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.