Male Involvement: Implications for Reproductive and Sexual Health Programs

The sexual health needs of young males have been largely ignored in the field of reproductive health. Until recently, the health care needs of females have received the vast majority of attention from public health professionals and organizations with services focused on the prevention of teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and HIV/AIDS. Involving men in responsible sexual decision-making has tremendous potential to reduce teen pregnancy, STIs, and HIV/AIDS infection rates for both men and women. A new strategy has been to provide reproductive health services and education to males. This has been termed "male involvement."

This article discusses the sexual and reproductive health needs of young males, including discussion of their sexual development, their engagement in risky sexual behavior, their reproductive health risks, and racial and ethnic disparities. Practical steps for planning and implementing effective male sexual health education and services are then discussed, including involving males in the planning and implementation process, partnering with organizations that already work with males, providing skill-based education, and creating gender-neutral (male and female supportive) environments.