October 23
,
2012
by: ASRM Office of Public Affairs
Published in ASRM Press Release
Note: All information is embargoed until the time of presentation at the meeting, unless otherwise indicated.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 68th ANNUAL MEETING OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE
Embargoed for Release: Monday, October 22, 2012 – 5:30 PM Pacific Daylight TimeMen Have Greater Confidence in their Ability to Take a Possible Reversible Male Contraceptive Pill
San Diego, CA - At the 68th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, doctors from Kansas City Medical Center reported results of a survey showing differences between men’s and women’s beliefs and attitudes toward a reversible male contraceptive (RMC).
Right now, reversible contraceptive options falling under sole male control are limited to barrier methods, but developments are coming swiftly and a method of non-hormonal, orally-administered, reversible male contraception may soon be ready for clinical trials.
Surveying 132 men and 165 women over the age of 18, the researchers found that over 90% of men and women were interested in an RMC pill and agreed that contraception was the responsibility of both partners. But attitudes diverged when 81% of men reported that they would be compliant with an oral medication and only 66% of women stated that they believed their male partner could be compliant. Seventy-four percent of women would continue to use their current form of birth control if their partner were taking an RMC pill and 59% of men would have their female partner continue their current form of contraception if the men were taking an RMC. Men and women both felt that using two forms of contraception provided double the protection against unplanned pregnancy.
Brad van Voorhis, MD, President of the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, observed, “When an oral RMC becomes available, many couples will find it necessary to reevaluate their contraceptive needs and to decide which methods suit them best. Despite the apparent disjunction between men’s and women’s beliefs concerning males’ potential compliance with an RMC pill, this survey is encouraging. It shows that men and women strongly believe that birth control is a responsibility they share with their partner.”
O-20 Male and Female Public Opinion Regarding a Possible Male Contraceptive Pill
A.P. Windsperger et al.
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine, founded in 1944, is an organization of more than 7,000 physicians, researchers, nurses, technicians and other professionals dedicated to advancing knowledge and expertise in reproductive biology. Affiliated societies include the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, the Society for Male Reproduction and Urology, the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, the Society of Reproductive Surgeons and the Society of Reproductive Biologists and Technologists.
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