Content creator Judy Nyawira, the wife of popular actor and screenwriter Abel Mutua, has shared insights into their personal approach to family planning, revealing that they rely on the “withdrawal” method as their primary form of contraception.
Together for 15 years and married for seven, the couple has one child, their 14-year-old daughter Mumbua. They have publicly stated that they do not plan to have more children.
In a candid conversation, Nyawira, known by her online persona “Bi Mkurugenzi,” explained that she and her husband do not use any formal family planning methods, opting instead for the withdrawal method. She humorously likened it to withdrawing money from an Mpesa shop, joking, “We’ve become very good at withdrawal, if you know what I mean. Just like you withdraw cash from Mpesa, that’s what we do.” She also mentioned that a doctor had told them this method isn’t officially recognized as family planning.
Before settling on this method, Judy had explored other contraceptive options, though they didn’t suit her. She tried the Jadelle implant for three years, but it caused heavy bleeding, making it unsustainable. She then switched to the IUD (coil) method, which caused significant discomfort, leading her to discontinue it. “Since then, we’ve been on the Mpesa (withdrawal) method,” she shared.
While the withdrawal method is widely used, health professionals do not consider it highly effective. Studies show that it carries a one in five chance of resulting in pregnancy if not executed perfectly. Although it is more effective than using no contraception at all, experts recommend combining it with other birth control methods for greater effectiveness.
Despite the risks, Nyawira and Mutua are comfortable with their choice. She emphasized that their decision is a personal one that works for them, especially after their experiences with other methods that caused health complications.
Regarding their family size, Abel Mutua has consistently expressed that he only ever wanted one child. He explained that his choice was driven by his desire to provide fully for their daughter without facing financial strain.
The couple, united in their decision, is content with their family as it is.
Beyond family planning, Nyawira also shared her thoughts on their marriage, describing it as “not for the faint-hearted.” She acknowledged that while marriage is rewarding, it demands constant effort. “There are days when being a wife or husband doesn’t feel easy, but we keep the spark alive by maintaining our friendship,” she said.
