By Nafisatu Olayinka Deen
Freetown, 14th September, 2026– At the heart of conversations among Sierra Leone’s youth, one phrase keeps surfacing: “My pull-out game is top notch.” It’s a boast, a cultural trend, but according to medical experts the least reliable contraceptive method in practice today.
Coitus interruptus, commonly known as the withdrawal or pull-out method, involves removing the penis before ejaculation to prevent sperm from entering the vagina. While widely practiced among young people, doctors warn it is far from foolproof.
James Flexx, a young man in Freetown, says many prefer the method because it feels more natural. “There is the concept of ‘Dry Dry’, people believe sex is sweeter without condoms or anything that interferes with skin-to-skin contact,” he explained.
Flexx added that some women avoid contraceptives due to side effects. “Condoms can cause itching or discomfort, and hormonal contraceptives sometimes affect menstrual cycles or body weight,” he said.
For Philip Kanu, the appeal lies in simplicity. “Withdrawal is free, easy, and doesn’t require planning. Some men feel embarrassed buying condoms or think they reduce pleasure,” he noted.
But Kanu is quick to add a warning: “It’s not reliable. Pre-ejaculate can contain sperm, and mistakes happen. Plus, it offers zero protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).”
Dr. Davida Sesay, a gynaecologist in training, is blunt: “Withdrawal is the least reliable contraceptive method. Pre-ejaculation can still cause pregnancy, and it does not protect against STIs or STDs.”
Her advice is clear: “Do not let a few minutes of pleasure leave you with consequences you are not ready to handle.”
Beyond biology, social influences play a role. Kanu observed that young men often brag about their “perfect timing.” Peer pressure, cultural beliefs, and limited open discussion about sexual health reinforce the practice.
“Friends share experiences that make withdrawal seem safe or normal,” he said, adding that misconceptions about contraception fuel risky choices.
While the pull-out method remains popular among Sierra Leone’s youth, experts stress that its consequences are often far from pleasant. Unplanned pregnancies, disrupted education, and exposure to STIs are real risks.
As Dr. Sesay reminds: “The pull-out game may sound trendy, but science says it’s unreliable. Safer options exist ones that protect both health and future.”
