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Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers

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Family Planning

A GLOBAL HANDBOOK FOR PROVIDERS

CHAPTER 18
Withdrawal
Only the Essentials

Key Points for Providers and Clients
  • Always available in every situation. Can be used as a primary method or as a backup method.
  • Requires no supplies and no clinic or pharmacy visit.
  • One of the least effective contraceptive methods. Some men use this method effectively, however. Offers better pregnancy protection than no method at all.
  • Promotes male involvement and couple communication.
 

What Is Withdrawal?

  • The man withdraws his penis from his partner's vagina and ejaculates outside the vagina, keeping his semen away from her external genitalia.
  • Also known as coitus interruptus and "pulling out."
  • Works by keeping sperm out of the woman's body.