Male Contraceptive Use: Significant and by Choice

Amy Tsui, Johns Hopkins University
Nasim Haque, Johns Hopkins University
Rob Stephenson, Johns Hopkins University

Men play an important and often dominant role in childbearing and contraceptive decisions; and although their reported use of contraceptives varies globally, relatively little is known about why they use male methods. This study examines factors associated with contraceptive use and method choice among male respondents in five Demographic and Health Surveys (Bolivia, Nepal, Tanzania, Togo and Turkey). Vasectomy and withdrawal use is highest in Nepal and Turkey respectively, with condoms otherwise the leading method. Socioeconomic, demographic and communication factors' influence male versus female method use and type of method differently. Condom use is significantly associated with low parity, young age, high education, white collar occupation and media exposure. Withdrawal use in Turkey is only associated with young parity. Male sterilization in Nepal is associated with older age, parity of two or higher, and media exposure. These influences contrast with those known for women's contraceptive practice and recommend further research into the dynamics of male contraceptive use.