Using Withdrawal

Can be used at any time.
Effectiveness depends on the willingness and ability of the couple to use withdrawal with every act of intercourse.

Explaining How to Use

When the man feels close to ejaculating	He should withdraw his penis from the woman’s vagina and ejaculate outside the vagina, keeping his semen away from her external genitalia.
If the man has ejaculated recently	Before sex he should urinate and wipe the tip of his penis to remove any semen remaining.

Learning proper use can take time	Suggest the couple also use another method until the man feels that he can use withdrawal correctly with every act of sex.
Greater protection from pregnancy is available	Suggest an additional or alternative family planning method. (Couples who have been using withdrawal effectively should not be discouraged from continuing.)
Some men may have difficulty using withdrawal	Men who cannot sense consistently when ejaculation is about to occur. Men who ejaculate prematurely.
Can use emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs)	Explain ECP use in case a man ejaculates before withdrawing (see Chapter 3 – Emergency Contraceptive Pills). Give ECPs if available.