The male role in contraception: implications for health education.

ABSTRACT

Today most contraceptive efforts are focused on the female. The resultant diminished male role may have inadvertently undermined the many societal efforts at birth control. Many men, young and old, still perceive contraception as primarily a woman's responsibility, for after all, she suffers most directly from contraceptive failure. This attitude is unfortunate. Since decisions about pregnancy affect both partners, both should share the contraceptive burden equitably. More specifically, the two-fold purpose of the paper is (1) to examine the available male contraceptives; and (2) to draw implications of the changing male role in contraception for health professionals in the school and community. The paper argues that while the involvement of men in contraception will not automatically solve the problem of unwanted pregnancy among the young, it can certainly make a difference--an important difference.

ABSTRACT

PIP This study examines method of male contraception available in the United States and suggests ways in which health professionals in the schools and in the community can teach men, especially teenage men, how to take a more active role in contraception. 4 methods of male contraception, the condom, coitus interruptis, vasectomy, and the male pill are discussed in terms of advantages and disadvantages. How the diminishing male role in contraception since the advent of oral contraceptives has changed because of the women's movement is noted. A comparison between Japanese and American methods of selling condoms is made. The authors say that Japanese methods are much better, and suggestions are made on how to better promote condom use in the United States are made. Suggestions are also given on how to involve men at family planning clinics and how to teach sex education in the schools to promote more active participation in contraception.