Attitudes to a male contraceptive pill in a group of contraceptive users in the UK

Abstract 

Background

Small scale trials of male hormonal contraception have produced encouraging results. Attitudes to, and beliefs about, a proposed male pill may affect uptake.

Methods

This paper examines attitudes towards a proposed ‘male contraceptive pill’ among a self selected sample of 54 men and 134 women, living in a non-metropolitan centre in the East of England, United Kingdom who were already users of contraception. Thirty four respondents were also interviewed and their views on the male pill were qualitatively analysed.

Results

The acceptability of a male pill was high, with just under half (49.5%) of the respondents indicating that they woud use it. Gender, length of relationship, age and educational achievement did not affect the reported acceptability. However, 42% of respondents expressed concerns that men would forget to take a male pill. Women were significantly more likely to express this concern than men. Furthermore, 26% of respondents expressed health concerns. Willingness to take a male pill was associated with expressing the view that increased protection against pregnancy would be an advantage of such a method. Those unwilling or undecided were more likely to express concerns about the effect of a pill on future fertility.

Conclusions

A male pill was accepted as a potential aid to increased fertility control by a large proportion of a convenience sample of contraceptive users in the East of England. If a male pill were to be marketed in the UK this study suggests that concerns about effects on future fertility and health risks may need to be addressed.

Key words: Male contraception, Fertility control, Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, England