Despite increasing advocacy for shared responsibility in family planning, many Nigerian men continue to resist the use of condoms and vasectomy within marriage, citing cultural beliefs, trust, and concerns about sexual satisfaction.
A report by *PUNCH Healthwise* highlights how these attitudes are placing a disproportionate burden on women, many of whom endure the physical and emotional side effects of contraceptive methods.
For Amara Nwobi, a mother of four, family planning has been a difficult journey. She has tried several contraceptive methods, each accompanied by troubling side effects such as irregular menstruation, headaches, and bloating.
In search of relief, she explored alternative options at a pharmacy in Lagos. However, her husband has consistently refused to consider condom use.
According to her, he argues that using condoms within marriage is unnecessary and inappropriate, leaving her to continue experimenting with contraceptives that negatively affect her health.
Nwobi’s experience reflects that of many women who continue to shoulder the responsibility for preventing pregnancy, often at significant personal cost.
Interviews with several married men revealed a range of reasons for avoiding condoms.
A Lagos-based software engineer, who identified himself as Mahatma, said condoms reduce natural intimacy and are unnecessary in a faithful marriage.
Similarly, Ojonrewaju Lanre, a media professional, said he has never used condoms with his wife in over a decade of marriage, relying instead on the withdrawal method. He also expressed reluctance toward vasectomy, citing cultural and psychological concerns.
Another respondent, Oluwamuyiwa Oyedele, acknowledged that while many men feel secure in their marriages, this should not override a partner’s comfort or consent. He stressed that paying a bride price does not entitle a husband to unprotected sex.
In Abuja, Odedeyi Williams admitted that preference for condom-free sex influences many men’s decisions but said he remains open to using them to prevent unintended pregnancies.
Currently, condoms and vasectomy remain the only widely approved modern contraceptive options available for men. However, acceptance of both methods remains low in Nigeria.
Experts attribute this to misinformation, cultural norms, and deeply rooted gender roles that assign reproductive responsibility primarily to women.
Medical professionals have dismissed many of the concerns raised by men as unfounded.
The President of the Association of Urological Surgeons of Nigeria, Prof. Nuhu Dakum, explained that fears about reduced sexual performance or diminished masculinity are not supported by medical evidence.
He noted that some men associate condom use with mistrust or infidelity, while others believe it is only necessary for preventing sexually transmitted infections.
Dakum warned that such misconceptions contribute to the continued imbalance in family planning responsibilities.
“The consequence is that women continue to bear the burden and side effects of most contraceptive methods,” he said.
He encouraged couples to seek counselling together and make informed decisions based on medical advice.
Also speaking, Prof. Oseremen Aisuodionoe-Shadrach of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital said the slow adoption of male contraceptives is largely due to longstanding cultural beliefs.
He emphasised that changing these perceptions would require sustained public education and a shift in societal attitudes toward shared responsibility.
According to him, family planning outcomes improve significantly when both partners are actively involved.
Health experts maintain that effective family planning depends on cooperation between partners.
As awareness continues to grow, stakeholders say increased male participation will be critical in reducing the physical and emotional burden currently placed on women.
For many Nigerian families, achieving that balance remains an ongoing challenge.
