Contraception for men - what methods exist?

Contraception is translated from Latin as an "exception", and its essence boils down to the elimination of unwanted pregnancies through various methods.

Male contraception is performed in many ways:

• by inhibiting the maturation of spermatozoa;
• by blocking the formation of spermatozoa;
• creation of a mechanical barrier, which prevents penetrate the ejaculate into the genital tract of a woman.

Also the methods of protection are divided into groups:

• behavioral;
• barrier;
• surgical
• chemical.

Let's analyze each method in more detail.

Behavioral methods of contraception

Coitus interruptus

essence of the method is to prevent the emission of semen in the genitals partner. This can occur in 2 ways: either by ejaculating out of the vagina, or by artificial prolongation of the erection. The second way is much worse than the first one, because a frequent violation of the normal culmination of an erection leads to a bad state of health for a man, a headache, and subsequently to a violation of sexual health( see "Sexual abstinence - what is the use, and what is the harm?").

This method distinguishes availability and, in the case of a pourable ejaculate not in the vagina, relative harmlessness for male health. The disadvantages include a high probability of fertilization. The fact is that a certain amount of sperm at the very beginning of the sexual act still stands out together with the male lubricant and can get into the woman's genital tract, and lead the pregnancy.

Other drawbacks of the method include the following:

• constant voltage and concentration that interfere with emotional discharge;
• lack of protection against sexually transmitted infections;
• decreased libido.

"Samurai Egg"

This technology was used in the Middle Ages in China. The man takes a hot bath, thereby raising the temperature in the scrotum to 42 ° C( normal temperature in the testes is 35 °).This causes temporary sterilization, as the synthesis and maturation of spermatozoa is disturbed. To prevent this from happening in everyday life, nature prudently carried the testicles from the abdominal cavity to the scrotum.

Advantages of this method:

• no material costs;
• use of the method leads to temporary sterilization.

The ancient method has a number of drawbacks:

• a fertilization function with inaccurate compliance with recommendations may persist;
• high risk of cancerous degeneration of the testicles.

See also "What can lead to overheating of the testicles".

Barrier way of

The main and most common means of barrier protection is a condom. The main reason for this popularity is that condoms protect not only from unwanted pregnancy, but also prevent infection by most sexually transmitted infections.

Fig.1 - Using a condom is still considered the best method, because it protects not only from pregnancy, but also from sexual infections.

Advantages of condom use:

• can be bought at a pharmacy / store;
• protects against pregnancy by 97%;
• protects against STIs, HIV;
• are easy to use;
• have no contraindications;
• does not affect sexual activity and libido partners in any way.

The disadvantages are:

• condom can tear;
• allergic reaction of a partner or partner to latex;
• decreased tactile quality of sex;
• requires material costs;
• is not always at hand.

Surgical sterilization

Surgical sterilization involves a vasectomy operation. This method is the safest in terms of preventing pregnancy, but at the same time the most radical, because of its irreversibility.

During the operation, the spermatic cord is cut( see Figure 2).After that, the spermatozoa cease to enter the ejaculate, because they have a mechanical natural barrier on their way and eventually undergo involution.

Fig.2 - The essence of vasectomy surgery.

Some countries even have certain restrictions on the use of this method. For example, in Russia, in order to conduct a vasectomy, a man should have two or more children, be aged over 35 and consent to the wife or partner for the operation.

Advantages of a vasectomy:

• 100% protection from unwanted pregnancy after compliance with all prescriptions;
• does not require any additional protection;
• is executed only 1 time.

Disadvantages of a vasectomy:

• does not protect against sexually transmitted infections;
• requires material costs;
• requires a serious moral attitude;
• the inability to have children in the future;
• risk of postoperative complications.

Contraceptive Chemicals

Today, hormonal contraceptives in the form of tablets and as a subcutaneous implant are on the market. It is too early to speak about the advantages and disadvantages of the method, since it is at the testing stage.

Presumably, the tablet and implant contain a certain amount of progesterone and testosterone. With an increase in testosterone levels, spermatozoa cease to ripen, but male libido and erectile function improve. Preparations of progesterone also inhibit the production and maturation of spermatozoa, but affect the mood and sexual desire for a partner.

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