Misconceptions about contraceptives

Good morning (afternoon, evening), listeners, and welcome to our weekly health show.

Misconceptions about contraceptives are prevalent in many communities in Malawi, particularly among adolescents. Contraceptives is a complex topic, influenced by cultural, social, and educational factors. It’s also important to note that perceptions, beliefs, and perspectives can vary widely within any society.

In today’s program, we have four guests: Chiyamiko Mbetewa, a young woman working with youth clubs in Nathenje as an ambassador of Zathu Pa Wailesi, a popular youth radio program; Robert Chimtolo, a Zathu Pa Wailesi brand ambassador; Donald Makwakwa, the executive director of the Family Planning Association of Malawi; and Dr. Bentry Tembo of Kamuzu Central Hospital.
It is a great pleasure having you, Miss Chiyamiko Mbetewa, on our program today. Welcome. What are the misconceptions about contraceptives that people have in your area of work in Nathenje?

Some adolescents believe that using contraceptives reduces fertility, especially in girls. They believe that using injections or intra-uterine devices can stop a woman from having a child when she wishes to. Another myth is that a girl can get cancer through having sex when the man is wearing a condom.

What do you think might be the reason for such misconceptions?

There can be some side effects after using contraceptives, though they are rare.

How do such misconceptions affect women and girls?

The misconceptions mean that some women and girls may not use contraceptives, and therefore may get pregnant, including having unwanted pregnancies.

How do you help people change such misconceptions?

As a Zathu Brand Ambassador, I conduct youth listening sessions in a community listening group. We listen to all the facts related to those misconceptions that are discussed in Zathu Pa Wailesi (“Our radio program”). And this information is explained further in various other radio programs. Zathu Pa Wailesi is a nationwide radio program aired on MBC Radio 2 and Dowa FM that Zathu uses as one way of messaging. The program includes factual information, dramas, and music that focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender, education, mental health, and youth empowerment.

My role is to facilitate radio listening sessions with the youth clubs for the Zathu radio talk shows.

Who is most affected by these misconceptions?

Adolescents are the most affected ones, especially girls.

Can you suggest any solutions?

Whenever people have doubts or questions about contraceptives, they should get clear information by seeking counselling from a health facility. Girls should seek counselling from older people, and from mother groups, which are groups of women at primary schools who help girls deal with contraceptives, menstruation, pregnancy, and related issues. Or they can visit youth-friendly health centres.

Thank you so much for your time, Miss Chiyamiko Mbetewa.

We also had a chance to talk to another Zathu Pa Wailesi ambassador, Robert Chimtolo, to see if he faces anything different.

What are the misconceptions about contraceptives that people have in your area of work?

That when you’re young and you use a contraceptive method such as loop or intrauterine device, you can become infertile—it’s hard for you to bear a child.

What do you think might be the reason for such misconceptions?

Lack of access to proper information from service providers such as clinics, health centres, and pharmacists, and from parents as well.

How do such misconceptions affect women and girls?

They lead them to not access contraceptives, which results in early pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

How do you help people change such misconceptions?

By talking to them about the advantages of accessing contraceptives, informing them of the facts related to common misconceptions, referring them to health centres and clinics, and encouraging them to listen to the Zathu program in youth clubs.

Who are affected most with such misconceptions?

Young girls and women.

Can you suggest any solutions?

Civic education for parents who are the guardians of these girls and women, and also education for the community so that they deeply understand these misconceptions about contraceptives.

Well, it appears the misconceptions are almost the same in the geographical areas where the two Zathu brand ambassadors. We really have enjoyed your time, Mr. Robert Chimtolo.

Next, we will speak with Family Planning Association of Malawi Executive Director, Donald Makwakwa. Warm welcome, Mr. Makwakwa.

People have misconceptions about contraceptives. What do you think might be the cause of such misconceptions?

Lack of correct and comprehensive information. And also, deep-rooted traditional and religious beliefs around the use of modern contraceptives.

Two of the misconceptions about contraceptives are that girls might not be able to conceive after they or their partners use contraceptives, and that they might get cancer from contraceptives. What is your comment on this?

These are false beliefs as all modern contraceptives have been tested and certified for use. But it is important for users to make an informed choice of the method they want to use, based on several factors.

First, they need to think about their reproductive choices. For example, when do they want to have their first or subsequent children? The answer to this question will determine whether to choose short-term contraceptive methods or permanent methods. Short-term methods include condoms, contraceptive pills, and injectables. Intrauterine devices, commonly known as loop or IUDs, are a long-term but reversible method. Permanent contraceptive methods include vasectomy for men, which is a surgical procedure to block the vas deferens, preventing sperm from reaching semen. For women, permanent methods include tubal ligation and tubal occlusion.

