Share

Women still bear the burden of contraception in South Africa

According to Denise Hunt, Country Director at Marie Stopes men still tend to leave it up to women to initiate the use of contraceptives to prevent unplanned pregnancies.

This means women, who may be met with resistance or just plain apathy from partners, and who know that not using contraception or contraceptive failure have far greater personal consequences are being the initiators. 

“Although women encourage partners to become more involved, it is also empowering for women to take control of their fertility and overall sexual health.  

You could say that the burden of contraception on women is also liberating in a way. This means women can take contraceptive decisions into their own hands.”

New research from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on access to family planning across the world showed that two thirds (60%) of South African women aged between 16 and 49 used modern contraceptives.

This rate is much higher than the sub-Saharan average of 20% and quite close to the global average of 57%.Hunt says there is no doubt that the improving rate of contraceptive use is mostly thanks to the ladies.

“A lot of men still consider family planning to be the woman’s responsibility. Studies also suggest that it is a lack of knowledge that stops men from using contraception, while in some situations cultural or religious beliefs as well as myths about side effects also play a role. In some cases women are forced to secretly use contraception because their partners won’t cooperate.“

Thato Mokhethi,a professional nurse and  centre manager at the Marie Stopes Cape Town says men need to be engaged in family planning  from the start, and realise preventing an unwanted pregnancy is as much their responsibility as it is their partners.

“When in a relationship, both people ideally should openly discuss contraception, and make decisions around family planning and safe sex together,”


"Although short term contraceptive methods are still more common, longer term methods such as the IUCD or “loop” are also becoming more popular.

The highly effective contraceptive implant, soon to be launched in South Africa will provide women and couples with even more choice.

Contraception must be accessible, affordable and comfortable for couples to use, particularly in light of many men’s unwillingness.  Because of all the ‘set it and forget it’ options available now, it doesn’t have to be burdensome,” concludes Hunt.

Marie Stopes South Africa works to provide objective contraceptive advice and counseling.

At the 19 Marie Stopes centres around the country, anyone whose interested, or even a little nervous, can make an appointment to talk to a nurse about the full range of contraceptive options, so that they can make an informed decision about which methods best suits their lifestyle.

The centres provide contraceptive solutions including the pill, injections, hormonal patch, IUCDs, as well as permanent methods for men and women at select locations. Marie Stopes also offer testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections including HIV, gonorrhea, genital herpes, and syphilis. 

Follow Women24 on Twitter and like us on Facebook
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE