"They Destroy the Reproductive System": Exploring the Belief that Modern Contraceptive Use Causes Infertility

A common reason for nonuse of modern contraceptives is concern about side effects and health complications. This article provides a detailed characterization of the belief that modern contraceptives cause infertility, and an examination of how this belief arises and spreads, and why it is so salient...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Studies in family planning 2018-12, Vol.49 (4), p.345-365
Main Authors: Sedlander, Erica, Bingenheimer, Jeffrey B., Thiongo, Mary, Gichangi, Peter, Rimal, Rajiv N., Edberg, Mark, Munar, Wolfgang
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Beliefs
Birth control
Childbearing
Childbirth & labor
Complications
Contraception
Contraception - adverse effects
Contraception - psychology
Contraceptives
Family Planning Services
Female
Females
Health behavior
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Infertility
Infertility - chemically induced
Interviews as Topic
Kenya
Male
Marriage
Middle Aged
Nonuse
Pregnancy
Reproductive system
Rural areas
Rural communities
Rural Population
Side effects
Social Norms
Young Adult
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Summary:A common reason for nonuse of modern contraceptives is concern about side effects and health complications. This article provides a detailed characterization of the belief that modern contraceptives cause infertility, and an examination of how this belief arises and spreads, and why it is so salient. We conducted focus group discussions and key informant interviews in three rural communities along Kenya's eastern coast, and identified the following themes: (1) the belief that using modern contraception at a young age or before childbirth can make women infertile is widespread; (2) according to this belief the most commonly used methods in the community were linked to infertility; (3) when women observe other women who cannot get pregnant after using modern contraceptives, they attribute the infertility to the use of contraception; (4) within the communities, the primary goal of marriage is childbirth and thus community approval is rigidly tied to childbearing; and, therefore (5) the social consequences of infertility are devastating. These findings may help inform the design of programs to address this belief and reduce unmet need.
ISSN:0039-3665
1728-4465
DOI:10.1111/sifp.12076