A global grounded theory exploration of investigators’ perspectives on male hormonal contraceptive development and acceptability

Abstract

ABSTRACT While best practices have been proposed on how to engage men in family planning (FP), the limited options of male hormonal contraceptives (MHC) are a barrier to reaching men as clients of FP programs. The lack of alternative MHC is preventing the global health community from providing holistic reproductive healthcare. A qualitative grounded theory study was conducted in 2020 to explore MHC experts’ perceptions around the development and theoretical acceptability of MHCs. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 key informants. The informants cited evidence that there is a demand for MHC. The inability to access this data by the pharmaceutical industry was acknowledged. Many informants expressed concern of the possibility for MHC to increase male power in a predominantly patriarchal world. To most informants, at least for the initial introduction of MHC, fertility sharing is something that will largely happen among couples alone rather than individually. There is proven demand among women and men for MHC, however industries may still be reluctant to invest. Effort is needed by the sexual and reproductive health and rights community to include male engagement in FP and to advocate for the development and use of MHC as a tool for women’s empowerment.