Withdrawal or pull out method vs Progestogen-only / Mini pill

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Withdrawal or pull out method

Add your withdrawal or pull out method review

Progestogen-only / Mini pill

£From £0.22/day

Overview

Rated 3.6

14 reviews

During or before sex

Frequency

80% - 96%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Rated 2.7

1386 reviews

Daily

Frequency

91% - 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.

Progestogen-only / Mini pill ingredients

Main hormones in Progestogen-only / Mini pill

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

31% somewhat negative

44% stopped periods

49% lost sex drive

44% no impact

46% no impact on skin

Cycle return

38% don’t know impact

Benefits: What this contraceptive can help with

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

Period pain

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Add your withdrawal or pull out method review

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£From £0.22/day

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

2 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

2 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


Progestogen-only / Mini pill reviews

1386 reviews

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 day ago

Desogestrel pill  

I use this pill in combination with a copper coil and it has helped enormously with my PMDD symptoms. I used to really struggle around ovulation with feeling very unwell and now that I don’t have a cycle everything is a lot calmer. I’ve had some spotting and I’m sweating more but it’s much better than having hellish and painful periods. I now don’t have periods at all, which is so much less stressful. I feel like I can finally enjoy my life.


Somewhat positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  6 days ago

Norgeston pill  

I tried the mini pill after experiencing migraines after 6 years on the combined pill. First I tried Zelleta which gave me such low mood and tearful all the time, as well as constant spotting. I wanted to try Norgeston as the synthetic hormone is different. My mood definitely improved (although a little more anxious) and I’ve had no spotting, but my periods are so irregular, really close together and so heavy I can get through more than 3 pads a day. I’ve had 2 periods a month for the last few months and will end up with an iron deficiency at this rate! Running out of options


Somewhat negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Desogestrel pill  

I must say that this pill absolutely saved my life. Suffering from severe endometriosis pain & PMDD and it reversed the effects of that. I have control of my moods and body back and I’m so grateful. I must leave a positive review because it’s not all bad. The beginning was rocky with irregular bleeding but this stopped after 8 months or so. It was worth it.


Very positive mood

1 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 day ago

Desogestrel pill  

I use this pill in combination with a copper coil and it has helped enormously with my PMDD symptoms. I used to really struggle around ovulation with feeling very unwell and now that I don’t have a cycle everything is a lot calmer. I’ve had some spotting and I’m sweating more but it’s much better than having hellish and painful periods. I now don’t have periods at all, which is so much less stressful. I feel like I can finally enjoy my life.


Somewhat positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  6 days ago

Norgeston pill  

I tried the mini pill after experiencing migraines after 6 years on the combined pill. First I tried Zelleta which gave me such low mood and tearful all the time, as well as constant spotting. I wanted to try Norgeston as the synthetic hormone is different. My mood definitely improved (although a little more anxious) and I’ve had no spotting, but my periods are so irregular, really close together and so heavy I can get through more than 3 pads a day. I’ve had 2 periods a month for the last few months and will end up with an iron deficiency at this rate! Running out of options


Somewhat negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Desogestrel pill  

I must say that this pill absolutely saved my life. Suffering from severe endometriosis pain & PMDD and it reversed the effects of that. I have control of my moods and body back and I’m so grateful. I must leave a positive review because it’s not all bad. The beginning was rocky with irregular bleeding but this stopped after 8 months or so. It was worth it.


Very positive mood

1 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Zelleta pill  

I started using this pill to help with endometriosis symptoms. Instead of making me bleed less, I was bleeding every 12 days, and for about a week at a time which was exhausting and painful. I would also get night sweats and felt very low in mood at times. I tried it for 5 months but I couldn’t deal with 2 periods a month, so I have switched to a combined pill to see if that is any better.


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

1 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Desogestrel pill  

I was put on this pill after I suffered from bad migraines from the combined pill- I wanted to try contraception to tackle my low moods, PCOS and acne. I became so depressed over the course of about 3 months, to the point where I went to the GP to try and get some therapy/talk about possibly taking antidepressants. Straight away the GP was like 'oh just stop taking the pill'- I did and a few months later I felt normal again. Literally can't believe that GPs prescribe this stuff without giving you proper warning- I felt like an empty shell of a person for a few months literally all because of this pill.


Very negative mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
17 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Cerazette pill  

Positive


Somewhat positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Desogestrel pill  

i was put on this pill due to me being incredibly hormonal and 'hysterical' every month (on top of other issues i was facing). i was put on at 15-16 years of age i am now 18. my skin became more acne-like on cheeks and chin, whereas before it was just one or two. my breasts grew a lot, which was hard for me to come to terms with. thinking of coming off due to just 'having enough' and being worried about blood clots etc.


Somewhat positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
43 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Hana pill  

I've tried so many pills and was really hoping this one would be different but sadly not. I started on day one of normal period, stopped bleeding for a few days but then after being intimate with my husband I've been bleeding daily for 2 weeks. I know it says it can take months to settle, but I can't cope with 3 months of bleeding. It makes me miserable, I smell and constantly feel unclean. I wish I could find one that doesn't make me bleed.


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Cerelle pill  

I switched from Yasmin combined pill to Cerelle after getting a migraine with aura. I've been on Cerelle for about 4 months now. Overall, I'm quite happy - mood is stable and no periods. Howerver, my skin which is awful at the moment. This could be also related to coming off the combined pill though. I do feel my hair thinned initially and was VERY greasy, but that has subsided. I also had really bad BO which is probably the most upsetting side effect. I feel this is getting slightly better now. My doctor told me to have a period before starting this pill to reduce spotting, and it worked - my periods have stopped entirely.


Worse skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Desogestrel pill  

I have been on this pill for a little over 10 weeks with the hopes of it stopping my period altogether but I spent more time bleeding than not. Sometimes little bits here and there, sometimes a lot and for 10+ days at a time. I found myself having a lot of down days and googling PPD symptoms. The worst thing I noticed was the brain fog. My ability to remember things and speak clear and cohesive sentences was just obliterated. I’m on day 2 post stopping and it feels a little better already although I have started my withdrawal bleed. I know you should give your body at least 3 months to settle after starting but honestly that was enough time for me. I just hope my cycle goes back to normal fairly soon!


Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Contraceptive alternatives and comparisons

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