Struggling Kavango women resort to herbs to prevent pregnancies
Some women in Kavango West Region are reportedly using traditional herbs in an attempt to avoid becoming pregnant due to limited access to reproductive healthcare, according to local medical doctor and reproductive health advocate, Dr Esperance Luvindao.
During a copper intrauterine device (IUD) clinic earlier this year, conducted in Bunya, Sivara, Dudu and other villages in Kavango West, Luvindao’s team observed a recurring practice among local women.
"We noticed that many of the women had substances packed in their vaginas," said Luvindao. These substances, referred to as "herbs", are believed by the women to act as contraceptives. However, many still experience unintended pregnancies, Luvindao warned.
While the women were hesitant to disclose the specific types of herbs used, they emphasised their cultural significance.
One woman explained: "We use these herbs for many reasons, including tightening the vagina, making it 'sweeter,' and ultimately to prevent pregnancy".
Dr Luvindao stressed the risks associated with this practice, explaining that inserting substances into the vagina increases the risk of fungal infections and other complications.
Her team focused on educating women about safer contraceptive options while respecting their cultural beliefs.
Family planning essential
The IUD clinic provided much-needed reproductive health education and contraceptive services to 188 households across nine communities.
Women eagerly participated in IUD insertions and, in many cases, willingly removed the herbs they had been using. One case highlighted was that of a 32-year-old mother of nine, already a grandmother, who shared her struggles in managing family planning amidst limited options and cultural pressures.
The clinic revealed a widespread issue: many women use herbs as a secret alternative because their husbands oppose modern contraceptive methods.
Dr Luvindao highlighted the urgent need for increased access to reproductive health services and education in rural areas.
She noted that empowering women with knowledge and access to safe contraceptive methods could transform lives and address the economic and health challenges facing these communities.
Worrying circumstances
Analysis of data collected during the clinics showed that women aged 15 to 19 typically have, on average, two children, while those aged 20 to 29 generally have four to five children.
Women aged 30 and above often have between seven and nine children.
The statistics also shed light on the economic hardships faced by these women, with 95% of women aged 15 to 19 living in zero-income households, 84% of women aged 20 to 29 residing in homes with no income and 97% of women aged 30 and above facing the same challenge.
Additionally, 22% of the women surveyed fell under the youngest age group of 15 to 19, 52% belonged to the 20 to 29 age group and 37% were 30 and older.
During a copper intrauterine device (IUD) clinic earlier this year, conducted in Bunya, Sivara, Dudu and other villages in Kavango West, Luvindao’s team observed a recurring practice among local women.
"We noticed that many of the women had substances packed in their vaginas," said Luvindao. These substances, referred to as "herbs", are believed by the women to act as contraceptives. However, many still experience unintended pregnancies, Luvindao warned.
While the women were hesitant to disclose the specific types of herbs used, they emphasised their cultural significance.
One woman explained: "We use these herbs for many reasons, including tightening the vagina, making it 'sweeter,' and ultimately to prevent pregnancy".
Dr Luvindao stressed the risks associated with this practice, explaining that inserting substances into the vagina increases the risk of fungal infections and other complications.
Her team focused on educating women about safer contraceptive options while respecting their cultural beliefs.
Family planning essential
The IUD clinic provided much-needed reproductive health education and contraceptive services to 188 households across nine communities.
Women eagerly participated in IUD insertions and, in many cases, willingly removed the herbs they had been using. One case highlighted was that of a 32-year-old mother of nine, already a grandmother, who shared her struggles in managing family planning amidst limited options and cultural pressures.
The clinic revealed a widespread issue: many women use herbs as a secret alternative because their husbands oppose modern contraceptive methods.
Dr Luvindao highlighted the urgent need for increased access to reproductive health services and education in rural areas.
She noted that empowering women with knowledge and access to safe contraceptive methods could transform lives and address the economic and health challenges facing these communities.
Worrying circumstances
Analysis of data collected during the clinics showed that women aged 15 to 19 typically have, on average, two children, while those aged 20 to 29 generally have four to five children.
Women aged 30 and above often have between seven and nine children.
The statistics also shed light on the economic hardships faced by these women, with 95% of women aged 15 to 19 living in zero-income households, 84% of women aged 20 to 29 residing in homes with no income and 97% of women aged 30 and above facing the same challenge.
Additionally, 22% of the women surveyed fell under the youngest age group of 15 to 19, 52% belonged to the 20 to 29 age group and 37% were 30 and older.
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