Unpacking male contraception: Why men should embrace family planning

Concept with Oral contraceptive, Emergency Pills, Injection Contraceptive and Male Condom. [iStockphoto]

Family planning experts have urged men to actively participate in contraceptive discussions, saying the responsibility should not rest solely on women.

Speaking on Spice FM on Friday, August 1, reproductive advocates Naom Achoka and Dr Kireki Omanwa noted the need for men to be more engaged.

"We encourage men to be part of this conversation and to discuss these matters with their partners. Family planning isn't just a woman's issue; it requires both genders," said Achok.

"Most of the time when we talk about contraception, we tend to think of women only and men occasionally, simply because the first contraceptive pill was manufactured for women, and that has shaped how we view the entire topic," added Dr Omanwa.

While most commonly used methods are female-cantered, such as long-acting reversible contraceptives like implants and Implanon, experts say these options offer women flexibility, comfort, and the freedom to make informed choices based on their needs.

Recently, however, hope has emerged for shifting some of the family planning burden to men.

A non-hormonal male contraceptive pill, dubbed YCT-529, successfully passed its first human safety trial in Kenya. The daily pill, according to a peer-reviewed study published in Nature, was found safe for human use with no adverse side effects.

The research showed that the pill temporarily and reversibly halts sperm production, allowing fertility to return after discontinuation.

Still, Dr Omanwa, the president of the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society, cautioned that male contraceptives are not without side effects.

"One example of the side effects of male contraceptives is reduced libido, something most men are unwilling to experience. That's one reason many men hesitate to embrace contraception. They fear it could make them be perceived as less masculine," he said.

Dr. Kireki Omanwa: One example of the side effects of male contraceptives is reduced libido something most men are unwilling to experience. That's one reason many men are hesitant to take part in contraception, they fear it could make them be perceived as less masculine.... pic.twitter.com/S32HXeVTd7 - SpiceFM (@SpiceFMKE) August 1, 2025

Family planning expert Achoka noted that female contraceptives also have side effects, which vary from person to person and may include breast tenderness, headaches, migraines, or changes in menstrual bleeding.

She urged individuals to seek medical advice and fully understand the risks before choosing a method.

Dr Omanwa further observed that the contraceptive market remains skewed in favor of women, with limited viable options for men.

"You can't rely on a method that fails 98 per cent of the time and still call it a viable option in the world of contraception," he noted.