Would you use the male contraceptive pill?

What you need to know:

  • FAMILY PLANNING. Unlike women who have many birth control options, men only have condoms and vasectomy as their options.
  • Researchers believe that once the pill is also introduced to men, it will have an impact.
  • PHIONAH NASSANGA asks men if they would take the pill.

Women have their pills which have been tested and proven to work. But why has it taken long for the male pill to work? That means there was a problem before. I would not try it. I do not want to be collateral damaged, what if it does not work and ends up terminating me permanently?
PATRICK Idringi, comedian

Yes, because it would be a form of family planning and it would help me plan for the family without having an accident. I hope I can remember to take it on time like women do with their morning after pill. This, however, depends on if my wife is fine with me taking it.
Gaetano Kaggwa, MEDIA PERSONALITY

I think this is a decision for a couple, not an individual. For example, my partner does not make a decision on which family planning method to use without my consent. I would first talk about it with my wife. She might be expecting more babies from me yet I am taking the pill. If she supports it, then I would weigh the pros and cons such as; will I gain weight like most women, will I develop a skin rash? Then we can reach a final decision.
Cedric Babu, Chairman, Uganda Tennis Association

I would weigh the benefits, risks, side effects and alternatives. That is what would compel me to use it or not. However, I prefer using a condom that has no side effects or withdrawal method. I think male pills will be just like the female contraceptives, the weight, loss of appetite and all the other hormonal changes. Some men above 40 years prefer vasectomy, which I also think is safer than the male pill.
Mathew Nabwiso, film producer

Yes, contraception is not a woman’s issue. There is no reason why I would not take the pill. I am the head of the family, so planning for their well-being is in my hands. This will also help men understand the impact of hormonal options women go through and have more empathetic conversations about contraception. Family planning methods affect women differently and to some they are not effective but if there is an option of the male pill, then I would go for it. Abaasi Kabogo, doctor at Mulunaox Medical Centre, Kazo

God gave us wisdom to think and know what is proper. Before I decide on whether to use the male pill or not, I would look at my financial status and the future I wish for my family. If I cannot provide the best for them, I would opt for the pill. However, the problem is some religious leaders are hypocritical about family planning methods and never tell their congregation the truth. If my earnings are small why then wouldn’t I use it if I have all the required resources to cater for my family. Moses Solomon Male, pastor

Would you support your husband to take the male pill ?

I t is a two-way decision. In most cases men think because it is the woman who goes into labour, she is responsible for family planning. I’m not sure men would take the pill as prescribed. I would support and encourage him to take the pill. However, some religions do not support family planning.
Rose Mary Seninde, State minister of education

Yes, because men litter children. Cheating seems normal yet women do not want to accept that most men have another woman somewhere else. By the time he passes on, you will be shocked by the number of children left behind. Instead of having children he cannot take care of and leaving single mothers, the pill is advisable.
bettina tuhaise, farmer

No, because I am not sure of its hormonal effects. What if he turns out impotent? Who will be held responsible? Not to risk I think I would prefer him continuing to use the condom or other alternatives like vasectomy if we all agree on the number of children we need.
CATHERINE NATUKUNDA COUNSELLOR

Yes, because for too long everything has been hanging around women men need to also stand up and take some responsibility for their actions or inactions. They should also have the opportunity to take control of their sexual health. Besides, it also offers couples a further choice of contraceptive methods.
SARAH KAMIGISA, DATA CLERK