PETALING JAYA: Both men and women should be equally responsible when it comes to family planning, even as some mothers express concern on the possible side effects of contraceptives.
Mother of four Nurul Fazilah Kamal, 33, said men should be equally involved in discussions and even explore contraceptive options.
“Emotional support from partners also makes a big difference,” said the senior communications executive when asked to comment on the high percentage of unmet family planning in Malaysia – a situation where women do not want to get pregnant but don’t use contraceptives.
It involves 26.7% of women within the reproductive age in Malaysia, according to the Global Gender Gap Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum.
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She said the fear of side effects from hormonal contraceptives among women was valid as each woman’s body reacts differently.
Nurul Fazilah said family planning wasn’t something she and her partner discussed in depth before marriage.
“Like many, we only started learning along the way,” she said.
While awareness is improving, she said family planning and the use of contraceptives are still sensitive topics for many Malaysians.
“There’s still a sense of discomfort, especially when it comes to openly discussing contraceptives, even among married couples,” she added.
Mother of two, R. Angela Sybil, 37, said it takes two to tango, so men should also take precautionary measures in preventing unintended pregnancies.
The company executive said she does not use hormonal contraceptives for various reasons, including worries over possible side effects.
Meanwhile, a health expert said the usage of hormonal contraceptives like pills, patches and implants, can sometimes cause real, but often temporary, physical and emotional changes for some.
“While generally safe, common side effects include mood swings, headaches, spotting, acne and weight gain – usually settling within three months,” said consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Datuk Dr NKS Tharmaseelan.
Severe risks, though rare, he said, include blood clots and increased blood pressure.
However, Dr Tharmaseelan said contraception offers significant health, social and economic advantages by preventing unintended pregnancies, reducing maternal or infant mortality, and allowing family planning.
“As contraception reduces ovulation, it lowers risks for ovarian or endometrial cancer,” he added.
He said doctors will need to examine and prescribe the most appropriate mode of contraception, and change methods if required after a few months.
On the role of men in family planning, Dr Tharmaseelan said there is a need to sensitise and educate men.
“Increased male involvement – through communication, condoms or vasectomies – is crucial in reducing the burden women face from unplanned pregnancies,” he said.