Another factor is eligibility. Service providers assess each person who seeks advice about contraceptives, because certain health conditions may prevent users from using contraceptive methods. These include liver disease and pelvic inflammatory disease. People with these conditions are not supposed to use intrauterine devices, or IUDs.

The best way to deal with these misconceptions is by visiting a qualified service provider.

Would you advise unmarried and sexually active women

to use contraceptives? If yes, why? What are the benefits?

All sexually active women are at risk of getting pregnant, and therefore we advise that if they are engaging in any sexual encounter, they should use protection to prevent themselves from getting pregnant, as well as contracting sexually transmitted infections.

How crucial are contraceptives these days?

Preventing unintended pregnancies helps to lower maternal ill-health and the number of pregnancy-related deaths. Using contraceptives also helps to delay or prevent pregnancies in young girls, who are already at increased risk of health problems from early childbearing. As older women also face increased risks in particular areas, contraceptive use can reduce problems with them as well.

By reducing the rate of unintended pregnancies, contraception also reduces the need for unsafe abortions and reduces HIV transmission from mothers to newborns. Contraceptive use can also create opportunities for women to participate more fully in society, including paid employment.

In addition, using contraceptives enables individuals and families to have the number of children they can adequately take care of, leading to the country having a population for which the government can provide adequate social services.

Our final guest today is Dr. Bentry Tembo, a doctor who works at a government hospital in Malawi’s capital Lilongwe, Kamuzu Central Hospital. He shares his experience of other misconceptions that people hold.

There are several misconceptions surrounding contraceptives. It’s important to note that individual experiences can vary, and consulting with a healthcare professional is the best way to address personal concerns. Here are some common misconceptions.

When a woman is using contraceptives, she very often gains a lot of weight. Some people believe that hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills, can lead to weight gain. But, while weight changes can occur, they are not consistent for everyone, and other factors like diet and lifestyle also play a role.

When using contraceptives, you miss your periods. Some contraceptives, particularly hormonal methods like birth control pills, can alter the menstrual cycle or reduce the frequency of periods. However, this doesn’t mean that menstruation is eliminated.

Some people believe that contraceptives are only to be used by married women, and only for preventing pregnancy. While contraceptives are widely known for preventing pregnancy, some are also prescribed to address other health issues such as irregular periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, or hormonal imbalances.

Apart from that, contraceptives can protect against sexually transmitted infections, or STIs. But most contraceptives, such as birth control pills and intrauterine devices, do not protect against STIs. Condoms are the most effective barrier method for preventing the transmission of STIs.

There are misconceptions about other aspects of sexual or reproductive health too. For example, there’s a misconception that, when using contraceptives, menstrual blood is “dirty” or unclean. But menstrual blood is a natural bodily function and is not dirty or impure. Menstruation is a normal part of the reproductive cycle and maintaining proper hygiene during this time is essential for overall health. There is also a misconception about menstruation that you cannot get pregnant on your period, which is untrue.

Are clients able to talk to their doctors about sensitive, personal issues related to sexual and reproductive health?

It is crucial for individuals to communicate openly with healthcare professionals to address any concerns or questions related to contraceptives, or other issues, such as menstruation. Personal experiences can vary, and healthcare providers can provide tailored advice based on individual health needs and circumstances.

What are the legal issues in Malawi related to contraceptives?

Malawi has policies and programs in place to improve access to contraceptives. The government, along with organizations such as the Family Planning Association of Malawi and Banja La Mtsogolo supports family planning to address population growth and improve maternal and child health.

The legal age of consent for sexual activity in Malawi is 16 years old. But there is no legal requirement for people to seek consent from their parents, as many adolescents have been afraid to ask for parental consent. Hence the high number of early pregnancies.

Having said that, parental consent may be required in some cases, especially for minors seeking contraceptive services. But specific regulations vary.

The Government of Malawi, through the Ministry of Health, has been actively involved in promoting family planning and reproductive health, and increasing awareness. So now there are condoms in bathrooms in most organizations in the country.

That brings us to the end of our program. This program on contraceptives and menstruation provides valuable insights into both the misconceptions and the facts about reproductive health. It emphasizes the importance of knowledge for informed choices and encourages open conversations about reproductive health.

I’d to thank our guests for their expertise and the listeners for tuning in. The message is to have open conversations, break down stigmas, dispel myths and misconceptions, and empower ourselves and communities.