Withdrawal

Involves removing the penis from the vagina just before ejaculation.

Procedure:

Male partner withdraws his penis from the vagina when he feels he is about to ejaculate. Because ejaculation is hard to either predict or control, many men are not able to withdraw in time.

Effectiveness

This method has a high failure rate

Average cost

None

Pros

• Inexpensive, non-invasive, no side effects, no use of chemicals or devices
• Acceptable to people with some religious concerns about birth control

Cons

• High failure rate
• Does not protect against STI/HIV
• Reduces sexual pleasure for both partners

[ other forms of birth control ]