Male contraceptives: Which one is best for you?

Contraceptives… for men? Yes, indeed. The concern about contraception usually revolves around women, but did you know that male contraceptives are advancing and diversifying? That’s right!

While traditional methods have been limited, there are now more options for those looking to share the responsibility in the relationship . And trust me, you’ll earn a lot of points with your partner (whether stable or not) if you help alleviate some of the burden women feel in this matter. That's why in this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about male contraceptives and how they can improve your intimate health and well-being.

What is a contraceptive? All the benefits of using it

Let’s start with the basics. A contraceptive is any method or device designed to prevent pregnancy . Additionally, if the contraceptive you regularly use is a barrier method (like condoms), not only will you have almost complete control over reproduction, but you’ll also have control over most sexually transmitted infections  (STIs) or genital infections (GIs).

As you can imagine, this brings peace of mind, knowing that you're not risking your health (or your partner's) in any way, allowing you to enjoy your relationships without worries. In short, contraceptives are not just a mechanism to avoid pregnancies but also a key tool for living a full and healthy sexual life. But if they’re so beneficial, why don’t most men use them?

Why do men use contraceptives less than women?

Although access to male contraceptives has improved, the truth is that men (generally) use these methods less frequently than women. Part of this is due to cultural prejudices that have historically left the responsibility of birth control almost exclusively in women's hands .

Another important factor is the lack of information and knowledge that many men have on this subject. While women have a wide variety of methods and often receive advice from a young age, men have mostly limited themselves to two methods. But what are these, and what other types are there?

What types of contraceptives are there for men?

When we talk about male contraceptive methods, we usually think of two classics: condoms (the most common barrier method) and  vasectomy  , which is a permanent surgical method (though reversible in some cases). However, there are more alternatives you can consider depending on your needs and lifestyle.

Condoms are the most popular method because they are affordable, accessible, and effective, plus they protect against sexually transmitted infections. On the other hand, vasectomy is an ideal option for men who have already decided not to have children in the future. This procedure is quick, safe, and has a very high effectiveness rate.

And which one is the best?

The choice of the "best" male contraceptive depends on your situation and expectations. If you're looking for something temporary and reversible, barrier methods like condoms are your best ally . If, on the other hand, you've decided you don’t want more children, a vasectomy may be the most convenient option in the long term. But remember that a vasectomy doesn’t protect you against STIs , and this procedure requires consultation with a specialist to find the solution that best fits your needs.

Innovations in male contraception

Good news: things are changing! Multiple studies¹ are dedicated to providing more alternatives for male contraceptives. One of the most promising innovations is contraceptive gels² , which are applied to the skin and temporarily reduce sperm production. These gels are about to become a reversible and non-invasive option in the near future.

Additionally, injections and pills³ are being developed, which would work similarly to female hormonal contraceptives but without the side effects that many want to avoid. As you can see, the possibilities and variety are increasing.

So, is it true there’s a male contraceptive pill?

Although there’s currently no male contraceptive pill approved for widespread use, many researchers are very close to achieving this⁴ . Clinical trials have been conducted with pills that temporarily and safely reduce sperm production. While it’s not available on the market yet, it’s likely that we’ll see this option in pharmacies in the coming years.

The positive side of all this is that a simple and effective alternative will be possible for men who want to avoid pregnancy without resorting to more invasive methods. And as we mentioned at the beginning, it won’t be just women who have to undergo various treatments or contraceptive methods to avoid pregnancies.

Enjoy your relationships without worries

As you've seen, the world of male contraceptives is full of possibilities and continues to evolve . It's no longer necessary for the responsibility of contraception to fall solely on women. If you dedicate a little attention to these issues and consider all the available options, you will not only protect your intimate health and that of your partner but also enjoy your relationships without fears or risks .

It’s time to break down prejudices and promote male contraception. After all, sharing this responsibility is part of living a full, healthy sexual life with the pleasure that everyone deserves.

Sources

1. Louwagie EJ, Quinn GFL, Pond KL, Hansen KA. Male contraception: narrative review of ongoing research. Basic Clin Androl. 2023 Nov 9;33(1):30. doi: 10.1186/s12610-023-00204-z. PMID: 37940863; PMCID: PMC10634021.

2. Amory, J. K., Blithe, D. L., Sitruk-Ware, R., Swerdloff, R. S., Bremner, W. J., Dart, C., Liu, P. Y., Thirumalai, A., Nguyen, B. T., Anawalt, B. D., Lee, M. S., Page, S. T., & Wang, C. (2023). Design of an international male contraceptive efficacy trial using a self-administered daily transdermal gel containing testosterone and segesterone acetate (Nestorone). Contraception, 124, 110064. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2023.110064

3. Nickels L, Yan W. Nonhormonal Male Contraceptive Development-Strategies for Progress. Pharmacol Rev. 2023 Dec 15;76(1):37-48. doi: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000787. PMID: 38101934; PMCID: PMC10759220.

4. Page ST, Amory JK, Bremner WJ. Advances in male contraception. Endocr Rev. 2008 Jun;29(4):465-93. doi: 10.1210/er.2007-0041. Epub 2008 Apr 24. PMID: 18436704; PMCID: PMC2528850.