Abstract
An anonymous online survey was sent to men who had logged onto an online dating site within the previous year. We analysed 2438 survey responses. A contraceptive method was used at last intercourse for 82% of men <50 years old versus 69% of men ≥50 (P<0.0001). Condoms (35%), vasectomy (22%) and the contraceptive pill (21%) were the most commonly used methods. Older men were less likely to use condoms than younger men (P<0.0001). More than 80% of participants had heard of each method. The greatest perceived harm was with the emergency contraceptive pill, with 32% responding that it was 'harmful to the health of the user' and 37% not sure. Belief that contraception decision-making should be shared between partners increased from 57% in a 'one-night stand' to 75% in a casual relationship, to 92% in a long-term relationship. Among this sample there is high contraceptive use, especially vasectomy in older men and a desire to share contraceptive decision-making with their partners, especially in long-term relationships. However, low awareness of some methods and misperceptions about hormonal contraceptive method safety, especially the emergency contraceptive pill, highlight the need for education for men.
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