News
Young Australian men reluctant to talk to GPs about sexual health and contraception
The majority of young men do not talk to their GP about their sexual health and contraceptive needs, preferring their friends and the internet as sources of information, according to a major study published today by one of Australia’s leading sexual and reproductive healthcare providers, Marie Stopes International.
The study, Australian Men’s Attitudes to Contraception and Vasectomy was conducted by Quantum Market Research and is based on an online survey of a representative sample of 1000 Australian men.
Key findings of the study were that only 39% of 18-29 year olds have discussed sexual health and contraception with their GP, compared to 57% of men aged 30-39. Younger men also cited the internet and friends as their preferred source of information regarding sexual health and contraception. This differed significantly from men aged 30 to 59, 68% of whom stated that they go to their GP for contraceptive and sexual health information.
“Although it’s promising that men are talking about these issues, in light of the fact that this age group is the most at risk of contracting STIs, it is concerning that they are not getting sexual health and contraceptive information from more reliable sources such as their GP,” Marie Stopes International Acting CEO, Ms Jill Michelson said.
“While women are regular visitors to their doctors for contraception, pap smears and sexual health checks, men are typically more reluctant to visit their GP for preventative health measures. Men must be encouraged to take a more pro-active approach to their health”, she said.
When it comes to vasectomy, many men are unsure about the procedure, and were unable to comment on whether they thought the procedure would affect their testosterone levels or ability to have an orgasm. Furthermore, a quarter of men surveyed believe that having a vasectomy is ‘really painful’.
“Despite vasectomy being a safe, simple and effective contraceptive option for men who have completed their families, there are still a number of misconceptions surrounding the procedure. Despite these misconceptions, it is promising that that 94% of men would go to their GP to source information on the procedure.” said Ms Michelson.
