maria talks :: (877) MA-SEX-ED

Got questions about birth control or emergency contraception?
Call the Massachusetts Sexual Health Helpline at (877) MA-SEX-ED (877) 627-3933

home > birth control > pulling out

ask Maria resources about Maria

return to previous page

Pulling out means taking the penis out of the vagina before a man cums (ejaculates), in order to keep the sperm from reaching an egg. It is also sometimes called withdrawal or coitus interruptus.

It does NOT prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Male and female condoms are the only forms of birth control that also offer protection against STIs.

None.

It can be difficult for a guy to know when he’s about to cum (especially younger guys) and he may not be able to pull out quick enough. Another common problem is that sometimes people change their mind during sex and decide they don’t want to pull out. If you feel comfortable you may want to have a conversation with your partner around what would happen if someone changed their mind during sex. Generally, when it’s used by itself pulling out is one of the least effective forms of birth control, but it’s better then nothing! Some people use it in combination with another form of birth control.

It’s about 73% effective.

Nothing.

The guy takes his penis out of the vagina before he cums. The trick is that he has to know how close he is to cumming (which not all guys do!). When he feels he is close, he pulls his penis out and cums far enough away from the woman’s vagina to make sure no cum (semen) gets in.

It is REALLY important to know that even if he pulls out there may still be pre-cum (the fluid that can come out of the penis before a guy cums) and can get a woman pregnant!

return to previous page

Barrier Methods
Diaphragm/Cervical Caps/Shields
Condoms
Sponge

Hormonal Methods
The Shot
Implants
The Patch
The Pill
The Ring

Behavioral Methods
Abstinence
Outercourse
Pulling Out

Other Methods
IUD
Spermicide
Sterilization