Male Contraception

Male Birth Control Options
Birth Control

Play It Safe: Contraception Just For Men

Recently, there has been a lot of hype regarding experimental birth control options for men.
by

Recently, there has been a lot of hype regarding experimental birth control options for men. Both in the US and overseas, many researchers are developing methods that would allow men to share some of the responsibility, and one survey found that 50 percent of men would be willing to use a hormonal contraceptive. But the burden of pregnancy remains with the woman. Can we trust contraception designed just for dudes?

While condoms remain the only surefire way to prevent STDs, here are the options, both traditional and exploratory, for men who want to play it safe. These are big decisions, and we want your input. Vote for the treatments you would trust.

IVD Condom Vasectomy Vitamin A Inhibitor RISUG "Viagra Condom"
View 6 Photos
Trusting Men to Take Birth Control
News

Would You Trust Men to Take Birth Control?

I am more than happy to cede many tasks to men.
by

I am more than happy to cede many tasks to men. Big boxes? Pick 'em up. External hard drives? Figure 'em out. Cook dinner? Maybe I'll do the dishes. But I would never trust any man — not a FWB, boyfriend, or husband — with taking birth control.

No matter how much a man loves a woman, it's just not the same. Even if there is nothing sinister going on (i.e. guys who coerce women to stay in relationships by getting them pregnant), their level of unwanted-pregnancy fear is no match for women. Not because they don't care, but because it's not their body. Even women have trouble taking the pill at the same time every day! And, men, if a woman gets pregnant by accident, whose fault do you want it to be?

At least for now, we really don't have to answer this question. Not even the male pill is available in the US yet, but the UK is exploring other options, which are sure to jump the pond if successful. One is the ultrasound blaster, which halts sperm production for six months by sending ultrasound energy waves to testes, and the other is the male injection, a monthly jab in the butt that reduces hormone levels to temporarily block sperm.

Every year it's looking more and more likely that men will soon have equal rights when it comes to birth control; would you hand over the reigns?

What Do You Know About the Unloved Vasectomy?
Health

What Do You Know About the Unloved Vasectomy?

USA Today recently discussed the challenge of selling male sterilization.
by

USA Today recently discussed the challenge of selling male sterilization. A vasectomy, a quick operation that prevents pregnancy by blocking the tubes that carry sperm, is simpler and safer than female sterilization. Even so, they are much less common than female sterilization, since men are less comfortable with medical procedures, especially when, let's face it, it involves their penises.

Despite the PR problem, vasectomies are gaining in popularity during these tough economic times. Take this quiz to find out what you know about this form of birth control.

Source

Take the Quiz
Would You Ask Your Partner to Use Male Contraception?
Pregnancy

Would You Ask Your Partner to Use Male Contraception?

For 50 years women have adjusted their hormones to prevent pregnancy with a variety of birth control pills.
by

For 50 years women have adjusted their hormones to prevent pregnancy with a variety of birth control pills. Now, for the first time, it looks like men might have the opportunity to do the same.

Over 1,000 Chinese men between the ages of 20 and 45, who had fathered at least one child within two years of enrollment, took part in a study that involved monthly injections of a testosterone-based contraceptive. The injections were found to be 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy in their partners, similar to the female birth control pill. Within six months of stopping the monthly injections, which reduce testosterone levels in men, all but two men returned to normal fertility.

There is no set timeline for the male hormonal contraception to be available to consumers, but would you ask your partner to get the injections?

Source

Male Contraception Is on the Horizon
Health

Male Contraception Is on the Horizon

Imagine throwing away your birth control pills and asking your significant other to take on the burden of contraception.
by

Imagine throwing away your birth control pills and asking your significant other to take on the burden of contraception.

Scientists are getting closer to making that a reality with their work on testosterone injections to temporarily block sperm production. (Six months after the injections, men's sperm counts return to normal.) Trials in China so far show promise: one man in a 100 fathered a child while on the injections.

The injections may be available in about five years, but for now, men's contraceptive options are condom use, vasectomy, and . . . withdrawal (obviously, the least safe method). Interestingly, only a third of men polled by the Family Planning Association said they were interested in hormonal contraception. And, even though there are no serious side effects to the injections, almost a third of the 1,045 men in the Chinese trials stopped participating, and none gave reasons why.

If hormone injections as male contraception became available and you knew they were as effective as the pill, would you want your significant other to try it? Would you foresee any problems in negotiating responsibility for birth control between you both?

Source