Family Planning

• About Family Planning
• Why is family planning important to you as an individual?

Birth Control Methods and Choices

• Relative Effectiveness of Birth Control Methods
• Abstinence
• Contraceptive Implant
• Intrauterine Contraception
• Progestin-only Contraceptives
• Combined Hormonal Methods
• Emergency Contraception
• Breastfeeding
• Natural Family Planning or Fertility Awareness Methods
• Barrier Methods
• Withdrawal
• No Method
• Sterilization

Making a decision about your pregnancy

• Overview
• Disclaimer
• Fetal Development
• Pregnancy
• Adoption
• Abortion Methods
• Family Planning
• Resources
• Glossary
• References

Health Provider Resources

• FAQ
• Signature Form
• ITOP Form
• Printable Version of the Informed Consent Website

Withdrawal

Withdrawal may be effective in preventing pregnancy. Withdrawal works by keeping the sperm apart from the egg. This is accomplished when the man withdraws his penis from the woman’s vagina before having an orgasm. During orgasm the sperm are released in the fluid coming from the man’s penis. If any of the fluid is released into the vagina or the woman’s genital area, there may be risk of pregnancy.

Advantages of withdrawal to avoid unplanned pregnancy include:

• It is very safe.
• There is no cost.
• No hormones are needed.
• No chemicals are needed.

Possible disadvantages and side effects of withdrawal include:

• Withdrawal requires skill and may be difficult for some couples.
• Withdrawal offers no protection from HIV/AIDS or other STDs such as Chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis, warts, hepatitis, or HPV.

Possible health risks include:

• There are no known risks.

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