This new attention contrasts with several decades of neglect that began in the 1960s after the development of modern contraceptive methods for women. Many family planning programs and other reproductive health care providers were accustomed to paying little attention to men except for the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) (21, 100, 157, 240, 242). Now, reproductive health programs are seeking better ways to understand men, to communicate with them, to engage them, and to help them take better care of themselves and their partners.

Family planning programs in the past have focused on women instead of men for several reasons: Women bear the risks and burdens of pregnancy and childbearing; most modern contraceptives are for women; and many providers have assumed that women have the greatest stake, and interest, in protecting their own reproductive health.

Reflecting these assumptions, the clinic-based service delivery design for family planning has made it difficult to include men (70, 272). Services have often been offered in maternal and child health (MCH) clinics. Many men see MCH clinics and their staffs as serving only women and children and feel uncomfortable seeking information or services in that setting.

Some family planning programs have avoided men because they assume that men are indifferent or even opposed to family planning (57, 76, 90, 100 , 155, 157 ). Indeed, men as a group are frequently blamed for many of women's reproductive health problems.

Men are a diverse group of individuals. They reflect the spectrum of humanity, from kind and caring to abusive and dangerous. While some men do prevent women from using family planning, spread STDs to their female partners, or act in other harmful ways, most men do not. It is important that health programs abandon stereotypes of men and learn more about their concerns and needs, especially when designing programs for different groups of men (57).