Pulling out
Contraception with a side of suspense.
Gets a C+ in pregnancy prevention.
The cheat Sheet
Common brand names
Pulling out
Preventing pregnancy
It’s not as effective as other methods, but it's better than doing nothing at all. Typical use is around 78% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Starting on this method
You can start using the withdrawal method at any time, but it relies on trust, perfect timing and the person with a penis pulling out before ejaculation - every single time.
Lasts for
The duration of sex and must be repeated correctly every time to be effective.
Hormones
No synthetic hormones
STIs
No protection against STIs
Periods
No change to your period
Acne/skin
Doesn’t impact skin
Mood/emotions
No effect on mood
Pregnancy after removal
It is possible to get pregnant during and after pulling out.
Visibility
The only thing visible is the person physically pulling out.
Financial investment
Completely free
The pull out method works exactly as it sounds; the penis is pulled out of the vagina before ejaculation to stop sperm from getting anywhere near an egg. No sperm in the vagina equals less chance of pregnancy. Simple in theory, but it relies on timing, control, and zero distractions.
If there’s a round two, remember that there still could be sperm lingering on the penis, in the urethra, or on hands. So before diving back in, make sure there's a quick toilet break and a good rinse: pee, wash the penis, and scrub those hands with soap like you just chopped chilli.
It’s a bit of a controversial method, some experts don’t even count it as proper contraception because it’s not clinically recommended as a reliable way to prevent pregnancy. But let’s be real: people are doing it anyway, so better to be informed than unprepared.
The more you know, the better choices you can make for your body, your life, and your Plan A, B, or C.
- The timing of a Cirque du Soleil performer, you’ve gotta know exactly when you’re about to cum.
- Couples who are on the same page, communicate openly, and are okay with a bit of calculated risk (to baby or not to baby?)
- Those after a hormone-free, no-frills option who are cool with rolling the dice occasionally and keeping a condom or emergency plan tucked in the drawer, just in case.
- Pre-cum can contain sperm, especially if there’s been a recent ejaculation and no toilet trip in between. So even the pre-party carries pregnancy potential.
- All the responsibility sits with the penis owner(s), they need to know exactly when to pull out, and actually do it in time. That’s a lot of pressure (and not ideal if nerves or distractions are involved).
- Aftercare is a must! If there’s going to be a second round, or hands/toys are involved post-ejaculation, make sure there’s a toilet break and a solid soap-and-water wash first.
The not-so-fun stuff
The good news is that there are no side effects or health concerns with this method.
The downsides to pulling out
Especially if you or your partner/s experience premature ejaculation. This method only works if withdrawal happens every single time, before any ejaculation.
Relying on this method alone can create anxiety about pregnancy risk and whether your partner will actually pull out in time.
If you or your partner(s) aren’t monogamous and tested, you’ll need another form of protection like condoms.
The logistics
Conversation Starters
Contraception chats don’t have to be awkward. Just a couple thoughtful adults who value their body and their partners. You don’t need a script, a candlelit setting, or a 12 slide PowerPoint. You just need the confidence to say, “Hey, can we chat about contraception for a sec?” and the trust that anyone worth having sex with will appreciate that you brought it up.
Contraception chats don’t have to be awkward. Just a couple thoughtful adults who value their body and their partners. You don’t need a script, a candlelit setting, or a PowerPoint. You just need the confidence to say, “Hey, can we chat about contraception for a sec?” and the trust that anyone worth having sex with will appreciate that you brought it up.
Troubleshooting: The withdrawal method
Okay first, breathe. It happens to the best of us! If ejaculation happened inside the vagina (or really close to it), pregnancy is possible.
However, you’ve got options - if you don’t want to become pregnant, you can consider using emergency contraception (like the morning-after pill), which is most effective the sooner it’s taken, ideally within 3-5 days.
Also, don’t douche (or spray water up your vagina), it doesn’t reduce pregnancy risk and can actually increase the risk of infections.
If there’s any doubt about timing, for example, ejaculation happened just as withdrawal began, pregnancy is still a possibility. Don’t leave it up to chance (also for your anxiety levels!). Consider using emergency contraception as a backup, just to be on the safe side.
That’s valid. Withdrawal can come with a mental load, constantly thinking about timing, risk, and whether your partner is in sync. If the anxiety is making things stressful, consider pairing it with another method (like condoms or FAM) or exploring something more reliable.
Where this info comes from
This page was created using guidance from trusted Australian and international health organisations, clinical guidelines, and peer-reviewed research. These sources support the medical accuracy, accessibility, and lived experience approach behind this content.
- Otten, C. (2021). The sex ed you never had. Allen & Unwin.
