Let’s face it, choosing a contraceptive method is a hustle. Maybe you have tried pills and you ended up gaining weight or you are afraid of Intrauterine Device (IUD) because of all the myths surrounding it, and the condom is uncomfortable. You are enjoying the sex but you are not ready for a child or worse, a lifetime of pills because you contracted HIV.So what would your next option be?
You resort to one of the least effective but sweet methods; withdraw (coitus interruptus) or as we call it, pulling out. We know this is a popular method amongst the bazzukulu but here are 4 reasons why it’ll end in tears.
It leaves room for human error. This hit and run method requires a lot of skill. Targeting that ‘ka moment’ is not easy. It needs a veteran. There’s a high risk of incorrect use especially among young teens and sexually inexperienced men. Remember, it only takes one sperm to fertilize an egg. In order to practice this method properly, your partner has to pull out before ejaculation and ejaculate away from the genital areas.
It doesn’t prevent sexually transmitted diseases and Infections. Most STIs like herpes, genital warts are transmitted through skin to skin interaction. More to that, STIs like chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea can be carried in pre-cum. So clearly, you are saving nothing with the withdrawal method.
It’s only 78% effective. This percentage sounds okay because in high school it got you a good score but when compared to other 15 plus family planning methods, withdrawal falls far behind in effectiveness and this could mean trouble for you. Even condoms have a higher effectiveness rate of 85%.
It doesn’t prevent pregnancy. After the first round, if your partner doesn’t clean his penis well, there’s a possibility of getting pregnant from the sperm left from the first round. Clean your penis by urinating after the first round and be sure to wash your penis and hands to make sure no trace of semen is left there.
If you are trying to avoid getting pregnant, using additional methods of birth control like condoms, birth control pills, intrauterine device (IUD), the implant, or hormonal patches are all options that can be used in together with withdrawal.
If you are concerned about protection from STIs, you should consider using condoms, as they provide the highest level of protection for sexually active adults. Be sure to ask our Sauti Senga for advice on what method would work best for you or even how to use it.
The only good thing I can tell you about this method is that it’s free. But ‘Ka hot pink’ is cheaper than diapers.
