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Human reproduction is NOT just a "woman's issue." It is an essential issue for all individuals that impacts not only the health of women, but that of couples, as well as the communities that support them. The EMERGE Lab represents Dr. Brian T. Nguyen's research and advocacy, aimed at: "Expanding Male Engagement in Reproductive and Gender Equity." Through research, policy review, and community-centered projects, The EMERGE Lab creates gender equity through showing men the active role they can play in reproductive health and the strength they bring through sensitivity and reproductive responsibility.  

to EMERGE requires men to embrace their vulnerability.

to EMERGE requires conversations about our reproductive responsibility.

Men's Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues

Male Contraception:

Condoms & Withdrawal

Men only have condoms, vasectomy, and withdrawal as contraceptive options. Condoms and withdrawal are low efficacy methods, yet they're used commonly no matter who you are. If we can't get people to use better methods, we can at least help people use these methods better.

Male Contraception:

Vasectomy Access & Uptake

Compared to tubal ligation or female sterilization, vasectomy is safer, cheaper, and more effective. However, vasectomy is underutilized, leading to greater physical and financial burdens for women to bear yet again. We investigate why.

Male Contraception:

Novel Methods & Clinical Trials

Male hormonal contraceptives are REAL and are currently being tested in human clinical trials. We're helping to determine the demand for male contraception and lay groundwork for its provision when it comes to market.

Family Planning:

Emergency contraception &
education on female methods

What do men know about female contraceptive methods? Why should they care? Because they can encourage women to use effective methods and help with access issues. Men can buy EC for their partners, but do pharmacies let them?

Family Planning:
Unplanned Pregnancy & Abortion

Nearly 50% of pregnancies are unplanned. Yet while the decision to continue or terminate an unplanned pregnancy is a woman's, men are often involved and need to be informed so they can better understand their feelings and how they can support their partners. 

Family Planning:

Abortion & Paternity Politics

Several Supreme Court decisions ruled in support of women's rights to abortion, independent of the opinions of biological fathers. Nevertheless, men in both relationships and politics continue arguments that subjugate women.

Fertility & Pregnancy Loss:

Male partner factors

Infertility testing and treatment is primarily focused on the woman, not recognizing that male partner factors, like paternal age or sperm count/quality, can impact pregnancy outcomes. Decreases in sperm concentration over time warrant further exploration.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases:

Testing, Treatment, &
Expedited Partner Therapy

Because men are less likely to seek healthcare, women are more likely to get screened and treated for STDs. If their male partners aren't treated, women will get re-infected. Expedited partner therapy is a potential solution. 

HPV-Related Cancer:

Screening & Vaccination for Men

The HPV vaccine was initially approved for women, however we now know that men get HPV-related oropharyngeal, penile, and anal cancers that can be prevented via vaccination. Yet why don't men get vaccinated? Do they not want them? Or can they not obtain them?

Fatherhood:

Paternity & Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression can affect relationships, infant bonding, and child development--it can affect men too, yet it remains under-screened, under-diagnosed, and under-treated. Engaging fathers during prenatal care may help. Paternal prenatal care models?

Sexual (dys)function &
intimate partner violence

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Screening women for intimate partner violence is important for safety, but perpetrators and the culture that breeds them need to be addressed. Sexual violence needs to be addressed and healthier, consensual sexual practices need to be promoted among men.

Gender & Masculinity:

Effects on Women & OB/GYNs

Social norms that pressure men to constantly compete with other men and antagonize women stand in the way of efforts towards a more equitable society. Men need to be sensitized to the experiences of women; male OB/GYNs can outreach to male partners. 

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