Male contraception

Different methods of contraception for men and women have different degrees of effectiveness. Until now, most of them were intended only for women. The gentlemen used condoms, which are an example of a barrier method of contraception. Their task is to make it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and fallopian tubes. However, some people are allergic to latex condoms. Fortunately, the XNUMXth century brings new solutions. Now men will also have a choice, and the condom will no longer be the only means of protection. What male contraceptives will become available?

1. Types of male contraceptives

Hormonal injections contain 200 mg of one form of testosterone. In most men, they cause complete loss of spermatozoa in the semen. Only a small group of respondents in one milliliter of semen contains several million spermatozoa (remember, however, that the correct number is at least 20 million).

However, this method has some disadvantages. First of all, the picture and biochemical composition of peripheral blood change, the prostate gland increases. It can be comforting that it doesn't lower libido or reduce the number of sexual intercourses.

Hormone pills This method of contraception is still being tested. The tablets contain levonorgestrel (the ingredient is also found in some medicines for women). Additionally, a man should inject an injection containing testosterone once a week or once a month. Such a mixture leads to a significant decrease in the number of sperm in more than 70% of the respondents.

Other types of tablets Research is ongoing to find a hormone-free pill that blocks the enzyme that allows sperm to enter the fallopian tubes.

The vaccine - the injection should lead to immune infertility. In order to artificially induce this condition, the body of a man or woman must produce anti-sperm antibodies that prevent the sperm from attaching to the egg. This method is also under investigation as it is not clear if it will lead to permanent infertility.

In order to lead to infertility in a man, it is necessary to suppress his reproductive system, i.e. hypothalamus, pituitary and testicles. This effect can be achieved with testosterone. This causes a significant decrease in sperm count and even leads to azoospermia (complete absence of sperm in the semen).

There is only one problem: too small a dose of the hormone does not inhibit the formation of spermatozoa enough, and too much leads to pharmacological castration, which means that a man cannot have sexual intercourse at all.

2. Condoms

Although not everyone can use them, condoms are very popular because they are cheap and readily available, and they provide a high degree of protection against sexually transmitted diseases. They are one of the most effective methods of contraception when used correctly.

However, condoms also have disadvantages. In addition to potential allergies to latex, the following disadvantages must be considered:

• the risk of the condom breaking or slipping off during sex
• the likelihood of reducing the perception of stimuli during intercourse,
• a slight disturbance during intercourse due to the need to put on and take off a condom.

The ongoing research into increasingly sophisticated forms of contraception for men is a step in the right direction. Gentlemen should also have a choice of means, especially since condoms are sometimes allergenic.

Although the condom is the most commonly used contraceptive, not every man knows how to properly put on a condom so that it can perform its function effectively.

Wrong put on a condomwhich is often done in a hurry, can often result in it slipping or breaking, leading to sleepless nights looking for another method of emergency contraception.

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Article reviewed by an expert:

Magdalena Bonyuk, Massachusetts

Sexologist, psychologist, adolescent, adult and family therapist.