The development of male contraception has been an area of ongoing research and exploration.
While most contraceptive methods have traditionally focused on women, there have been advancements in male contraception as well.
Non-Hormonal Methods:
Male Condoms:
Condoms have been the longest existing and accessible method to help prevent unwanted pregnancies and protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In modern times, condoms have been revolutionised further by improving the material and offering them in different shapes, colours and sizes, as well as providing the public with choices of latex or latex free options. Condoms have a success rate of 98% effective if used correctly.
Vasectomy:
This is a permanent method of birth control for those who don’t wish to have children. The procedure requires cutting or tying the tube (i.e. vas deferens), both techniques which help prevent the sperm from entering the tube and exiting the penis. This method is reversible, but the effectiveness varies on the procedure and skill of the professional performing the vasectomy.
This form of contraception can take up to three months to be effective and the rate of success is usually higher than 99%.
IVD (i.e. Intra-vas device):
This form of contraception involves a physical plug being injected into the tube to filter sperm. This method is also reversible by removing the plug. Research and trials are still ongoing, but the results so far suggest that IVD could potentially be very effective.
RISUG (i.e. Reverse Inhibition of Sperm Under Guidance):
This method involves injecting a non-toxic chemical into the tube that will block and kill sperm as it passes through. This is reversible via another injection that will dissolve the chemical.
Hormonal Methods:
Contraceptive gel:
NES/T is a contraceptive gel that was launched in a study across several countries in 2019. This form of male contraception contains synthetic forms of progesterone and testosterone. The progesterone stops sperm production in the testicles and lowers levels of natural testosterone.
This form is designed to be rubbed on the shoulders and chest every day and absorbs quickly into the bloodstream through the skin.
Contraceptive pill:
The male pill is an ongoing study with successful trials in the United States. It works similarly to the contraceptive gel which blocks sperm production. Despite the successful trials, some of the male participants experiences side effects such as low sex drive and erection difficulties. Research is still being carried out to determine whether the substances are safe or human use.
Contraceptive Injections:
This method was trialled by the same team that are working on the NES/T gel. Results have shown that the injection is highly effective and only one in four out of the 274 couples fell pregnant. These results are similar to the female oral contraceptive.
However, trials and studies stopped as researchers felt that the side effects were unacceptable for men. These symptoms included acne, headaches, fatigue and change in sex drive. Though it has been found that 75% of the male participants were happy to continue the trials.
The development of male contraception is still a working progress as more research is required to ensure the safety, effectiveness and accessibility of the contraceptive methods.
For more information explore the link below:
Comments