Addressing Misconceptions and Concerns about Uptake of Vasectomy/Modern Family Planning Methods for Males in Delta State, Nigeria

Kennedy Eborka, University of Lagos
Tope Owolabi, Department of Sociology, University of Lagos
John Lekan Oyefara, University of Lagos

Nigeria has one of the highest population growth rates in the world and constitutes the leading contributor to maternal death figures in sub-Saharan Africa. This situation has been attributed to low adoption of modern family planning methods (MFPM) among men in Nigeria. This study investigated concerns that affect men’s use of MFPM in Delta State, Nigeria. The study was qualitative. Data were gathered through In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) from 24 participants. The study identified some misconceptions and concerns about male methods, especially, vasectomy. They included fear of impotence, concern that wives might engage in extramarital affair, and the irreversibility of vasectomy amid high maternal/child mortality. To address some of these concerns, there should be intensive orientation programmes to resolve existing misconceptions on vasectomy. Knowledge of erect-penis sizes across the various zones in country is needed for condom manufacturers to address the issues of burst slippage of condom during sexual intercourse.