Family planning is often seen as a woman’s responsibility, but men have an equally vital role to play in ensuring their families’ well-being. For men like Medgclay, embracing this shared responsibility has been transformative. His journey highlights the importance of informed choices, challenging misconceptions, and fostering open conversations about reproductive health, particularly when it comes to vasectomy—a safe and effective contraceptive method that remains misunderstood by many.

A Childhood That Shaped My Perspective on Family Planning

My name is Medgclay from Kenya, I have been married for 14 years, and I am a proud father of four children. Growing up in a family of 13 children, I know firsthand the struggles of providing for a large household. Resources were always stretched thin, and even basic needs like food and education were hard to come by. My wife came from a family of seven children, where her parents, as farmers, faced similar challenges. These experiences shaped how we approached family planning when we got married.

When we started our lives together, we agreed to have only two children so we could offer them a stable, comfortable life. We hoped for a boy and a girl, and, to our amazement, that dream came true when our first pregnancy brought us twins. We were overjoyed and thought our family was complete. Back then, I viewed family planning as solely a woman’s responsibility, so I encouraged my wife to choose whatever contraceptive method worked best for her.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t easy. Every method she tried brought severe side effects, hormonal disruptions, mood swings, weight gain, and allergic reactions. Eventually, she opted for a 5-year hormonal implant, which seemed to work initially. But three years later, while the implant was still active, she unexpectedly became pregnant. We welcomed another child, but it was clear that we needed a more reliable, permanent solution.

Exploring Vasectomy: Overcoming Misconceptions and Fears

After consulting numerous healthcare providers and exploring our options, a doctor suggested a vasectomy. I hesitated at the idea. Like many men in our society, I was burdened by misconceptions: Would it make me "less of a man"? Was it akin to castration? Would I be seen as weak or "useless"? Despite my education, these myths weighed heavily on me. But love for my wife and a commitment to shared responsibility made me open to exploring various options. After multiple consultations, I learned the truth: vasectomy is a simple, safe procedure with no negative impact on masculinity, sexual performance, or overall health outcome.

With newfound understanding and my wife's support, I decided to undergo the procedure in July 2022, when our youngest daughter was six months old. The experience was straightforward, but we made a crucial mistake: we didn’t follow the post-operative guidelines properly. My wife stopped her contraceptives too soon, and by December, we were surprised to learn she was 12 weeks pregnant. This wasn’t a failure of the vasectomy itself; it was our misstep. The procedure was effective, and we learned an important lesson about following medical advice closely.

This experience transformed me. I realised how deeply ingrained myths and misconceptions about vasectomy and family planning as a whole hold men back. I decided to take a stand. My wife and I began educating and engaging men in our community about the truth of vasectomy and the importance of shared responsibility in family planning. We’ve spoken to countless men, challenging harmful narratives, and offering accurate and science-based information.

My story serves as a reminder that men have a vital role to play in family planning. World Vasectomy Day, observed on 15 November each year, is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a global movement to empower men, dispel harmful myths, and promote open conversations about contraception. World Vasectomy Day celebrates men who take responsibility for their reproductive choices.

I urge men everywhere to join the conversation. Ask questions, challenge harmful traditional values and beliefs, and consider the powerful impact of sharing responsibility in family planning. Together, we can create a world where family planning is recognized as a shared duty empowering couples, supporting communities, and securing a brighter future for all.

Debunking Common Vasectomy Myths

Here are some common misconceptions I’ve encountered and the truths that dispel them:

Myth: Vasectomy reduces masculinity.

Truth: It does not impact a man's masculinity or sexual performance.

 

Myth: It diminishes sexual pleasure.

Truth: Vasectomy does not affect sexual sensation or function.

 

Myth: It’s permanent and irreversible.

Truth: While intended to be permanent, vasectomies can sometimes be reversed through surgery.

 

Myth: It weakens physical strength.

Truth: Vasectomy has no impact on physical capabilities.

 

Myth: It increases prostate cancer risk.

Truth: There is no proven link between vasectomy and prostate cancer.

 

Myth: It harms future relationships.

Truth: Vasectomy does not impact fertility or relationships with new partners.

 

Myth: It conflicts with religious beliefs.

Truth: Views vary, and it’s important to consult religious leaders if needed.

Men taking ownership their sexual and reproductive health is a chance to reshape how we think about family planning. Let’s engage men, confront myths, and spread knowledge. Together, we can ensure that every family planning journey is informed, inclusive, and empowering. I stand as a testament to the power of change, and I invite other men to step up and take this journey with me for the good of our families, our communities, and generations to come.

By Medgclay