Willingness to use novel reversible methods of male birth control: a community-based survey of cisgender men in the United States

Abstract

Background There is high global demand for new methods of male birth control (MBC). However, contemporary evidence regarding men’s method-specific attitudes and their determinants is sparse. Methods Non-sterilized cisgender men ages 18–45 with recent history of female sex partners were surveyed at a large community event in the Midwestern US. We examined variation in participants’ willingness to use MBC by method (gel, pill, injection, implant, and vas occlusion), potential side effects, and potential barriers. We estimated crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) for associations between participant characteristics and willingness to use ≥ 1 MBC method. Results Overall, 72% of participants (n = 187; mean age, 29) were very willing to use ≥ 1 MBC method although support for individual methods ranged widely from 62% (pill) to 24% (vas occlusion). In bivariate analysis of sociodemographic and health characteristics, few demonstrated associations with MBC willingness. In a multivariable model, willingness was independently related to age (30–39 vs. 18–29 years old, aPR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.04–1.48) and having ever been tested for HIV (aPR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.07–1.51). Willingness to tolerate side effects was < 10% for most items. The most commonly endorsed barriers to MBC use were high cost (77%) and side effects (66%). Conclusions Enthusiasm for MBC was high but waned in the context of potential side effects and barriers. Additional research on MBC attitudes in socioeconomically and culturally diverse populations worldwide is sorely needed.