Review on knowledge and perceptions on utilization of traditional contraceptives among women of reproductive age in Nigeria

Medicinal plants remain vital to reproductive health among Nigerian women, especially in rural and peri-urban areas. Despite growing access to modern contraceptives, many women prefer herbal methods due to perceived safety, affordability, and cultural alignment. This review examines how knowledge, perception, and use of traditional contraceptives intersect with healthcare access, reproductive autonomy, and social factors like education and marital status. This review presents findings from peer-reviewed articles, theses, and government reports published between 2010 and 2025. Sources included PubMed, AJOL, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, focusing on reproductive-age women (15–49 years) and exploring cultural, behavioural, and biomedical dimensions. Key data extracted included traditional contraceptives, administration methods, knowledge sources, and user perceptions. Herbal contraceptive knowledge is widespread, often passed informally through traditional healers, herb sellers, and elders. Common plants include Carica papaya , Jatropha gossypiifolia , and Moringa oleifera , typically used as teas or powders or infused in wearable items like waist beads. Perceptions of efficacy vary: some women trust herbal methods based on communal experience, while others remain skeptical due to a lack of scientific validation. Sociodemographic factors—education, marital status, and healthcare access—strongly influence contraceptive choices and perceived reliability. The continued use of herbal methods reflects a tension between traditional knowledge and biomedical systems. While culturally rooted and accessible, these practices raise concerns about dosage, side effects, and long-term health risks. Their informal transmission, often lacking documentation or formal training, complicates standardization and safety. The review underscores the need for integrative research that validates indigenous practices through scientific inquiry and promotes culturally sensitive public health messaging. Bridging traditional wisdom with modern healthcare can empower informed reproductive choices and enhance women’s autonomy.