December 2025 — Dalena Reporters
Medical and reproductive‑health experts have cautioned couples against relying on the withdrawal method for family planning, stressing that modern contraceptives remain the safest and most effective option for preventing unintended pregnancies and protecting maternal health.
According to health professionals interviewed by The PUNCH, the withdrawal method—commonly known as “pulling out”—offers no reliable protection against pregnancy and provides zero defence against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Experts warn that widespread dependence on the method continues to contribute to Nigeria’s high rate of unplanned pregnancies.
Speaking on the issue, reproductive‑health specialists explained that withdrawal is prone to failure because pre‑ejaculatory fluid can contain sperm, making conception possible even when intercourse is interrupted before ejaculation. “From a medical standpoint, withdrawal is one of the least dependable methods of family planning,” one expert noted.
Health practitioners emphasized that modern contraceptive methods—including condoms, oral pills, injectables, implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and emergency contraception—are scientifically tested, regulated, and far more effective when used correctly. Condoms, in particular, were highlighted for their dual benefit of preventing pregnancy and reducing the risk of STIs, including HIV.
Experts also linked the low uptake of modern contraceptives in Nigeria to myths, misinformation, cultural beliefs, and fear of side effects, noting that many of these concerns are unfounded or manageable with proper medical guidance. They urged couples to seek counselling from trained healthcare providers rather than relying on hearsay or unverified information.
Public‑health data show that unintended pregnancies remain a major driver of unsafe abortions and maternal mortality in the country. Specialists argue that improving access to accurate information and affordable contraceptives is essential to reducing preventable deaths among women of reproductive age.
Family‑planning advocates further stressed that contraceptive use supports economic stability and child welfare, enabling families to space births, plan resources, and improve overall quality of life. “Family planning is not just a health issue; it is a development issue,” an expert explained.
The professionals called on government agencies, faith‑based organizations, and community leaders to intensify public education campaigns, particularly targeting young people and rural communities where misinformation remains widespread.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with population growth and strained healthcare systems, experts insist that promoting modern contraceptives—rather than unreliable traditional methods—remains critical to achieving better reproductive‑health outcomes nationwide.