Men's involvement in contraception: a qualitative study exploring the perceptions and practices of general...

To explore French general practitioners' (GPs) views and practices regarding men's involvement in contraception.

We conducted a qualitative study between March and November 2023 with 15 GPs from three primary care facilities in western France. Three focus groups (five GPs per site) were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed iteratively using a thematic approach inspired by grounded theory, following Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ).

Three conceptual categories emerged: (1) diverse perceptions and increasing involvement of men in contraception; (2) variation in professional practices and knowledge; (3) a normative and institutional environment that hinders male involvement. While some participants described evolving social expectations, contraceptive responsibility was still largely perceived as female. Gender-related norms and knowledge gaps influenced perceptions and options presented to patients, limiting fully informed choice. However, some participants challenged these norms and sought to encourage patients to reconsider their options.

This study provides new insights into the perceptions and practices of GPs regarding men's involvement in contraception. It highlights the need to strengthen training on contraceptive methods and encourage reflection on gender issues, and suggests that public policies and pharmaceutical initiatives could support fairer practices.