WITHDRAWAL
IT HAPPENS IN THE MOMENT.
A TEST OF YOUR TIMING
There's no science involved in the withdrawal method, probably because it pre-dates science as we know it. It simply involves the man removing his penis from the vagina before climax. It requires a lot of self-control and trust, and therefore it can be a pretty unreliable method of contraception. Not all sperm are released when a man ejaculates, so even if he pulls out before orgasm, you could still get pregnant.
The withdrawal method involves a lot of control on the part of the man, who must be aware of when he is reaching climax so he pulls out when ejaculation can no longer be postponed. Pre-ejaculate, or 'pre-cum', contains some sperm, and as such your doctor or nurse will likely not recommend it as a method of contraception.
HOW IT MEASURES UP
DOES THE WITHDRAWAL METHOD ALSO WORK WHEN I’M OVULATING?
Since the efficacy of the withdrawal method is so low, and since fertility is at its highest in the few days before and after ovulation, it is not recommended to use the withdrawal method as the only method of contraception during this time.
CAN I GET PREGNANT EVEN IF MY PARTNER PULLS OUT CORRECTLY?
Yes. It takes a single sperm to fertilise an egg, and some are released before orgasm. Also, sperm can survive for up to 6 hours outside the body, and they can be transferred to the vagina by other means and still cause pregnancy.
HOW DO YOU USE THE WITHDRAWAL METHOD CORRECTLY?
To pull out correctly, the man must withdraw his penis from the vagina prior to ejaculation, ensuring that no ejaculate makes contact with, or gets near, the vagina. Sperm are able to survive for up to 6 hours outside the body, so it is important to ensure no ejaculate makes contact with the vagina in this time. Since some sperm are released prior to orgasm, the withdrawal method is not the most reliable method of contraception because it is not easy to ensure no sperm enter the vagina.
CAN YOU BECOME PREGNANT FROM PRE-EJACULATION?
It is possible, as pre-ejaculation contains sperm.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Make an appointment with your doctor or nurse today.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
6%
The percentage of women in unions who use withdrawal as their primary contraceptive.
1
SPERM
A sperm is all it takes to fertilize an egg.
6
HOURS
The length of time sperm can live outside the body.
- It’s hormone-free and can be an option for women who experience unwanted effects from hormones.
- It can be used when breastfeeding.
- It’s self-directed.
- It requires the male partner to have perfect timing to be at all effective, which can be risky.
- It interrupts sex.
- It doesn’t protect against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
NEED ADVICE? SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.
Seek out an appointment with your doctor or nurse for further support that meets your needs.
