Male Contraceptive Methods: What Are the Options?

Published: February 2, 2022 by Maria Dominique Canlas

Last updated on February 17, 2022

Contraceptives, also known as birth control, are methods, medications, or devices used by both men and women to prevent pregnancy. They come in a variety of forms, some of which are more effective than others. A person’s choice of birth control is determined by their health, desire to have children now or in the future, and their need to avoid sexually transmitted infections.

Types of Contraceptives Available

In comparison to the wide range of options available to women, there have been few developments with regards to male contraception in the recent years. Despite the fact that there are numerous current hormonal and non-hormonal studies that delved into different methods of male contraceptives, the only methods available to men are the use of condoms and the procedure of vasectomy.

Condom

A condom is a thin, loose-fitting pouch or sheath that is usually made of latex (a type of rubber) and is worn over the penis during sex. As many people have easy access to condoms, they are one of the most regularly utilized methods of contraception by men today. While the primary purpose of condoms is birth control, they can also bring other benefits to users such as protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Watch the brief animation below to learn more:

Advantages

No prescription is needed to acquire a condom, which makes it easier to access.
They are a one-time "use and throw" method of contraception. As a result, they have no effect on the fertility of the individual who uses them.
Condoms are readily available in a variety of locations including pharmacies, grocery shops, convenience stores, and even online.
When used correctly, they have a high success rate as a contraceptive method and protection against STIs. Condoms are therefore a low-cost, widely available method of contraception

Disadvantages

People who are allergic to latex may be unable to use ordinary condoms.
Couples who use condoms as a method of contraception frequently express anxiety about reduced sensation during intercourse. The barrier posed by the latex condom, according to some couples, reduces the pleasure experienced during sexual intercourse.
Condoms can only be used with water-based lubricants since oil-based lubricants cause the condoms' latex material to dissolve and rip.
Excessive friction during intercourse may cause the condom to tear, resulting in an unwanted pregnancy.

Vasectomy

A vasectomy, also known as male sterilization, is a surgical procedure that is accomplished by cutting or blocking the tubes (vas deferens) that carry a man's sperm, keeping the sperm cells out of the semen while they remain in his testicles and are absorbed by the body. This treatment takes about 15 minutes and is usually performed under local anesthetic, which means a man is aware but not in discomfort. Furthermore, as with all forms of contraception, undertaking this surgical process has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Watch the animation below for more information about vasectomy:

Advantages

A vasectomy has more than 99% effectiveness in preventing pregnancies.
Long-term effects on men’s health are rare.
It has no effect on male hormone levels, sex drive, or sexual activity.
It could be used as a less invasive and less dangerous alternative to female sterilization.

Disadvantages

Vasectomy does not prevent STIs.
After the operation, a man must continue to use contraception until tests show that his semen is free of sperm.
Possible health complications brought by vasectomy may include hematoma (collection of blood inside the scrotum), sperm granulomas (small lumps caused by sperm leaks), infections, or long-term testicular pain.
Although very uncommon, the vas deferens tubes can reattach.

References
‍Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, August 13). Contraception. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/index.htm
Lashkari, C. (2019, February 26). Condoms - Advantages and disadvantages. News Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Condoms-Advantages-and-Disadvantages.aspx
NHS inform. (n.d.). The pill formen. https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/contraception/the-pill/the-pill-for-men
Queensland Health. (2019, October 9). 9 types of contraception you can use to prevent pregnancy (with pictures!). https://www.health.qld.gov.au/news-events/news/types-contraception-women-condoms-pill-iud-ring-implant-injection-diaphragm