| Abstract: | Although family planning programs pay almost no attention to the validity of coitus interruptus (withdrawal), it is a traditional method of family planning widely used to regulate fertility in Pakistan. Large-scale quantitative studies conducted in recent years in Pakistan by the Population Council have indicated that withdrawal is the most popular temporary method of fertility regulation in the country, second among all methods only to female sterilization. Pakistani couples use withdrawal mainly because they believe that modern methods are unsafe for women and unreliable. They have some fears and misconceptions about modern methods. The method may work well in Pakistan also because users seem to feel that they own it. Withdrawal is therefore a reasonable option given Pakistanis' beliefs and circumstances. Those who use withdrawal in Pakistan practice the technique with considerable efficacy and tend to continue using it. Furthermore, couples which use withdrawal have discussed their family planning preferences and decided together to use the method. However, in order to improve the use of modern methods of contraception, information provision, counseling, and interpersonal communication must be improved. |
