Coitus interruptus, also known as withdrawal, is a traditional family planning method in which the man completely removes his penis from the vagina, and away from the external genitalia of the female partner before he ejaculates. Coitus interruptus prevents sperm from entering the woman’s vagina, thereby preventing contact between spermatozoa and the ovum.

This method might be appropriate for couples

• who are highly motivated and able to use this method effectively;
• with religious or philosophical reasons for not using other methods of contraception;
• who need contraception immediately and have entered into a sexual act without alternative methods available;
• who need a temporary method while awaiting the start of another method; or
• who have intercourse infrequently.

Some benefits of coitus interruptus are that the method, if used correctly, does not affect breastfeeding and is always available for primary use or use as a back-up method. In addition, coitus interruptus involves no economic cost or use of chemicals and has no directly associated health risks. Coitus interruptus does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and women using this method should be counseled that consistent and correct use of the male latex condom reduces the risk for transmission of HIV and other STDs. Use of female condoms can provide protection from transmission of STDs, although data are limited.

Coitus interruptus is unforgiving of incorrect use, and its effectiveness depends on the willingness and ability of the couple to use withdrawal with every act of intercourse. Women with conditions that make pregnancy an unacceptable risk should be advised that coitus interruptus might not be appropriate for them because of its relatively higher typical-use failure rates.

While having intercourse, before ejaculating, a person pulls the penis out of the partner’s vagina and away from the partner’s genitals (sex organs). It prevents fertilization by not allowing semen (and sperm) to enter the vagina so that sperm does not reach the egg.

Advantages of withdrawal

• Withdrawal has no health risks or side effects.
• It is free.
• It is an acceptable method for some couples with religious preferences related to the use of birth control.

Drawbacks of withdrawal

• Withdrawal does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV. Always use a condom to reduce the risk of STDs.
• A person may not be able to consistently withdraw their penis before they ejaculate.
• Interruption of the sexual excitement phase may decrease pleasure.

The effectiveness of using withdrawal depends on using it correctly and consistently —specifically on the ability to withdraw the penis before ejaculation. With typical use, 20 women out of 100 will become pregnant in the first year of use. People who are less experienced with using this method or who have a difficult time knowing when they will ejaculate will have a greater risk of failure.

Not very! Withdrawal is when a man takes his penis out of a woman's vagina (or "pulls out") before he ejaculates, or has an orgasm. This stops the sperm from going to the egg. "Pulling out" can be hard for a man to do. It takes a lot of self-control.

Even if you use withdrawal, sperm can be released before the man pulls out. When a man's penis first becomes erect, pre-ejaculate fluid may be on the tip of the penis. This fluid has sperm in it. So you could still get pregnant.

Withdrawal does not protect you from STIs or HIV.