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Abstract
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Family planning services have typically been directed at the female client. In addition, most family planning services and programs are female client-centered, with female-specific health care services such as family planning counseling, female sexual/reproductive medical care, genetic counseling, pregnancy tests, contraception administration, and prenatal care rendered primarily to the female client. The presence of men in most family planning clinics is negligible.
Men are key persons in the reproductive decision-making process. In some cultures, the male significantly influences the choice of birth control methods, birth number, birth sequencing, and timing, along with an opinion regarding the birthing method. Comprehensive family planning services should include men and women as equal partners and clients in the family planning process and delivery of family planning services. This would require the development and funding of family planning services directed at male clients. A basis to assist with the development of these types of services is Title X Family Planning programs and funding streams.
The integration of men into family planning services should include male sexual/reproductive health services, development of male-focused reproductive life plans, discussion of intimate partner violence, basic primary care services to include immunizations, sexually transmitted disease testing and treatment, along with primary care services to promote healthy lifestyle choices. In addition, family planning services that include men should either integrate men into the existing family planning services and have a true "family--male and female client together" planning program or develop male-centered family planning services. In addition to the aforementioned male services, male-centered family planning services should include demonstration of condom usage; sexually transmitted infection counseling; pregnancy prevention; pregnancy timing methods and female and male birth control options; preconception health counseling; genetic counseling; testicular health and self-examination; infertility counseling and management; discussion of alcohol, tobacco, and other substance use from an overall health and reproductive health perspective; and depression screening.
A secondary benefit of male-centered family planning services or the integration of men into existing family planning services is that this may serve as an entry point into the health care system and lead men to a further referral processes to secure primary health care prevention and treatment services. Men are the critical missing client in most family planning services. It is our obligation to provide male-centered family planning services either through an integrated model or male-focused model of health care delivery.
Language: en |