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Contraception

Better Than Nothing or Savvy Risk-Reduction Practice? The Importance of Withdrawal

Authors

Rachel K. Jones, Guttmacher Institute Julie Fennell Jenny A. Higgins, University of Wisconsin–Madison Kelly Blanchard, Ibis Reproductive Health

Withdrawal is sometimes referred to as the contraceptive method that is "better than nothing." But, based on the evidence, it might more aptly be referred to as a method that is almost as effective as the male condom—at least when it comes to pregnancy prevention. If the male partner withdraws before ejaculation every time a couple has vaginal intercourse, about 4% of couples will become pregnant over the course of a year. However, more realistic estimates of typical use indicate that about 18% of couples will become pregnant in a year using withdrawal. These rates are only slightly less effective than male condoms, which have perfect- and typical-use failure rates of 2% and 17%, respectively.

First published on Contraception: June 1, 2009

Source / Available for Purchase
Better than nothing or savvy risk-reduction practice? The importance of withdra…

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Topic

United States

  • Contraception
  • HIV & STIs

Geography

  • Northern America: United States
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