In a world where gender equality and reproductive rights are gaining increasing recognition, it is imperative that men actively participate in family planning discussions and embrace family planning.
For the first 17 years of my marriage, I struggled with my husband over family planning and ensuring that we gave birth to planned children. Of course, at the age of 46, I didn’t want to be met on the streets heavily pregnant.
My body rejected all of the recommended family planning methods that I tried. These are not conversations that people will openly talk about, but I think the DNA conversation has come in so that conversations around sexual reproduction can be normalised.
As I planned to get married, my aunties made sex about satisfying a man, making sure that sex was always number one on the table regardless of other factors. I don’t think our Aunties have taken time to think about the women’s side, especially with the family planning involved and the demands children put on the bodies of women.
With getting pregnant with an IUD for my 5th child and bleeding due to it, it made sex unenjoyable. I proposed to my husband that he carry out a vasectomy, to which he replied that operations and pregnancy prevention are a woman’s business.
This broke my heart, and for almost a year I was scared and hurt to think about sex or even enjoy it. I was worried about getting pregnant with another unplanned child, yet we were not doing well financially. I had to do many side hustles to make sure that our family was provided for.
Thankfully, after 3 years of begging, he agreed to visit a doctor, and Dr. Peter Clerk, a Senior urologist, was kind enough to explain and demystify the perceptions and misconceptions around vasectomy.
He said that vasectomy, a safe and effective permanent contraceptive method for men, often remains a neglected topic. He added that the refusal for men to do vasectomy, especially in third-world countries, comes from the ignorance and misconceptions around it. There is a need to sensitise and emphasise its importance in the current landscape and encourage men to consider this progressive choice.
One common myth that Dr. Clerk pointed out is that vasectomy affects masculinity or sexual performance. On the contrary, vasectomy does not interfere with a man’s ability to have an erection, enjoy sexual intercourse, or experience orgasm. It merely prevents the release of sperm during ejaculation, ensuring contraception without altering sexual function.
He added that Men’s involvement in family planning decisions has the potential to strengthen relationships, improve communication, and promote equal responsibility. Vasectomy enables men to actively participate in family planning, supporting their partners and creating a conducive environment for shared decision-making. It offers couples the freedom to pursue their goals, enhance their quality of life, and promote the well-being of their existing children.
He added that its procedure is safe, simple, involves a relatively short recovery period, and can be performed on an outpatient basis. My husband, James, was able to do it, and we can testify that for the last 3 years we have enjoyed our sex without worries or limitations.
According to a report by FHI 360, a nonprofit human development organisation, over 88% of married women who reported a desire to limit future births in Uganda were using either short-term contraceptive methods or no method at all. Though use of permanent methods is relatively high in this population (8%) compared to other African nations, nearly all are female sterilisations, a more invasive sterilisation procedure than vasectomy. Injectables, which have a high rate of discontinuation due to side effects, represent nearly 40% of the contraceptives used by this population. Vasectomy offers a lifetime of contraceptive protection without fear of side effects.
Promoting Vasectomy in the Current DNA storm is ideal, considering that vasectomy assumes even greater significance. By undergoing vasectomy, men can take control of their reproductive choices, ensuring that they are fully aware of and involved in the creation of their biological families. In a world where paternity uncertainties can lead to emotional turmoil and legal complexities, a vasectomy can provide men with peace of mind and protect against potential DNA-related challenges.
As we progress towards a society that values gender equality, it is crucial to promote discussions around male contraception, including vasectomy. Encouraging men to consider vasectomy as a responsible choice fosters shared responsibility, strengthens relationships, and empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their reproductive futures. By embracing vasectomy, men can actively contribute to family planning and set a positive example for future generations, ultimately leading to a more equitable society.
