Would South African men take the birth control pill? The answer reveals more than just medical readiness it exposes a culture of silence. Image: 123RF
(The Post News)- As male birth control pills gain traction globally, especially in countries like the United States and parts of Europe, South Africa remains cautiously on the sidelines.
While trials show promise abroad, local health professionals believe the country is not yet ready, both medically and socially, for this shift in reproductive responsibility.
According to Rodney Mudzanani, a nurse at Mankweng Hospital in Limpopo, male contraceptive pills are still a long way from becoming part of South Africa’s public health system.
Mudzanani attributes this delay largely to a lack of urgency from pharmaceutical companies.
“There’s nothing effective out yet. For now, men will continue using condoms, withdrawal, or go for a vasectomy. But vasectomy is not even offered in our public hospitals,” he explained.
He also pointed out that nurses receive minimal training on male contraceptives beyond condoms and vasectomy, with the latter mostly performed in private clinics. Even if such a pill were introduced, Mudzanani doubts that many men would readily embrace it.
“They only visit clinics when seriously ill. Many take condoms without proper knowledge, which results in unplanned pregnancies. However, some men who are determined to avoid fatherhood might welcome the chance if a pill became available.”
The conversation around male contraception also raises scientific concerns. Sila Mahada, a biochemistry and microbiology graduate from the University of Venda, supports the concept in principle but worries about long-term effects.
“I’m concerned about the side effects.
The pill should be reversible, not cause health problems and must not affect libido. But everything is about profit now, not health,” Mahada emphasized.
He added that while the idea of a male pill is promising, the unknowns, particularly regarding sperm production and genetic health, make him cautious.
From a social perspective, many men echo these concerns or cite a general lack of awareness.
Thirty-eight-year-old Themba Mahlangu from Pineville, Soweto, sees male contraceptives as a potential solution to the issue of absent fathers.
“There are too many children growing up without dads,” he said. “Most men don’t know much about contraception. We need more education and awareness.”
He believes that if informed and accessible, male contraceptives could help reduce unplanned pregnancies and ensure men take more responsibility. “I’d definitely consider it, if it was safe and easy to use,” he added.
Simamisa Mngwengwe, 40, from KwaXimba, KwaZulu-Natal, expressed cautious support. However, like many South African men, he remains skeptical of both the method and the culture shift it requires.
“Men just don’t like clinics. And we don’t like pills either. Family planning just isn’t something we talk about,” Mngwengwe said.
He acknowledged that misinformation is widespread, with many men unfamiliar even with correct condom use. “I know condoms help prevent pregnancy and STDs, but I don’t like using them and, to be honest, I’m not entirely sure how to use one properly.”
Despite his reservations, Mngwengwe conceded that a male birth control pill, if proven safe, could shift the burden of contraception more equally. “We also need to take responsibility,” he said.
While scientific development continues abroad, South Africa faces a dual challenge: medical readiness and cultural acceptance. For male contraceptives to become a reality here, the health system will need to invest in training, and communities will need education that dismantles outdated gender roles in reproductive health. Until then, the conversation remains largely hypothetical, but it is a conversation worth having.
Please share your thoughts contact Thembeka via emai: journalist-thembeka@thepostnews.net
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