By Davida Spaine-Solomon
Freetown, 3rd November 2025- Let’s face it, if you say the word “masturbation” in public, someone will either cough awkwardly, pretend they didn’t hear you, or suddenly become fascinated by the ceiling. But here’s the truth: it’s happening. Quietly. Frequently. And yes, sometimes with a playlist.
In Sierra Leone, where sex talk is often reserved for hushed tones and side-eyes, masturbation remains one of the most misunderstood topics in human sexuality. But fear not—this isn’t a sermon, it’s a science-backed, faith-aware, and slightly cheeky attempt to break the silence.
The Medical Reality
Dr. Waheed Awonuga of the University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospital Complex describes masturbation as “self-stimulation of the sex organs to achieve arousal or orgasm.” Translation: your body doing what it was designed to do, without needing a partner or a wedding ring.
“It’s normal and healthy,” he says. “The brain releases pleasure hormones, your heart races, and you feel relaxed. It’s like a mini-vacation for your nervous system.”
But before you start planning a daily itinerary, Dr. Awonuga warns against overindulgence. “Too much of anything even chocolate or TikTok can become a problem. Excessive masturbation can lead to irritation, low self-esteem, or addiction.”
His advice? Talk about it. “Public education helps remove shame. The more we understand our bodies, the less we fear them.”
Dr. Kanu’s Take: No, It Doesn’t Cause Blindness
Dr. Mary Sathela Kanu of Connaught Hospital is here to bust myths like a superhero in a lab coat. “There’s no evidence that masturbation causes weakness, infertility, or erectile dysfunction,” she says. “The body is built to experience orgasm whether through sex or solo.”
Her golden rule: if it’s not interfering with your job, relationships, or ability to remember your password, it’s probably fine.
Real People, Real Talk
Amanda Grey (not her real name) says she’s team self-love. “Whenever I hear the word, I just remember the sweet orgasm I get from it,” she laughs. “It helps with stress. The only problem is when you start choosing it over actual human interaction.”
Philip Kamara finds comfort in the act. “I sleep better afterward. Whether it’s sinful or not that’s between me and my conscience.” Faith Boiam, however, wrestles with guilt. “It feels amazing, but afterward, I feel like I’ve betrayed my soul,” she confesses. “That’s why I stopped.”
And then there’s Hassan Bangura, who’s been at it since JSS 3. “Thirteen years strong,” he says proudly. “It’s self-pleasure, not sin.”
Religion Weighs In: Between Flesh and Faith
Pastor Samuel Conteh of New Life Ministries admits the church has been too silent. “We shout ‘sin!’ from the pulpit but forget to listen,” he says. “Young people are battling guilt alone. We need safe spaces to talk.”
He believes spiritual emptiness can’t be filled by physical pleasure, but also that judgment won’t help anyone. Imam Ridwan offers a firmer stance. “Islam condemns masturbation,” he says. “Marriage is the proper channel for sexual fulfillment.” But even he agrees that silence is dangerous. “If we don’t talk, the internet will.”
So, What’s the Verdict?
Masturbation is not a moral disaster. It’s a biological function, a personal choice, and when done responsibly not the end of civilization. Whether you see it as sinful, soothing, or somewhere in between, one thing is clear: the silence has done more harm than good. So let’s talk. Let’s laugh. Let’s learn. And maybe, just maybe, let’s stop pretending we don’t know what that word means.
Because in the end, knowledge is power. And sometimes, it’s also pleasure.
