The acceptability of male hormonal contraception - questionnaire based preliminary study

Abstract

Background. Contemporary studies are concentrated on dosage and safety of female contraceptives. However, research on male hormonal contraception has been recently undertaken due to increased male participation in family planning activities. The aim of the study was to evaluate the acceptability of male hormonal contraception among female and male students of The Medical University of Silesia.
Material and methods. 136 medical students, both males and females, were included in the study. The research was based on a self-prepared questionnaire "Male Hormonal Contraception", consisting of questions concerning: demographic data, sexual life, currently used contraceptives, potential acceptability and willingness to apply male hormonal contraception. Statistica 6,0 computer software was used for statistical analysis of collected data.
Results. 96.6% of students would try male hormonal contraception. Oral contraceptive pills were the most suitable admission form of male hormonal contraception both for men and women. 4 out of 10 females and 3 out of 10 males would accept weight gain as a possible side effect of male hormonal contraception. When considering partially reversible reduction of testis volume, female students would be more likely to accept this side effect in their partners males themselves.
Conclusions. 1) The acceptability of male hormonal contraception, in the aspect of side effects, is dependent on students’ gender. 2) The majority of students consider male hormonal contraception as an alternative for female contraceptive methods. 3) Side effects of male hormonal contraception disqualify this method from general use.