Despite decades of awareness campaigns and policy interventions, the responsibility of family planning continues to fall disproportionately on women in Bengaluru, according to the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data. The survey, which provides crucial insights into reproductive health practices, indicates that female sterilization remains the most widely adopted contraceptive method, while male participation in contraception remains minimal.
Female Sterilization Dominates
The NFHS-5 data for Bengaluru reveals that over 40% of married women aged 15-49 have undergone sterilization, making it the single most common contraceptive method. In contrast, male sterilization accounts for less than 1% of contraceptive use. Other methods such as condoms, oral pills, and intrauterine devices (IUDs) are used by a smaller proportion of couples. This stark disparity underscores the persistent gender imbalance in family planning responsibilities.
Limited Male Involvement
Health experts point out that the low uptake of male sterilization is not due to lack of awareness but stems from deep-rooted social norms and misconceptions. Many men fear that vasectomy will affect their physical strength or sexual performance, despite medical evidence to the contrary. Additionally, cultural expectations often place the onus of reproductive decisions on women, reinforcing the trend.
The data also highlights that younger couples are slightly more likely to use temporary methods like condoms or pills, but the overall pattern remains skewed. Even among educated and urban populations, the burden of family planning largely rests on women.
Implications for Women's Health
This imbalance has significant implications for women's health. Female sterilization is a permanent surgical procedure that carries risks, including infection, pain, and psychological impact. Women also bear the side effects of hormonal contraceptives, which can include weight gain, mood swings, and increased risk of blood clots. The lack of male participation means women often have to manage contraception alone, sometimes without adequate support or information.
Dr. Anjali Rao, a gynecologist at a city hospital, said, 'We see many women who undergo sterilization because their husbands refuse to use condoms or consider vasectomy. This not only puts the entire burden on women but also denies them the opportunity to share reproductive responsibilities.'
Need for Policy and Awareness
Experts call for targeted interventions to promote male involvement in family planning. This includes awareness campaigns that address myths about vasectomy, as well as policies that incentivize male sterilization. The government's current focus on female sterilization through its family planning programs needs to be balanced with efforts to engage men.
Community health workers also play a crucial role in counseling couples and dispelling misconceptions. However, the NFHS data suggests that progress has been slow. In Bengaluru, the percentage of couples using any contraceptive method has remained stagnant over the past decade, indicating a need for renewed efforts.
Conclusion
The NFHS data serves as a reminder that achieving gender equality in family planning is still a distant goal. While women continue to bear the primary responsibility, men must be encouraged to share the burden. Only through comprehensive education, policy changes, and community engagement can this imbalance be addressed, ensuring better reproductive health outcomes for all.
