Andropause stage as experienced by men in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Introduction: The impact brought by Andropause amongst married couples is escalating. Its significance is nowadays unmasked and bring forth to cracked marriages that finally result in unforeseen divorces, when advancing males are no longer sexually satisfying their loving partners. Therefore, men are left with no options than to hang around with multiple partners just to ease their standing impotence. The practice might result in family violence, physical abuse and HIV and AIDS transmission. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of men during andropause stage in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Objective: The objective of the study was to explore and describe the experience of males during andropause stage. Method: The researcher employed a qualitative approach with descriptive phenomenological design. The population of the study comprised of men aged 50 years and above who have reached andropause stage, who were the members of Munnandinnyi Men’s Forum (MNNMF) at Lwamondo Tshifulanani village in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa. The researcher used non-probability purposive sampling technique. Unstructured face-to-face in-depth interviews were applied as a data collection tool. The central question was pretested to prevent misinterpretations by the participants. The researcher collected data and the sample size was determined by data saturation. Data transcribed verbatim and was translated from Tshivenda to English. Data was analysed using Tesch’s eight steps criteria. The researcher ensured that trustworthiness was applied using credibility, dependability, transferability, and confirmability. Ethical considerations were maintained throughout the study.