Many obstacles prevent men and women from talking about sexual and reproductive issues.
In many societies sex is a taboo subject for men and women to discuss. Also, men and women are often afraid of rejection by a sex partner, especially at the beginning of a relationship. Traditional cultures often discourage married women from starting discussions about contraception. For their part, men may feel there is nothing to discuss or no need to take account of their wives' feelings and opinions. In focus groups Haitian women described a situation that many women face.