We have come a long way when it comes to female contraception. From caps and diaphragms to implants and injections, the number of options presented to women are numerous and often complex. However, with almost 45% of unmarried men in the U.S. using condoms, this continues to be the most popular, yet also one of the few methods of birth control that are currently available to men.
The first rubber condoms were invented in 1855, and although they offer a near 99% rate of effectiveness when used properly, there has been little to no significant progress in the male birth control market for the last 167 years. There has been a great deal of advancement in the area of erectile dysfunction (ED) and impotence with drugs such as Viagra made widely available. Find out answers to all the questions about this medication. In this article, we will explore some promising new methods of male contraception.
Nestorone-Testosterone
This daily gel which contains progestin, a form of progesterone, stops the production of sperm. Daily application of this gel to the shoulders and arms suppresses the production of sperm in men by shutting down the hormones responsible for its creation in the testes. Nestorone-Testosterone works specifically by replacing the testosterone produced by the body.
However, lower testerone levels in the testes will also result in lower levels of this hormone in the blood which can lead to unwanted side effects, such as ejaculation problems and lower libido. To counteract these issues the gel also comes with replacement testosterone which will ensure the body functions as it should without starting sperm production.
Male Birth Control Pill
Research has been underway to create a male form of birth control pill. Dimethandrolone undecanoate, or DMAU is a promising new discovery which appeared to be safe when tested daily in clinical trials over the period of one month.
The effects of DMAU also stayed in the body for at least 18 hours indicating that this male version of the pill need only be taken once a day. This is critical for its effectiveness as it will increase the likelihood of people remembering to take it.
DMAU works in a similar way to Nestorone-Testosterone, the contraceptive gel. This steroid molecule induces hormonal changes in men by suppressing the male hormones luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone. This results in a decreased production of testosterone and consequently, sperm. With DMAU there are no significant side effects associated with low testosterone.
Non-Surgical Vasectomy
Approximately 50 million men in the U.S. have undergone a vasectomy, with over 500,000 electing to have one each year. A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that involves tying or cutting the tubes which carry sperm, known as the vas deferens, to permanently prevent it from entering a female sex partner potentially resulting in pregnancy.
With a nonsurgical vasectomy called a reversible inhibition of sperm under guidance (RISUG), rather than cutting or tying the vas deferens a polymer gel is injected into them instead to block sperm.
As the development of male contraception continues to advance, this will benefit both men and women in the future.
