Male Birth Control: Exploring the Options
Female contraceptives have been extensive for decades, but with time, another aspect of contraception saw light, which is male birth control.
According to a report by NCBI, 78 percent of men believe that both partners share an equal share in the responsibility of family planning.
This raises a need to explore the possible options for men to contribute a share in birth control.
Research and studies have been put to work to find new methods, as until now, only a few reliable methods exist for men in contrast to women.
This article presents a comprehensive guide on male birth control, unveiling the efficiency of available methods and discussing the areas that are still to be explored.
Male birth control options
Despite a huge demand, male birth control options are still limited.
The reason is that men produce 1000 sperm per second, which needs to be stopped from fertilizing an egg.
Not enough methods so far have achieved the goal as some take too long to show effect while others are not completely reversible.
The methods that are currently available, along with their efficiency, are discussed ahead.
Outercourse
Outercourse is a term that encompasses various activities.
In general terms, it is avoiding penile-vaginal penetration.
It can involve activities like kissing, masturbating, anal, or oral sex.
Even the use of sex toys, massages, and dry humping is part of outercourse.
These activities are a way to attain pleasure without the risk of conceiving.
Abstinence
Abstinence is the practice of avoiding sex.
It has a different meaning and approach for different people.
Some do not indulge in any sexual activity, while some avoid vaginal sex to prevent pregnancy.
When practiced correctly, it is 100 percent effective.
Condoms
Condoms are a barrier method to prevent sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg.
They are worn on the penis and cover it entirely. It has different shapes, sizes, and materials to fit the needs of the individual.
This physical method has no side effects, does not require prior preparation or impact fertility, and also offers protection from STIs.
Condoms are 98 percent effective when used right.
Pull out method
The pull-out method is also known by the name of the withdrawal method.
It is the practice of withdrawing the penis from the vagina just before ejaculation, preventing the sperm from fertilizing the egg.
It requires practice, self-control, and precision and is about 80 percent effective.
Vasectomy
This method involves a surgical procedure where the tubes carrying sperm are cut and sealed.
This is done to prevent sperm from reaching the semen (the fluid that is ejaculated) so that the risk of pregnancy is eliminated.
This method is more than 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy, but it is difficult to reverse. So, one has to be sure of not wanting children before opting for this method.
The surgery takes about 15 minutes and is painless.
It can have mild follow-up symptoms like swelling or bruising of the scrotum.
After vasectomy, one needs to use other means of protection for eight to twelve weeks as the remaining sperm in the tubes take time to clear up.
One should also refrain from sex for about seven days.
Work can be resumed in one to two days, but heavy weight lifting or sports should be avoided for a week.
It does not affect libido or ejaculation, and one can enjoy intimacy the same way.
However, a few ejaculations after vasectomy may have blood, and it is not a harmful thing.
If symptoms continue for over a few days, one should seek medical assistance.
Spermicide
Spermicide is a chemical contraceptive option that can be used along with other methods. When used alone, it is 70 percent effective.
It can be a gel, foams, creams, and suppositories that are placed in the vagina.
They work by stopping sperm from swimming and reaching the eggs and also blocking the way to the cervix.
Is there a male birth control pill
So far, there is no reliable male birth control pill that is approved and safe.
The reason is males do not have a monthly cycle like women, wherein the ovaries release an egg every month, which can be controlled through pills.
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YasminFemilonIn contrast, men produce sperm daily, which needs to be blocked to avoid pregnancy.
It poses a challenge as these either take a long time to act, have too many side effects, or are not reversible easily.
For a pill to be approved, it also has to be affordable, accessible, easy to use, and effective in decreasing and blocking sperm.
Conclusion
Male birth control is an effective way to contribute an equal share in family planning and preventing unwanted pregnancies.
However, despite all the attempts, only a limited number of options are available for males.
Condoms, vasectomy, pull-out method, abstinence, and outercourse are the safe methods so far with varying efficiency.
Pills are still under trial, and these may open new doors for male contraceptives soon.
Until then, one should fulfill the responsibility towards the partner by taking care of one’s sexual health, taking necessary precautions using available methods, and enjoying intimacy safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there birth control for males?
To date, most countries have only two reliable options for male birth control, which are condoms (barrier method) and vasectomy (surgical procedure). For now, no pill for men has achieved approval as a reliable contraceptive either because of side effects or inability to manage sperm count.
Can I take birth control as a man?
Men do not have any approved birth control pills. Experimental pills have shown positive signs, but research work and approval are still a matter of concern. For now, the only safe birth control options available except abstinence and outercourse for men are condoms and vasectomy.
What is the best male contraceptive?
Vasectomy is considered the best male birth control option due to its efficiency. It is more than 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. Considering the affordable aspect, condoms are the best option, which also offers protection from STIs.
What are the 4 contraceptive methods in males?
Four known male contraceptive methods are barrier method, surgical method, abstinence, and outercourse. Condoms are used as a barrier during intercourse. The surgical method is vasectomy, which blocks sperm supply to semen. Abstinence is avoiding sex, and outercourse means avoiding penile vaginal penetration.
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