Male Birth Control; Are Men Aware of All the Options?

September’s highlight included the sensitization of the sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) that every human should enjoy. 

Male contraceptive methods are one of the viable methods of birth control that are still experiencing a slow uptake in the world. The three main types of male contraception are; vasectomies, condoms and the option not widely considered by many, abstinence. 

The male contraceptive pill has been in development for a while now, but most males haven’t been open to the idea of trying and testing the efficiency of the pill. Dating back to the 1970’s male contraceptives is experiencing a scientific evolution that might be a massive milestone in the sexual health sector. 

Why male contraceptives?

Women have for the longest time, bore the burden of birth control. The patriarchal systems around the world have ensured that women solely bare the burden of raising children and subsequent pregnancies. 

Men barely relate to the demanding pregnancy situations women have to deal with while juggling careers, families and mental wellness. 

Postpartum depression is one of the indicators that the burden of birth control should be shared by both parties, to ease the pressure on the female counterpart. 

Besides this, an alarming number of women are battling Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCOS, a sexual health condition greatly linked to the different methods of birth control available to women that result in hormonal imbalances. 

How efficient is male contraception?

The most common, affordable means of contraception for men is abstinence, a method rarely sought after. Most people are sexually active, especially teenagers, hence the means are rarely considered. 

Condoms are easily accessible and available in all types of flavours according to your preferred brands. However, as the largely embraced method around the world, this method still remains 99% effective. 

In case the condom bursts or falls off during sex, the chances of pregnancy are high. 

Still, condoms are essential to maintaining great sexual hygiene by safeguarding both parties from contracting Sexually Transmitted Infections, and STIs. 

Common Errors And Mistakes When Using Male Condoms

Vasectomies are available in two options; reversible and irreversible. This invasive procedure is a contraception method that is rarely sought after. Nonetheless, vasectomies are 99% effective as compared to all the other forms of male contraception.

The myths and misconceptions peddled around vasectomies have discouraged a lot of men from trying this method. Patriarchy has greatly fueled the idea that it’s a woman’s responsibility to be responsible for birth control and most men can barely seek these services. 

Its expensive nature and the expertise required to undergo the procedure are some of the limiting factors to this process. 

Vasectomies are likely to fail in certain situations but are a better way of sharing the contraceptive burden between couples. 

More men are saying they are considering this option, meaning that men are actually getting enlightened and exploring the complex forms of birth control available to them.

Health: Vasectomy – Benefits, Myths And Precautions

Male contraceptive pill (In development) 

There are three birth control methods in their trial stages in most parts of the world but haven’t received a lot of support from men. 

Like most male contraceptive options, the biggest challenge is convincing men that their bodies will remain intact, as well as their sex appeal. 

If fully developed and embraced around the world, women will be relieved of the birth control burden they have shouldered for so many years.

These three methods are:

1. Gel – This topical gel suppresses the production of sperm, therefore, lowering the chances of pregnancy.
2. Hormonal male contraception pill – taken on a daily basis, this method lowers the testosterone homes. Its referred to as dimethandrolone undecanoate or DMAU
3. A Shot – taken only once, this method blocks the sperm from travelling outside of the testicles by inserting a gel in the Vas deferens.

Relief

There are more than nine methods of birth control options available to women, while men have less than three highly effective methods.

Increasing male contraceptive options will ensure that women enjoy less hormonal imbalance-related conditions, calmer periods and little burden of family planning. Actually, partners will be able to collectively make decisions about families, since it will be a shared burden.

There is already adequate information about female contraception, it’s about time the sensitization campaigns considered availing relevant and reliable information about male contraception.

Advantages of male contraception 

• Both men and women will experience the pain and burden of birth control, a step towards ensuring that both partners are responsible for their reproductive health.
• Couples will eventually stop using condoms and cut the expenses of buying condoms often.
• There is a better chance to prevent pregnancy and the pressure to avoid it is lessened.
• If their female partner has been having severe side effects with a particular birth control method, this torture would come to an end.
• Men will feel more in control of their reproductive health.

Disadvantages of male contraception

• Fear of adverse side -effects on their sexual life like erectile dysfunction as most men that have participated in the trial stages have reported.
• Mental wellness side- effects that include; depression and anxiety, a challenge experienced by women on most birth control methods.
• Most men are afraid of being the first people to try out a new method and experience unwelcome changes in their bodies.
• Some men are afraid of minor discomforts like an injection or developing acne and other physical manifestations of being on birth control.

Questions To Consider Before Choosing A Birth Control Method

Health: Things That Can Stop The Pill (Contraceptive) From Working

Why Does Society Police Women’s Bodies When It Comes To Family Planning?

Female Contraceptives: Are Women Aware Of All The Options?

Whose responsibility is it to use contraceptives?

Male contraceptive pill: is this good news for us?