Many men and women believe that the concept of reproductive health pertains exclusively to women due to their biological roles during pregnancy and childbirth. However, this belief is entirely incorrect, as reproductive health includes both genders. There are numerous misconceptions that must be addressed and corrected among both men and women.
These misunderstandings begin early in life as individuals receive their education and form their awareness within closed societal spaces such as the home, school, and other communal environments.
Many family planning and maternity clinics cater exclusively to women, with few men visiting such clinics due to their entrenched belief that maternal and child health services, under various names, concern only women and are unrelated to them. However, family planning is a shared responsibility between men and women. Misunderstandings arise when women fail to convey the correct information to men, leading to imbalances in various aspects of the process.
Additionally, men often believe that family planning tools and methods are solely for women and refuse to use them. Their exposure to such tools often comes through non-medical and unscientific channels, which prevents them from accessing accurate information and services related to reproductive health and shared decision-making regarding family planning.
Reproductive health for men is not limited to family planning methods; it also encompasses issues such as prostate problems, infertility, erectile dysfunction, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), sexual awareness, and libido. However, many men and women incorrectly believe that these topics fall outside the scope of reproductive health.
Moreover, there is a widespread misconception that determining the gender of a baby is a woman’s responsibility. Women are often blamed for repeatedly giving birth to female children. Some men are aware that they are directly responsible for determining the baby’s gender but intentionally misrepresent this fact to avoid social and cultural accountability.
Although misconceptions about reproductive health—particularly related to pregnancy, childbirth, and fertility—are common among men, many women also support and perpetuate these misunderstandings, passing them down to future generations.
A broader examination of the primary reasons men and women perpetuate these misconceptions reveals cultural and social factors as the leading causes. These factors reinforce the stereotype that reproductive health is solely a woman’s issue. Discussions about reproductive health rarely occur in a scientific and open manner within communities. When such discussions arise, they often happen secretly and without proper scientific grounding.
The lack of education and awareness further exacerbates this issue. Few institutions provide education on reproductive health, and school curricula generally omit topics related to sexual education and reproductive health due to cultural traditions and social norms. This absence of constructive scientific dialogue perpetuates ignorance and reinforces incorrect cultural beliefs.
In the absence of accurate information, many people rely on incorrect “traditional narratives” that lack scientific validation, particularly concerning fertility, harmful behaviors affecting a partner’s health, or the use of unproven herbal remedies believed to enhance fertility. These herbal remedies, often harmful, gain credibility among men due to deep-seated cultural beliefs and a reluctance to seek medical treatment.
The concepts of masculinity and social stigma further prevent men from seeking help for reproductive and sexual health issues. Many men fear being labeled or shamed by society, which pressures them to remain silent about their problems. Expressions like “You’re a man” (“انت زلمة”) reinforce the idea that men should not admit to weakness, even when facing issues like erectile dysfunction. Instead of seeking proper medical treatment, they often resort to unscientific solutions.
Similarly, phrases like “A man has no flaws” (“الزلمة ما يعيبه شي”) perpetuate the stigma around discussing reproductive or sexual problems. Men may remain silent about their struggles to avoid being judged or having their masculinity questioned by society.
Addressing these misconceptions about reproductive health among men requires comprehensive awareness, education, and community projects focused on sexual and reproductive health. Increasing awareness among men and women is crucial to breaking these stereotypes. Parents must educate their children—both boys and girls—about sexual and reproductive health, fostering open dialogue.
This effort also highlights the urgent need to revise educational curricula to include topics related to sexual education and reproductive health. Such changes will increase awareness, improve knowledge, and encourage healthier attitudes toward reproductive health in society.