Family planning and contraception are two concepts that go hand-in-hand. They form a simple equation that applies to both men and women. A smart contraception equals good family planning, especially when you’re not ready to have more children.
While women have many options of contraception, men have limited choices for consideration. So if you are not thinking of becoming a father, then you must weigh in all the options and make an informed decision.
Here’s a rundown of all that you need to know about the effective male contraceptives.
What are male contraceptives?
A male contraceptive ideally abstains the sperm from coming in direct contact with a female egg. The purpose, of course, is to avoid unplanned pregnancy as well as to safeguard from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Male contraceptives ideally abstain the sperm from coming in direct contact with a female egg.
Types of male contraceptives
There are four approaches that are currently available to men in Singapore. The first two options are the more popular options, with convenience as key factors.
Male Condom
What: Condoms are a plastic cover or sheath that is worn over the penis during intercourse. They are by far the most popular and widely used forms of male contraceptives. They are easy to use and very much accessible across the market.
When used properly, condoms provide protection against both- pregnancies and STDs. You must use condoms while having sex with a new partner, multiple sexual partners or if you are unsure of your partner’s sexual history.
Effectiveness: Condoms can be 75-90 percent effective depending on their correct use. However, experts recommend that you check the date of manufacturing before you buy the pack. A pack of condoms would also usually mention the percentage of protection.
Disadvantage: Condoms are not recommended for people who are allergic to latex. You can use polyurethane condoms as an alternative.
Find out how effective spermicides and the withdrawal methods are as male contraceptives.
Spermicide
What: Spermicides are chemicals that are used to kill sperms. They come in the form of a cream, jelly, vaginal foam or aerosol. Although it is counted as a male contraceptive, it is the woman who uses a spermicide.
Spermicides need to be placed in the vaginal area before intercourse to be effective. Studies show that if women use it regularly, 15 out of 100 will become pregnant.
Effectiveness: Spermicides are about 70 percent effective if used on their own. However, they could be about 95 percent effective if used with a condom.
Disadvantage: Some people might be allergic to the content of spermicides.
Withdrawal Method
What: This natural form of contraceptive involves a man withdrawing his penis from the vagina before ejaculating. This method frequently fails because small drops of sperm may escape from the penis into the vagina before the man ejaculates. This method also usually leads to impairment of sexual climax.
Effectiveness: Withdrawal is less than 80 percent effective.
Disadvantage: This method is not very effective to prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases.
Men, are you ready for a permanent method of male contraceptives? Find out more about it on the next page.
Male Sterilization (vasectomy)
What: Vasectomy is a surgical procedure that stops sperms from passing through testicles in the form of sperm. This procedure ensures safe male ejaculation without the presence of sperms.
Vasectomy is generally a simple procedure that can be carried out under local anesthesia. This method is called incision. A cut is made on both sides of the scrotum to reach the tubes. These tubes are then tied or blocked using surgical clips.
Vasectomy is considered to be one of the most effective male contraceptives in all the forms of effective male contraceptives
In another method, called non-incision, the tubes are punctured, tied or blocked. There is no scarring or stitches in this procedure. Remember that vasectomy does not affect a man’s fertility potential since sperms continue to be produced. The only difference post this procedure is that sperms get absorbed into the natural system.
Therefore, vasectomy has no effect on the libido or the ability to have sexual intercourse. It takes roughly 15 minutes to perform.
Effectiveness: Vasectomy is the most effective male contraceptives of all the the forms and is over 99 per cent effective.
Disadvantage: This method of contraception is, however, permanent and only suitable for those who do not want to have children in the future. Although there is a chance of reversal, the procedure is complicated and rarely successful.
In a recent study by the United Nations, female sterilization constitutes over two-third of total sterilisation in the country. While male sterilization constitutes just one percent.
Read on to find out the differences between female and male contraceptives.
Difference between female and male contraceptives
Let’s not forget, the male and female bodies are very different and, therefore, so are their contraceptives.
Many contraceptive methods available for women are not effective for males. For instance, men cannot use intrauterine devices because of their anatomy.
Similarly, male contraceptives do not include morning after pills or oral contraceptive pills. Research is still on to finalise male contraceptive pills.
But doctors usually advice both partners (who do not want to start a family) to use contraception. This substantially lowers the possibility of an unplanned pregnancy.
Use of contraceptives by men and women can reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies
The future of male contraceptives
Several researches across the globe are now working on creating more effective male contraceptives apart from the aforementioned four. A study published by the University of Sydney, Australia, reviewed hormonal birth control.
According to the study, the use of a combination of testosterone and progestin can be used to suppress sperm production similar to a vasectomy. However, its reliability is still in question.
Some of the other birth control methods or male contraceptives that you can look out for include the following:
- Testicular warming: Experts suggest that if men sit in saunas for longer period at time regularly, they can drastically bring down their sperm count. However, you must consult with the doctor before you decided to soak yourself in steam all day!
- Transdermal gels: These gels are a combination of testosterone and nestorone and are being studied as effective male contraceptives. They can also be used to suppress sperm formation.
- Intra vas device: These are one-inch long silicon implants that block the flow of sperms. They are inserted into the vasa deferentia that carry sperms from the testicles. This method is similar to vasectomy, except, it leaves the vasa deferentia intact.
- Calcium channel blockers: Commonly known as Nifedipine, this is a hypertension and migraine medication. This medication increases infertility in men by lowering the sperm count.
While undergoing consultation with your doctor, try to understand which are the most effective male contraceptives for you, and remember to weigh in all your options.
Republished with permission from: theIndusparent
Men, which male contraceptives are you using? Tell us your preferred choice by leaving a comment below!