Men's contraception: Eight possibilities to explore
In the realm of family planning, the conversation around birth control has traditionally been focused on women. However, recent advancements are shedding light on male contraceptive methods, offering a more balanced approach to family planning.
Outercourse, a term referring to sexual activities that do not lead to pregnancy such as oral sex, mutual masturbation, or using vibrators, is one option. While it can help prevent pregnancy, it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) if bodily fluids come into contact [1].
Another commonly known method is the withdrawal, a practice where a man withdraws his penis from the vagina before ejaculation. However, it's essential to note that this method has a failure rate of up to 22% over a year, and it does not provide protection against STIs if withdrawal is not performed correctly [2].
Condoms, when used correctly, have about a 98% effectiveness rate in preventing pregnancy and also protect against STIs [4]. Vasectomies, a permanent sterilization method by cutting or sealing the vas deferens, are highly effective but irreversible, so they require certainty before proceeding [2].
Researchers are actively investigating safe and effective birth control pills for males. One promising development is an injectable mixture of hormones that could reduce sperm motility and clog the vas deferens, as found in a 2019 study [1]. Another study from the same year assessed a male birth control pill, YCT-529, which passed the first round of safety and tolerability tests [5].
In the pipeline, clinical trials are exploring male contraceptive methods that work similarly to the female birth control pill or injection [6]. A hormone-free male birth control pill called YCT-529 has recently passed safety trials with no detected side effects. This pill works by stopping sperm production and is orally administered, representing a potential future option [3].
When it comes to choosing a birth control method, healthcare professionals will recommend options that are best for each individual. Condoms, being easily accessible and relatively less expensive than other methods, are often a good starting point. Vasectomy, a permanent option, may be recommended if a person does not want any additional, or any, biological children [7].
As we move forward, the landscape of male birth control is evolving, offering more options for men seeking to take an active role in family planning. The emergence of non-hormonal pills like YCT-529 could potentially expand the options available, providing a more balanced approach to family planning.
[1] - [https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-11355-z] [2] - [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21443506] [3] - [https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-11355-z] [4] - [https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/birth-control/condoms] [5] - [https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-12911-5] [6] - [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7131208/] [7] - [https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/vasectomy/about/pac-20384652]
- The ongoing research in science and health-and-wellness fields includes investigations for safe and effective male birth control pills, like YCT-529.
- Some female contraceptive methods, such as the oral birth control pill or injection, have been traditionally more popular, but the conversation is expanding to include male approaches like YCT-529.
- The failure rate of traditional male contraceptive methods like withdrawal can reach up to 22%, whereas the hormone-free option YCT-529, currently in clinical trials, could offer a significantly more reliable method that stops sperm production.
- Healthcare professionals often recommend a balanced approach to family planning, considering individual needs, and might suggest methods like condoms or discuss permanent options like vasectomies, while also keeping the advancements in male birth control, such as YCT-529, under consideration.
