The acceptability of male hormonal contraception – questionnaire based preliminary study

Skrzypulec V, Nowosielski K, Drosdzol A

Woman’s Health Chair. The Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland

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. A large clinical trial on the safety and efficacy of testosterone undecanoate is currently ongoing in China. Studies are also being carried out to assess the acceptability of hormonal male contraceptive methods. Certain possible side effects like: acne, weight gain, slow recovery of spermatogenesis after stopping hormone intake or partially reversible reduction of testis volume might appear unacceptable, what would disqualify this method from general use.

Objectives: 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.

Design and methods: 136 medical students, both males and females, were eligible for 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 with logistic regression model were used for statistical analysis of collected data.

Results: 96,6% of students would try using 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 agree their partners to use this method than males themselves.

Conclusions: The acceptability of male hormonal contraception, in the aspect of side effects, is dependent on students’ gender. The majority of students consider male hormonal contraception as an alternative for female contraceptive methods. Side effects of male hormonal contraception disqualify this method from general use. The study should be conducted among wider group of respondents.