Communication is crucial in healthcare settings as patients rely on language to articulate their symptoms and concerns to the doctor. However, language barriers and the sensitive nature of certain subjects often complicate these interactions. Reproductive health is one such subject that poses a challenge in clinical and societal contexts due to its intimate nature. Guided by H·P Grice's Cooperative Principle, maxim of manner, this paper examines the use of circumlocution as a discourse strategy employed by male patients in a doctor-patient interaction in a reproductive health clinic in Kenya. Data is drawn from a qualitative study carried out in reproductive health clinic in Nakuru County, Kenya. Using participant observation as a tool, doctor-patient conversations were audio-recorded and transcribed, and discourse analysis adopted as the guiding framework of analysis. Circumlocution is prevalent in male patients and female parents when discussing reproductive health issues, regardless of the doctor's gender. The use of circumlocution can hinder clear and direct communication, contradicting Grice's maxim of manner emphasizing the importance of clear and concise communication for effective communication. Circumlocution serves as a euphemistic tool for addressing taboo subject. Its use allows patients to approach reproductive health topic indirectly, reducing embarrassment and discomfort. There's a need for improved communication strategies in healthcare settings with emphasis on a delicate balance between sensitivity and clarity when discussing reproductive health problems. The work underscores importance of doctors being skilled in deciphering meanings and patients being more direct when discussing reproductive health concerns. The study contributes to the broader conversation on effective communication in healthcare especially in men's reproductive health context. It is important to adapt and tailor communication strategies to the cultural and social contexts of male patients and the unique challenges they face. •The study investigates circumlocution as a discourse strategy used by male patients when discussing reproductive health issues in a Kenyan public health facility. The findings are:•Circumlocution is employed by male patients when discussing reproductive health issues. This strategy is used to avoid direct and explicit language when talking about sensitive matters.•Circumlocution can hinder clear and direct communication, contrary to Grice's maxim which emphasizes the importance of clear and concise communication in effective dialogue.•Circumlocution delicately broaches taboo topic of reproductive health, easing discomfort and embarassment for male patients.•Enhance healthcare communication in Kenya by simplifying the language, listening actively and respecting cultural nuances.