATIVES- he obvs can't cum in me. he doesnt personally feel sad about that. When finally he can't be in me anymore he has to cum using other ways to finish. It means it can be a bit stop and start (personally i think this is fun). You do have to be more careful. THIS IS DEFINITELY FOR PEOPLE WHO KNOW THEIR SEXUAL PARTNER WELL. ITS ABOUT TRUST. You can't just bang it out like in the movies haha! I do pregnancy tetss every 3 months just in case pre cum has snuck in (it's very unlikely this gets you pregnant especially if your partner is aware of this. but worth thinking about) Overall, Chefs Kiss - but i do sometimes miss he cumming inside me ! BUT WON'T GO BACK

Read more

Very positive mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Withdrawal or pull out method  
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  22nd Feb 24

Withdrawal or pull out method  

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


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Withdrawal or pull out method  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  15th Feb 24

Withdrawal or pull out method  

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

Withdrawal or pull out method  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  26th Mar 24

Withdrawal or pull out method  

I came off the combined pill around 4 years ago after trying many different pills and never quite feeling myself/having terrible clots in my periods on breaks. I'd been told by drs it was the only way to have safe sex from pregnancy and felt i had no choice. The good old fashioned pull out method has been my best friend ever since! Once i spoke to a very wise nurse who told me that i could try the natural cycle way or rely on pull out cleverly. Now i want to say that this isn't for everyone. I have been in a healthy long term relationship with someone i trust and with whom we communicate during all aspects of sex. Because of this we have been able to have all kinds of sex (including penetrative) without any pregnancy scares. My partner is a cis man and i a cis women, and the secret is FULL COMMUNICATION. If he is close to cuming he stops (NEVER ACTUALLY RELY ON PULLING OUT AS YOU CUM NO NO). It's about calming things down on his end when he thinks he'll climax. that means pulling out and moving to oral etc for a while before going again. Normlly this means i get a whole lotta love while he calms down so BONUS!! POSITIVES - I often cum first as it means i always get to cum as he can keep going and we are not relying on one way to have sex. I feel myself! We are more experimental and go on for longer. Its about trust so things feel more intimate, it has led to better communication and much better forplay. This means i cum more often. Knowing my own cycle and getting to know how my body and hormones work. Having sex slowly and sensually, with my pleasure and his both being taken into account due to the fact you can't just have full penetrative sex without thinking. NEGATIVES- he obvs can't cum in me. he doesnt personally feel sad about that. When finally he can't be in me anymore he has to cum using other ways to finish. It means it can be a bit stop and start (personally i think this is fun). You do have to be more careful. THIS IS DEFINITELY FOR PEOPLE WHO KNOW THEIR SEXUAL PARTNER WELL. ITS ABOUT TRUST. You can't just bang it out like in the movies haha! I do pregnancy tetss every 3 months just in case pre cum has snuck in (it's very unlikely this gets you pregnant especially if your partner is aware of this. but worth thinking about) Overall, Chefs Kiss - but i do sometimes miss he cumming inside me ! BUT WON'T GO BACK


Very positive mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Withdrawal or pull out method  
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  22nd Feb 24

Withdrawal or pull out method  

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


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Withdrawal or pull out method  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  15th Feb 24

Withdrawal or pull out method  

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


Implant reviews

590 reviews

Implant  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  4 days ago

Nexplanon implant  

50/50 experience overall. My skin improved to the point where it is clear aside from the occasional hormonal spot. Definitely would recommend if you’re like me and always forget to take the pill daily. I don’t get periods but when I do I bleed for about 2-3 weeks heavily. I have noticed some weight gain but nothing to be worried about. My boobs have grown 2 whole cup sizes. No mood changes as far as I’m aware. The implant insertion process was quick and painless so nothing to worry about there.


Improved skin

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Nexplanon implant  

Due to a family history of thrombosis I was advised against the combined pill which at the time was still the most common option, so the implant seemed a good choice. Whilst it was convenient in that it was long lasting and easily fitted, with no horrendous side effects, with the conversation about choices becoming more open I realised that I had been putting up with side effects which were gradually getting me down - irregular bleeding and low libido (possibly connected!) made regular sex with my partner less easy and fun than it should be, and I found that the more I exercised the more I bled, and I wanted to exercise more. I decided to switch to the copper IUD to experience a normal cycle again without the hormones, and am very happy I changed.


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  5th Nov 24

Implant  

Ever since using this form of contrception i get twice my period in one month and feels like stabing pains now and then in my stomach but not all the time. I was recommended the implant after i had my miscarriage Moody sometimes but other than that i guess its safe to have the implant in like its said everyones body is different


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  4 days ago

Nexplanon implant  

50/50 experience overall. My skin improved to the point where it is clear aside from the occasional hormonal spot. Definitely would recommend if you’re like me and always forget to take the pill daily. I don’t get periods but when I do I bleed for about 2-3 weeks heavily. I have noticed some weight gain but nothing to be worried about. My boobs have grown 2 whole cup sizes. No mood changes as far as I’m aware. The implant insertion process was quick and painless so nothing to worry about there.


