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Withdrawal (pull-out method): Side Effects & Benefits

Side Effects

The Positive

Here are some of the benefits of the pull-out method:

Free
No prescription necessary
No one (other than your partner) has to know you are using withdrawal
Can be used while breastfeeding
Can be used with another method to make it more effective

The Negative

There are no side effects to withdrawal. But there are some disadvantages to think about:

Can be messy
Difficult to do it every single time
May be harder to do if you've been drinking or are high
Not the most effective method
Doesn't protect against STIs

Articles & Videos

Provider Perspective
5 Myths About Pulling Out, Busted
Who you gonna call? Mythbusters!
Guys Guide
Withdrawal
"For it to be effective, you’ve got to have some serious skill."
Provider Perspective
Pull Out All the Stops: Doubling Up with Withdrawal
The oldest method of birth control is still going strong—and it plays well with others.
Article
The Perfect Threesome: Pulling Out + Spermicide + Caya
The new Caya diaphragm pairs well with some spermicide and the oldest birth control method.

More Articles & Videos

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The Right Time Health Centers

Our partner health centers are focused on you. They provide access to all methods of birth control and free or low-cost birth control to those who need it.