Conversation Starters: Engaging Males in Family Planning Services

For several reasons, men of reproductive age, from adolescence on up, are less likely to come into a clinic for family planning services, such as contraception, preventive screenings, or preconception counseling. The term “family planning” often does not resonate with men, or they may have a misconception that family planning services are for women only. They may be reluctant to show that they have questions and don’t have all the answers. Or they simply feel uncomfortable in what they may see as a women’s health domain. At the same time, Title X staff may feel uncertain about how to raise the subject of family planning with men.

This resource offers suggestions to start a conversation with a male client about family planning services, using the opportunity afforded when they come into the clinic for another reason.