Male Contraceptive Counseling in Primary Care: Are You Asking the Questions?

Abstract

Historically, addressing male contraception in the primary care setting has remained a low priority among health promoting topics and behaviors for providers. Perhaps it is the perception that women receive contraception counseling during her annual visit to the OB/GYN. Or maybe it is due to increasing pressures of the provider to see patients in a timely manner, not allowing for additional education and counseling at visits. Or, is it because of the country’s current economic status, limiting reimbursement for such services? While most women receive contraceptive counseling through her gynecologist or even primary care provider, little focus is aimed at providing contraceptive counseling to the male patients. In an effort to explore these barriers, we ask the compelling question of: what are the barriers to providing male contraceptive counseling in the primary care setting? To clarify and uncover these barriers, we surveyed several primary care providers, all being nurse practitioners, on her current practices in regards to male contraceptive counseling. We then performed a brief education session on the current recommendations, guidelines, and methods to help integrate this topic into primary care. We followed up with a post-education survey to assess the providers' understanding of the presented information and the likelihood of implementing into his/her practice.