Knowledge and Beliefs About the Use and Abuse of Oral Contraceptive Pills Among Males: A Mixed-Method Explanatory Sequential Study in Community Pharmacy Settings

    May 2021 in “ PloS one ”
    Muna Barakat, Rajaa Alqudah, Amal Akour, Mona Abu-Asal, Samar Thiab, Yahya H. Dallal Bashi
    TLDR Many men misuse oral contraceptive pills for things like hair growth and muscle gain.
    The study investigated the knowledge and beliefs about the use and abuse of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) among males in community pharmacy settings, using a mixed-method approach with 158 survey responses and 22 interviews. It found that males had limited knowledge and held misconceptions about OCPs, often using them for muscle gain (36.5%), hair growth (20.8%), and other non-contraceptive purposes. Pharmacists reported dispensing OCPs without prescriptions and noted side effects like gynecomastia and mood changes. The study emphasized the need for stricter regulations, better monitoring, and educational interventions to improve male understanding and prevent misuse of OCPs.
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