Acceptability and determinants of using male hormonal contraceptives: a systematic review from a gender perspective

The development of male hormonal contraceptives (MHCs) is underway, and they may be available soon. Gender norms in family planning and predictors of use of MHCs need to be considered when addressing MHC promotion and adherence strategies. An evaluation of the acceptability factors of MHC methods in the population is carried out from a gender perspective. A systematic review following the PRISMA 2009 checklist has been performed. Articles indexed in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science and CUIDEN databases were included. Twenty-nine original articles were evaluated. Most evidence comes from Europe and North America. There is a high acceptability of MHCs in both sexes (reaching more than 70%). There are differences between countries and cultures. The main factors influencing willingness to use MHCs are: side effects; route of administration (MHC pill preferred by most men and injections by most women); frequency of administration (influenced by the previous factors); level of education and health behaviours; religion; perception of shared responsibility; perception of masculinity; and impaired sexual function/desire. Efficacy has not been sufficiently explored. Gender-dependent attitudes towards contraceptive responsibility need to be further explored, so that policies that favour equal reproductive rights can be formulated once MHCs are marketed.