Recent research has shown that the withdrawal method as a form of contraception isn’t as useless as commonly assumed. There is a  perception that using withdrawal (or “pulling out”) is as good as doing nothing (or “leave it in”), but most of us know this isn’t true at all — it has worked for most of us (although hard to prove), if not on a regular basis.

Taking hormones, using condoms and diaphragms doesn’t work well for everyone, for a plethora of reasons, making the withdrawal method a reasonably attractive choice for many.

A 2008 research paper published in Contraception magazine shows that withdrawal is only 2% less effective than condoms, go figure. Condoms have a 2% failure rate, withdrawal comes in with 4%. However, the real problems kick in when condoms, or withdrawal, are used incorrectly, pushing the total realistic failure rate up to almost 20%. In retrospective, performed properly, withdrawal is actually a scientifically proven, and fairly reliable contraception method for adults in committed sexual or romantic relationships. However, it isn’t called coitus interruptus for no reason: Pulling out interrupts the flow of sex, and some people might find this too interrupting.

Keep in mind that some positions are better suited than others for executing this method, as they allow easy removal of the penis, and can provide some nice visuals — you get a squirt on your breasts, buttocks and bellies, and can enjoy this aspect of lovemaking as well as feeling more secure in your choice of birth control. This is all a matter of taste, of course.

The Best Two Withdrawal Positions

The “Pull-out Puppy”

The Pull-out Puppy, also called doggy style offers not only easy removal of the penis. You know he’s in control, has free movement and can have more trust on his swift actions.