Male Contraception Options

Despite advancements in science, birth control choices for men remain limited to condoms or vasectomy. There are also less reliable options such as withdrawal (pulling out) and outercourse. Considering that many of the pregnancies are unintended, there’s a clear need for additional family planning methods that do not place the sole responsibility on women. Many men express a desire to share this responsibility equally with their female partners. However, the gap in available options is substantial. Efforts have been made in the realm of science to address this issue, but multiple research studies have been initiated and halted over many years. Some potential male birth control methods are in development, but their arrival on the market remains uncertain. For now, men will have to rely on the birth control methods they have used for decades. In this article, we will explore the birth control options currently available to men to prevent unintended pregnancies, as well as discuss potential developments for the future. What Options are Currently Available for Male Birth Control? Condoms Condoms serve as a form of barrier birth control. They are placed over an erect penis before engaging in vaginal intercourse to prevent pregnancy. Condoms function by creating a barrier that prevents semen from entering the vaginal canal, thereby preventing fertilization of an egg. Typically, condoms are crafted from materials like latex or polyurethane, although some are made from a lamb membrane known as lambskin. They are available in various sizes and may feature different textures. Some condoms are lubricated to ease penetration and reduce the risk of tearing, while others are coated with spermicide for added pregnancy protection. Advantages Risks Condoms may tear or slip off if they do not fit properly or are not applied correctly. Condoms can deteriorate due to expiration or exposure to light and heat, increasing the likelihood of tearing during use. Individuals with a latex allergy may experience allergic reactions to latex condoms, often marked by itching and swelling after intercourse. Condoms lubricated with spermicide may heighten the risk of urinary tract infections in individuals with vaginas. Conventional vasectomy Vasectomy, also referred to as male sterilization, is a surgical procedure intended to provide permanent contraception. In a vasectomy, a surgeon performs the following steps to ensure the tubes responsible for transporting sperm (vas deferens) are divided and sealed off. This prevents sperm from mixing with seminal fluid, rendering it incapable of fertilizing an egg. Vasectomy is typically an outpatient procedure, and general anesthesia is not used. You will be awake during the surgery. Recovery from a vasectomy typically spans around a week. During this time, it is advisable to refrain from sexual activity and strenuous physical activities, such as heavy lifting. Benefits Risks No-scalpel vasectomy No-scalpel vasectomy, like its conventional counterpart, provides a permanent method of male birth control and offers the same success rate in preventing pregnancy. This procedure is also performed on an outpatient basis and does not require general anesthesia. During a no-scalpel vasectomy: Benefits Risks What About a Male Birth Control Pill? Research on hormonal forms of male birth control, including a daily pill, has been conducted; however, as of now, there is no available male birth control pill. Several factors contribute to this absence. “Studies on a male pill began many years ago but faced numerous challenges,” explains Ph.D., research director for the Male Contraceptive Initiative. Researchers grappled with questions like how to create long-lasting delivery methods and determine the sperm production level that qualifies as sterility, even if it doesn’t reach zero. In addition to scientific challenges, practical obstacles hindered progress and production. The researcher elaborates, “The early studies often stalled due to difficulties in securing pharmaceutical partners for research financing. Many pharmaceutical companies in the early 2000s were hesitant to invest in new birth control methods due to concerns about potential legal issues. Large pharmaceutical companies shifted to a business model where smaller startups handle the initial risky research, with financing provided later. The field of male contraception has not reached that stage yet, lacking the necessary financial support. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic that a male birth control pill will be developed within the next decade.” What’s The Outlook for Male Birth Control Options in the Future? Once a variety of birth control options become available for men, they will, like women, choose the methods that suit them best. The researcher remarks, “Many men express a preference for a daily pill, possibly because it aligns with the familiarity of the current birth control used by many women.” Ongoing research is exploring other male birth control options, including: Conclusion At present, the exclusive birth control choices for men encompass condoms and vasectomy. Additionally, men can adopt behaviors such as outercourse to lower the likelihood of pregnancy. It’s important to note that a male birth control pill is not yet accessible. However, ongoing research is exploring various male birth control alternatives, including a daily pill, an injected nonhormonal gel, and a topical hormonal gel.