Men's role in family planning

Men's role in the reproductive health of men and women has always been crucial. However, traditionally, men have played a limited role in seeking health care for themselves and their families. Since modern family-planning technologies are available at health centres which cater predominantly to women, men have been excluded from planning for their families.

Helping men to share in the decision-making of planned parenthood and taking responsibility for health issues that affect both men and women can only occur as men become more proactive. Men must become more informed and seek to take charge of this basic facet of their lives.

Men's involvement in reproductive health

Men who decide to manage their ability to have children are making decisions about their reproductive health. Many family-planning programmes have had low success rates because men were not involved. Most women in our population depend on men for economic existence. Therefore, critical decisions about child-bearing are often determined by men, and not by the women. I often see women in my medical practice who present themselves for help with getting pregnant because their partner mandated it - against the women's private wishes!

Condom use

Using condoms is a simple, effective method for men to manage their ability to produce children. This method demands planning, self-control and consistency in order to be effective. The couple must agree beforehand that the condom will be used for intercourse. Few couples complain about reduced sensitivity but many men find that the slight reduction in sensitivity is positive because it makes sex last longer. Maybe the real reason men do not use condoms is that they are too embarrassed to go into a store and purchase them. Yet, it is the preferred choice of planned parenthood for many couples in this country.

Vasectomy

Male sterilisation or vasectomy permits men to be proactive in their reproductive health. Vasectomy is a simple surgical procedure conducted under local anaesthesia. The health practitioner identifies the tubes in the scrotum through which sperm travel from the testes (vas deferens). The tubes are tied or cauterised, which prevents the sperm from passing into the penis. There are two types of vasectomy: no-scalpel vasectomy, and conventional vasectomy. The no-scalpel vasectomy involves a puncture, while conventional vasectomy involves a small incision. The no-scalpel method has fewer side effects, results in less pain, and provides quicker return to sexual activity.

Whose responsibility?

Men can assume responsibility for their reproductive function by using a condom or seeking the vasectomy option if they no longer desire children. However, many men place this vital aspect of their lives in the default option, or place the responsibility on women. It is time for men to take charge!

Dr Pauline Williams-Green is a family physician and president of the Caribbean College of Family Physicians; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.