While it takes both a sperm and an egg to have a baby, Mzansi men seem to know rather little about the risks and challenges associated with contraception. Also, the burden of pregnancy nearly always falls on women alone.

A Health For Mzansi reader, Mcebisi Ntozinde (27), says he is an exception to the rule, though. He understands that contraceptives are a drug that can either be injected or ingested. It is often prescribed by a gynaecologist and used as a preventative measure for pregnancy.
“My girlfriend has been using the injection and she has been complaining since,” says Ntozinde, who lives in Kraaifontein in the Western Cape. “I think it is messing with her [menstrual] cycle and mood swings. She informed me that she fears the implant and vaginal ring.”
“[Also,] I know that women are supposed to consult the doctor for the best birth control advice. Besides knowing about their health concerns, we have no business telling women how they should live their lives.”
What do you know about contraceptives?
Siya Mjwara (27), also from Gqberha, knows contraceptives are used as a preventative measure for women to avoid getting pregnant. “I don’t know how doctors decide for the ladies which contraceptive are the best for them, but I know that you get tablets, injections and implants.”
“I know that tablets are different. There are some that are taken daily, and I think that the injection makes the ladies gain weight.”
As a single man, Mjwara says he always makes sure to ask women he sleeps with if they are on the pill or not. He reveals that he does this because he has enough kids already.

Contraceptives are a shared responsibility

Head of obstetrics and gynaecology at Gqeberha’s Dora Nginza Hospital, Professor Mfundo Mabenge, says men need to understand that contraceptives impacts both the reproductive and general health of women.
“They should learn the effects, mechanism of action, the benefits and the complications related to contraceptives, so that they can play a role in encouraging women to use contraception.”
However, the choice to take contraception is entirely that of women, he argues. “Some women would decline contraceptives such as tubal ligation or even injection because men are opposed to these. Often bilateral tubal ligation is declined by women who mostly cite the issue of first consulting her partner before doing so.”
Apart from the control and prevention of childbirth, non-contraceptive benefits include the reduction of ovarian cysts, improving acne, regulating menstrual cycle and preventing breast lumps.
Men can also use contraceptives like barrier methods such as condoms. This is essential in the prevention of sexually transmitted disease.
While not very popular in Mzansi, Mbenge adds that, “Vasectomy is an effective contraception for men. Intrauterine contraceptive, previously referred to as a loop, is useful and can be effectively used by many women regardless of age and parity for contraception.”
Mbenge urges men to seek more information about contraception. “The information as well as contraceptives [must] be made available in malls where people can easily gain access there to. This should be our second nature, and teenagers should be well taught about contraceptives and the various methods available too.”