Dr Chris Aminarh Breaks Down The Realities Of Family Planning

Continuing the conversation on Culture Daily, medical expert, Dr Chris Aminarh and the Culture Squad examined the biological, cultural and social dimensions of family planning, challenging common myths along the way.

One major focus was the persistent exclusion of men from reproductive decision-making discussions. While women are often questioned about how many children they want, men are rarely asked the same, despite their role in determining biological sex and shared responsibility for parenting.

Dr Aminarh clarified a long-standing misconception: “Men determine the sex of a child. Women provide the X chromosome; the sperm determines whether the child is male or female.”

The Squad also dismissed popular myths around sexual positions, diets, or timing influencing a child’s gender, stressing that these claims have no scientific basis.

Attention then turned to contraceptive options, with experts outlining the main categories available: Barrier methods such as male and female condoms, Short-acting methods including pills and injectables, Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) such as implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs) and Calendar or fertility-awareness methods, which were described as unreliable without strict discipline.

While long-acting methods like implants and IUDs can last several years and are medically safe when properly administered, Dr Aminarh acknowledged that fear, misinformation and stigma still discourage widespread use.

The discussion also addressed power dynamics in relationships, particularly in traditional settings where men may decide family size without considering women’s physical recovery timelines. Dr Aminarh stressed that the body typically needs 2 to 3 years to heal between pregnancies fully.

Above all, panellists emphasised that effective family planning depends on shared decision-making, honesty and access to accurate information rather than pressure, assumptions or cultural expectations.

“Family planning is not about control,” Dr Aminarh concluded. “It’s about preparedness, partnership and protecting the well-being of everyone involved, especially the child.”