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Men and Microbicides
HDN Key Correspondent - AIDS2002 Conference Reposted courtesy of Gender-AIDS ([email protected])
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Much discussion at the Barcelona AIDS2002 Conference has revolved around involving men in microbicides advocacy initiatives. In a cross-section of short random interviews with 26 male delegates, 14 responded ¨Yes¨ to the question ¨Have you heard of microbicides?
Surprisingly, of those who knew about microbicides, not one participant mentioned bi-directional protection, dual protection or woman´s need and right to protect herself. Only one participant mentioned the option that microbicides give to men to have skin to skin sex (in the context of men who have sex with men).
Some of the things men had to say about microbicides:
"Microbicides are potentially very important for both men and women. Instead of being promoted as an option only for women, they should be promoted for use by both men and women. After all, men are more than applicators!"
"Men will be more concerned about irritation that microbicides may cause to their bodies."
"Men may feel women have infection inside. Condoms are better and have more acceptability because men don't like more lubrication which microbicides give."
"Men will be very critical of contraceptive microbicides, especially if they is applied without their knowledge. In our culture, it is very important for a man to make the woman pregnant."
"Men may largely feel resistant to microbicides because they are not used to anything which is female-controlled. So a lot of awareness campaigning is needed to make men understand the concept of microbicides before they is launched. The acceptability of microbicides will depend upon how the communication between a man and a woman changes and becomes more effective on sex-related matters."
"Men do not understand the basics of women's sexuality. Products like microbicides interfere with cultural understanding of masculinity. Men may see microbicides like condoms - products that interfere with sexual pleasure and make the woman look sick. Men may feel offended by microbicides. The concept of masculinity needs to be addressed before microbicides can become more acceptable by men in Brazil."
"Why do men have to know about microbicides when it is woman-controlled? Responses from men can vary depending upon individual understanding of man-woman relationship. Some men may feel very insulted and some may feel it is great when they discover their women using microbicides."
"Men may feel somewhat concerned if they find their women using or becoming interested in microbicides. They may doubt risky sexual behaviour or promiscuity."
"A lot of Japanese men do not care about STI. The only thing they care about is pregnancy - and for which they practise pre-ejaculation withdrawal more often than using condoms. Since most Japanese men do not think about prevention, I don't think they will bother about women using microbicides."
"Men will consider microbicides as a great prevention option, especially for those men who have sex with men, because this is the only option which may give them an opportunity to enjoy skin-to-skin sex."
"No use. It may irritate or injure the penis."
"Men don't give too much thought to protection of women. India has a male centered society, so unless we work with men to enhance understanding of woman's need to protect herself, microbicides are not going to work."
"Men may respond variably to microbicides - some may not accept at all and some will. It depends upon education."
"How can men think about microbicides when we even don't have lubricants?"
"Microbicides kill microbes - good and bad ones. They effect the natural protection of human body. Gay men use lubricants but they will only use microbicides as lubricants or prevention option for STIs if it is proven to be effective. The Network of Sex Work Projects has a strong position on clinical trials that involve gay men."
"It is great if available and accessible for free / less cost."
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