Withdrawal method (coitus interruptus)

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Risks

By Mayo Clinic staff

Using the withdrawal method to prevent pregnancy doesn't pose any direct risks, but it doesn't offer protection from sexually transmitted diseases. It requires considerable self control to interrupt coitus at the peak of excitement and some couples feel that withdrawal disrupts sexual pleasure. Also, some men may have difficulty predicting when they will ejaculate.

As many as 22 out of 100 women who practice the withdrawal method for one year will get pregnant.

What you can expect Why it's done
References
  1. Hatcher RA, et al. Contraceptive Technology. 20th ed. New York, N.Y.: Ardent Media Inc.; 2011.
  2. Zieman M. Overview of contraception. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 2, 2012.
  3. Harms RW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 6, 2012.
MY01050 March 14, 2012

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