The term coitus interruptus comes from the Latin and means interrupted intercourse. In coitus interruptus (withdrawal, 'being careful') the penis is withdrawn from the vagina immediately before ejaculation. Ejaculation takes place outside the vagina.

The method calls for a lot of experience and self-control from the man.

How effective is coitus interruptus as a contraceptive method?

Coitus interruptus is an extremely unreliable method of contraception.

If a man is not used to the method he often does not manage to withdraw his penis from the vagina in time. Also, small amounts of sperm-containing fluid (precum) leak involuntarily from the penis before actual ejaculation.

When the man has ejaculated outside the vagina care must be taken not to introduce sperm into the vagina through other forms of contact (e.g. the hands).

The advantages of coitus interruptus

Viele Paare in der zweiten Lebenshälfte kommen auf den Coitus interruptus (das "Zurückziehen") zurück, da ältere Männer oft die Erfahrung und Selbstbeherrschung entwickelt hat, die diese Methode verlangt.

Die Methode sollte aber nur dann genutzt werden, wenn ein Paar die Unsicherheit der Methode und den mögliche Eintritt einer Schwangerschaft akzeptiert.

The disadvantages of coitus interruptus

Apart from the high failure rate of the method it is important to be aware that coitus interruptus interferes with the quality of lovemaking. The concentration and control that the method requires can detract considerably from the man's experience of the sexual climax. Women also often complain that coitus interruptus interferes significantly with the sexual experience.

But coitus interruptus can have other effects apart from reducing the quality of experience. Doctors sometimes attribute physical complaints and muscular tension to the tensing of blood vessels and muscles that can result from coitus interruptus.