Improved skin

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Nexplanon implant  

Due to a family history of thrombosis I was advised against the combined pill which at the time was still the most common option, so the implant seemed a good choice. Whilst it was convenient in that it was long lasting and easily fitted, with no horrendous side effects, with the conversation about choices becoming more open I realised that I had been putting up with side effects which were gradually getting me down - irregular bleeding and low libido (possibly connected!) made regular sex with my partner less easy and fun than it should be, and I found that the more I exercised the more I bled, and I wanted to exercise more. I decided to switch to the copper IUD to experience a normal cycle again without the hormones, and am very happy I changed.


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  5th Nov 24

Implant  

Ever since using this form of contrception i get twice my period in one month and feels like stabing pains now and then in my stomach but not all the time. I was recommended the implant after i had my miscarriage Moody sometimes but other than that i guess its safe to have the implant in like its said everyones body is different


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  28th Oct 24

Nexplanon implant  

Worked well as a contraception, but in the year I had it in for I probably had about 30 days only without any bleeding or spotting. I also trialled taking the mini pill alongside the implant to try and reduce the bleeding but this had no effect. I had thrush multiple times throughout the year I had the implant, and had never had it before. My mood was the worst it had ever been, but there had been other life changes going on at the time which may have contributed.


Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  11th Oct 24

Nexplanon implant  

I’ve had multiple cycles in which I bled for around 3 week straight and multiple where I just missed my period altogether. I’ve gained lots of weight and have gone up 3 cup sizes since having it. I’ve also developed severe acne problems since having it, similar to the issues I had with the Desogestrel pill. It’s honestly been much worse than I expected.


Worse skin

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  11th Oct 24

Nexplanon implant  

I enjoyed the convenience of this birth control but the side effects are not worth it. My mood has been like a roller coaster every day and I have had debilitating anxiety after being on this contraception for nearly 2 years. The constant spotting and light cramps are awful and the cystic acne and constant breast pain are too. It is very effective at preventing pregnancy though.


Very negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  19th Sep 24

Nexplanon implant  

I've had nexplanon for nearly 3 years and I will most likely get it again and recommend it to others. Whilst everyone's body is different, my body hasn't had an awful reaction with the implant. When I had it inserted I had two extremely light periods in the beginning and since then I have had no periods. I would say the only thing I have struggled with personally is the weight gain, however I have a bad relationship with food and my body so take it with a grain of salt! When I had it inserted I was underweight and in the nearly 3 years I've had it, I have gained enough to be classed on the "higher end of a normal BMI" (whatever that really means because the BMI is a load of BS). My boobs have grown- probably because of the weight gain, and I do get occasional mild cramping. Whilst this is the negative side not my experience, it has also been nice to not worry about pregnancy after having sex and it has made things A LOT easier. Overall 9/10. Please remember everyone's experiences are different. My experience might be the complete opposite of someone else's. If you feel like a form of contraception isn't working or is making your life horrible because of the side effects, please try something else. It's trial and error!


Gained weight

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  5th Sep 24

Nexplanon implant  

Whilst the second and third years on the implant mellowed me out a bit as a mentally unwell girly (struggle to regulate my emotions), the first year was pretty bad now I look back on it-i was quite depressed although unsure if this was due to the implant. I never had any periods, except for some rare light spotting for a couple of days every 6 months or so. No other symptoms really except for some weight gain and boob enlargement. My libido was a bit lower as well imo.


Somewhat positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  25th Aug 24

Nexplanon implant  

This was by far the best contraceptive method I've used. Discreet, reliable and gave me no issues. Had 2 of these over several years.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  6th Aug 24

Nexplanon implant  

It was great for the first few years, I had no bleeding and didn’t notice any mood problems. After the first time I got it changed, I had constant problems with bleeding on and off. I ended up taking the mini pill on top to stop bleeding which caused horrible dryness, which was very uncomfortable. I didn’t notice my mood getting worse or my sex drive disappearing over the following 6 years, but a few days after I got it out I could feel this weighty sense of dread leaving my body. This contraception was effective insofar as it prevented pregnancy, but it’s hard to tell how much of that was just me never wanting to have sex.


Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Contraceptive alternatives and comparisons

Compare the Withdrawal or pull out method with other contraceptives

Order online

Order online now

Use our online prescription in under 5 mins

  • No GP appointment needed

  • Free standard delivery

Speak to a doctor

Not sure yet? Speak to a doctor

Schedule an appointment now

87% of women are happier with their contraceptive choice after speaking with one of The Lowdown's doctors

The Lowdown Footer

Women's health, reviewed.

Get the best women’s health info in your inbox

You are signing up to receive The Lowdown's latest findings and news in women's health. Your data will be used in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie policy

Built by doctors and experts

Our tools are made by medical professionals for your peace of mind

Our website uses affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click on them