What is coitus interruptus?
Coitus interruptus means that the penis is withdrawn from the vagina shortly before ejaculation and the ejaculation occurs outside. Colloquially this is called the pull‑out or withdrawal method. The aim is to keep sperm away from the vaginal area.
The method only works if it is performed correctly every time. It therefore depends not on a product but on timing, bodily control and reliable repetition.
A factual description and context is available from national sexual health information services. familienplanung.de: Withdrawal (unterbrochener Geschlechtsverkehr)
How effective is the pull‑out method?
In contraception the difference between perfect use and typical use is decisive. Perfect use means it is done correctly every single time. Typical use accounts for small mistakes, stress, alcohol, poor communication or an underestimated tipping point.
- Perfect use: about 4 out of 100 people will become pregnant within a year.
- Typical use: about 22 out of 100 people will become pregnant within a year.
These magnitudes are reported in large reviews of method effectiveness and are the main reason why withdrawal alone is considered too unreliable for many couples. CDC: Contraceptive effectiveness
Why the method often fails in practice
The most common problems are not lack of knowledge but situations where the body is faster than the plan. Withdrawal is a method that requires maximum precision at the moment of highest arousal.
- The tipping point is underestimated and withdrawal happens too late.
- Ejaculate reaches the vulva or vaginal opening, even without full ejaculation inside the vagina.
- Agreements are unclear, especially with new partners or when things become rushed.
- Alcohol, cannabis or strong stress reduce control and attention.
- Multiple rounds in quick succession increase the risk of incorrect assumptions about residual fluids.
There is also a psychological point: if the method has often worked before, a false sense of security can develop. Biology is not retroactive, and luck is not a strategy.
Pre-ejaculate: the part you cannot reliably control
Pre-ejaculate is a clear fluid that can appear before ejaculation. It does not always contain relevant amounts of sperm. The problem is nevertheless real: sperm can remain in the urethra from a previous ejaculation and later be carried out in small amounts.
For practical purposes the key point is not how often this happens but that it cannot be ruled out with certainty. Therefore withdrawal, even with good control, is not a method that can be switched on and off like a switch.
No protection against STIs
Withdrawal does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Transmission can occur via mucous membranes, skin contact and bodily fluids, even without ejaculation into the vagina. If STI protection is relevant, condoms are the foundation.
This is especially true with new or multiple partners and whenever test status or exclusivity have not been clearly discussed.
Who might withdrawal suit and who not?
The method is not automatically pointless. It is, however, highly dependent on how high the need for protection is and how well communication and self‑control work in reality.
More suitable when
- a pregnancy is not planned but would not be catastrophic if it occurred.
- you are in a stable relationship and communicate very clearly.
- you use a second method in addition or are prepared to act quickly after a mishap.
Less suitable when
- pregnancy must be avoided at all costs.
- you often have sex under the influence of alcohol, drugs or high stress.
- STI protection is an issue.
- the thought of a mishap causes you significant distress.
Alternatives and sensible combinations
If you want the least effort possible, ask honestly: do you want a method that requires perfect control at the deciding moment, or one that remains reliable with typical use?
Combinations that often work better in practice
- Condoms as a base and withdrawal as an extra safety layer.
- A reliable method as the standard and withdrawal only as a backup if something goes wrong.
- A clear emergency plan instead of hoping it will be fine.
If you want a sense of how much typical effectiveness differs between methods, large reviews are helpful because they reflect this everyday gap. Planned Parenthood: Effectiveness of withdrawal
Mishaps: what really matters
Many only seek an assessment after it has already felt uncertain. In those situations clarity is more important than reassurance.
- If ejaculate has entered the vagina, that is a relevant risk.
- If ejaculate contacted the vulva or vaginal opening, that is also not trivial.
- The sooner you act if needed, the better the options.
Practically this means: people using withdrawal should not only know the method but also how to get quick medical advice or emergency options if uncertain.
When professional advice is sensible
Advice is sensible if pregnancy must be avoided, if mishaps happen repeatedly or if fear of pregnancy affects your sex life. The same applies if there are STI risks or if you are unsure about choosing methods and emergency planning.
Conclusion
Withdrawal is better than no method at all, but as sole contraception it is often too unreliable for everyday use. Typical use is considerably more error‑prone than many expect, pre‑ejaculate cannot be controlled reliably and the method offers no STI protection. People who use withdrawal should assess it realistically, combine it where possible and not downplay mishaps.
