The sexual and reproductive health needs of men

The Dutch Share-Net network has published a document on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of men. Paul Janssen, one of the authors, told aidsmap about the problems men face with SRH and what triggered the creation of this project.

Paul Janssen believes that at the moment work on gender issues are most often related to women and girls, and very little is said about the SRH needs of men and boys. Therefore, with colleagues from Share-Net, created a project to engage men and boys in the conversation.

“On the whole, when people talk about health, it is about men: research is with men, policy is about men, and women’s needs are not given priority. But in the area of SRH, the opposite seems to be true,” says Janssen.

The team analysed available information on the issue and found that men are usually placed into one of three social categories:

1. Sexual partner, husband, father, gatekeeper of sexual and reproductive health of their families.

2. Politician, religious leader, service provider. This role may not directly connect with women, but impacts the quality of services, as well as their accessibility and results.

3. Men and boys as beneficiaries. This group often falls off the radar.

Problems facing men and boys in SRH

Experts believe that many of the key issues for men and boys are the same as those facing women and girls. Men have sex, they need sex education and life skills.

“Comprehensive sex education is the place to start talking about what it means to be a man or a boy, and to address masculinity.”

Men can contract sexually transmitted infections and HIV. Many men experience sexual dysfunction. There is also hyper-sexuality, as well as the absence of sex drive - these all come with their attached stigma.

There is sexual and gender-based violence against men and boys, especially trans and non-binary people.

There are male specific cancers such as cancer of the prostate, testicles and penis.

Another important area is reproductive health. Men need contraception, and want to have easier and more reliable ways to control their fertility.

Alongside reproductive health is the issues of fatherhood and parenting. Education has traditionally been considered a female sphere, but more men are interested and ready to play a larger role.

Jenssen also highlights the issues facing the sexual and reproductive rights of gay, bisexual and trans-men.

“The main thing I’d like to see is the recognition that men and boys have sexual health needs and are potential beneficiaries of SRH. If you see SRH as a public health issue, then you have to look at anybody who has SRH needs and address those needs.”