Contraception, Disability and Illness
Male Contraceptive and Reproductive Issues
Men can have a role in preventing unintended pregnancy in a number of ways. They can: learn about the feelings and factors that may block communication about sexual expectations in a relationship; discuss contraception with a partner in advance of sexual intercourse; support a partner's use of contraception; and purchase and use condoms themselves (both for contraception and STI prevention). In addition, many men will eventually choose vasectomy. Do men with a physical disability or illness encounter problems in such contraception-related practices that could be attributed to their condition?
The ability or willingness to use condoms is affected by a number of physical, psychological and social situations that men with disabilities may encounter. Specific physical conditions such as muscle weakness, tremors, spasticity, or impaired mobility may make condom use difficult or impossible. This is also the case for gay men with disabilities in terms of both using condoms for safer sex and negotiating condom use (in conditions that affect communication).
Conditions that impair cognition, memory, judgment, or learning can also affect the ability to determine when condom use is needed and how to negotiate condom use. Dependence on others for personal care, especially in sexual situations, can be a barrier to condom usage. If the condition interferes with erection, some men may fear that condom use will cause or exacerbate erectile difficulties or dysfunction. Others may mistakenly assume that they do not need to use contraception because they believe that their condition renders them infertile. While this section focuses on contraception, it is understood that some individuals who encounter difficulties with condom use for contraception or safer sex may opt for pleasurable sexual activities (mutual caressing, use of vibrators or other sex toys, etc.) that do not carry risk of pregnancy or, with care, of sexually transmitted infection.
The social and personal circumstances of people with a disability or illness can also have an impact on access to information and services related to contraception and sexual health. For example, men with a disability or illness may face practical barriers to purchasing condoms (income, mobility), social barriers to using them in sexual relationships (privacy, restrictive institutional policies, acceptance by others), or emotional barriers (self-acceptance as a sexual person).
This section outlines male contraceptive and reproductive issues for a number of specific conditions. The issues mentioned here may also pertain to conditions not mentioned including developmental disability and psychiatric illness. Each entry indicates, when applicable, how the condition could affect a man's fertility, libido, or erectile function. The physical consequences of the condition that could affect the ability to negotiate condom use are also discussed.
Note: The websites listed at the end of each entry are credible sources of sexuality/reproductive related information for the conditions discussed. The text under each condition is derived from sources in the reference list.
Last Modified: September 5, 2006
