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Contraception
Volume 79, Issue 6
June 2009 Pages 407 - 410

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

Rachel K. Jones,Guttmacher Institute
Julie Fennell
Jenny A. Higgins,University of Wisconsin–Madison
Kelly Blanchard,Ibis Reproductive Health
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First published online: June 1, 2009 DOI: https://doi.org//10.1016/j.contraception.2008.12.008

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.

Better than nothing or savvy risk-reduction practice? The importance of withdrawal

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Rachel K. Jones , Guttmacher Institute
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Topic

United States

  • Contraception
  • HIV & STIs

Geography

  • Northern America: United States
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