Abstract
Study question
Among health professionals involved in contraceptive prescribing, what are the knowledge, professional attitudes and training on male contraceptive methods?
Summary answer
The health professionals involved in prescribing contraception are not sufficiently trained in male contraception and almost all of them want more.
What is known already
The most recent large-scale studies show that 70% of couple contraception is provided by women and that the majority of men and women would be willing to adopt male contraception as couple contraception. The medicalization of contraception places the medical profession at the forefront of the acceptability of and information regarding a contraceptive method. However, only one study have evaluated health professionals’ knowledge of the various methods of male contraception (MC), including male hormonal contraception (MHC) and male thermal contraception (MTC).
Study design, size, duration
Between April 2020 and June 2020, we carried out a descriptive prospective multicentre study in a medical population of 2243 prescribers of couple contraception in France.
Participants/materials, setting, methods
The participants were obstetrician-gynaecologists, medical gynaecologists, general practitioners or midwives. They completed a three-part numerical questionnaire, including i) sociodemographic characteristics and personal experiences with contraception, ii) knowledge and professional attitudes about male contraception and iii) training on male contraception.
Main results and the role of chance
The overall participation rate was 19% (340/2243). Condoms and withdrawal were known by 98% and 89% of the population, respectively. Vasectomy was known by 75% of the population and significantly better known by obstetrician-gynaecologists than by medical gynaecologists and general practitioners (p = 0.026). Male hormonal contraception (MHC) and male thermal contraception (MTC) were known by 10% and 23% of the population, respectively, and were significantly better known by medical gynaecologists and general practitioners than by other specialties (p < 0.001). More than half (55%) of the population never or infrequently offered MC during a couple’s contraceptive request consultation. Female practitioners offered MC significantly more often than male practitioners (48% vs. 26%; p = 0.033). Only 14% of the population had ever participated in training on MC, 96% wished to be better trained on MC, and 86% expressed a willingness to participate in such a training.
Limitations, reasons for caution
The population was mainly representative of medical health practitioners of southeastern France. There was an over-representation of women in all medical specialties, except for midwives.
Wider implications of the findings: Our study shows that health professionals involved in contraception have limited knowledge about MC and are eager to have more information about it. To advance the acceptability and dissemination of such contraceptive methods, it seems imperative to provide health professionals with an adapted training program on male contraception.
Trial registration number
2020–01–23–03
Attitudes towards the male contraceptive pill in men and women in casual and stable sexual relationships