Why MARS?

Reproductive health funding and services have historically targeted females. This focus has been successful in reducing teen pregnancy and some sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates significantly. However, the United States continues to have epidemic proportions of unintended pregnancies and STIs, including HIV/AIDS. While studies have shown that men have different attitudes and expectations than women about healthcare, they still have reproductive health concerns and needs.

Statistics confirm these needs:

• Less than 25 percent of American males are sexually experienced by age 15, but by age 20, 9 out of 10 males have had intercourse. (Alan Guttmacher Institute, 2002)
• By their late teenage years, just over 2 in 10 sexually experienced men have had only one partner, and almost 3 in 10 have had six or more. (Alan Guttmacher Institute, 2002)
  Forty-three percent of a sample of college males reported using condoms incorrectly. (Crosby et al, 2002)
• Over the past 36 years, on average only 2-4 percent of Title X family planning clinic patients have been males. (Department of Health and Human Services, 2003)

Information and Appointments

To request a presentation for your class or organization by a MARS outreach worker, use the online Program Request Form.

Health Promotion Department
OSU Student Health Services
310 Plageman Building
Corvallis, OR 97331
Phone: 541-737-2775
Email: mars@oregonstate.edu