A recent discussion on Classic 105 FM’s morning show, hosted by Mike Mondo and Mwalimu King’ang’i, highlighted strong opposition among some men to the prospect of a new daily male contraceptive pill.
The debate, sparked by news of a non-hormonal pill, YCT529, which has completed Phase One human trials with no adverse side effects, aimed to explore whether men would embrace this new birth control option.
A New Era for Family Planning?
The introduction of YCT529 by YourChoice Therapeutics is seen as a potential "game changer" in family planning, aiming to end the era of women disproportionately bearing contraceptive burdens.
READ ALSO:YCT-529: The Male Contraceptive Pill That’s Changing the Game
For decades, women have relied on pills, injections, implants, and even surgical procedures, often enduring side effects and health risks.
This new male pill, taken daily like its female counterpart, offers a safe and reversible method for men to actively participate in preventing pregnancy.
Resistance from Male Callers
Despite the potential benefits, many men who called into the show expressed significant reservations, echoing sentiments from co-host Mwalimu King’ang’i, who stated, "I will never take contraceptives... Hiyo ni responsibility ya women".
A key theme among callers was the belief that family planning is inherently a woman's responsibility. One caller, emphatically stated, "Contraceptives belongs to women... not men".
He argued that God "decided to give birth regulation to a woman and not a man".
Another caller suggested that women ultimately control pregnancy, asserting, "No lady ashaipata mimba kama hataki" (no lady has ever gotten pregnant if she didn't want to).
Some men also highlighted that they have "no limit" on the number of children they desire, believing the woman should regulate if she wants fewer.
Concerns also arose regarding potential side effects and a loss of strength.
One caller, Giddy, worried that the non-hormonal male pill, unlike women's hormonal contraceptives, could still reduce men's physical strength, saying, "sisi wanaume tunatumia nguvu nyingi dawa zatupunguza nguvu" (we men use a lot of strength, medicine reduces our strength).
Furthermore, there was distrust and even conspiracy theories surrounding the pill. Mwalimu King’ang’i expressed suspicion that the new contraceptive might be "targeting Africans only".
Callers also voiced fears of involuntary consumption, suggesting, "bibi atakuwekea kwa mayai" (wife will put it in eggs) without their knowledge.
Practical issues were also raised, with one caller admitting forgetfulness: "Kama unasahau dawa ya presha hii utakumbuka kweli?" (If you forget blood pressure medicine, will you remember this one?).
Some men also adhered to a traditional view, seeing children as a blessing, with one stating, "Kila mtoto hukuja na pesa" (Every child comes with money).
One caller highlighted how grandfathers would embrace many children, suggesting a shift in modern men's willingness to take responsibility.
While the new male contraceptive pill promises a significant shift in shared family planning, the radio debate revealed deeply held views among some men about gender roles, divine will, and practical concerns that present hurdles to its acceptance.
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