Motivations to use a novel hormonal male contraceptive: Perspectives from male contraceptive clinical trial participants

OBJECTIVE: Most existing studies on men's willingness to use novel hormonal male contraceptives (HMCs) rely on survey data and focus on the hypothetical use of HMCs. The aim of this in-depth, qualitative study was to elicit the perspectives of HMC clinical trial participants - men who have actually used an HMC - to describe their motivations for using HMCs. STUDY DESIGN: In 2017-18 we conducted 30 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with a sample of men who participated in early-stage HMC clinical trials in Los Angeles or Seattle to explore their experiences with and motivations for trialing a HMC. Using thematic analysis, we analyzed deidentified transcripts using deductive and inductive codes, summarizing key themes using a socioecological framework. RESULTS: Participants averaged 35 years old (range: 22-52) and were ethnically and sociodemographically diverse. Men's motivations for using an HMC centered on societal-level factors (i.e., concerns regarding 'overpopulation' and responsible childbearing), partnership factors (concerns regarding entrapment; desire to share in contraceptive responsibility), and individual-level factors (i.e., contraceptive options that maximized pleasure and intimacy; beliefs in men's contraceptive and bodily autonomy). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first U.S.-based, in-depth qualitative insights from men who have used HMCs. Men's motivations for participating in HMC clinical trials and wanting to use novel male contraceptives are both numerous and multi-faceted, supporting prevailing survey data on men's willingness to use them once on the market. These data offer insights on how male contraceptives could be marketed to the general public. IMPLICATIONS: Men's motivations vary with respect to participation in hormonal male clinical trials and desire to use HMCs when they become available. All of these motivations - from the broader, societal level, to the individual and partnership level - are critical to assessing the demand for and subsequent marketing of HMCs.