Researchers conducted this study to identify men’s knowledge and attitude to contraception and determine whether there are differences in those men who have previous TOP experience compared to those without experience.
The data collection method was a cross-sectional survey by written questionnaire of male attendees at a GUM clinic.
In total, 999 men, aged 15 to 70, completed questionnaires, 97.2% of those eligible. Over 96% of men wishing to avoid pregnancy with regular sexual partners were using contraception. The majority, 68.8%, of men did not have enough knowledge to access appropriate emergency contraception. Experience of a TOP was reported by 16.5% of men. Compared to men who did not have termination experience, there were no differences in contraceptive use or emergency contraception knowledge.
The study concluded that the contraception with regular sexual partners was adequate, but this was not the case with casual sexual partners or concerning knowledge of emergency contraception. No significant differences were found in contraceptive use or attitudes between men with or without TOP experience, but several factors may be influenced, including the study’s cross-sectional nature. Improved targeting of men at the time of their partner’s termination and the development of a National Sexual Health Strategy that considers men’s needs may address this.
Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/27/4/217
