Is There a Birth Control for Males Currently Available or in Development?

When it comes to birth control, most people would immediately think of female contraceptives. Women have many available choices, such as pills, patches, and intrauterine since they bear most of preventing pregnancy. But birth control options for men are limited to condoms and vasectomy.

But some scientists are working on developing contraceptive pills for men to expand birth control options for them to help avoid an unplanned pregnancies.

Birth Control Options For Men

Considering using male contraceptives is something partners should be talking about. One reason is that the pill is not foolproof or that the woman may not be able to take the pill because of side effects. Currently, there are a few available birth control methods available for men, including condoms, vasectomy, withdrawal and outercourse.

Here are their pros and cons according to WebMD:

• Condoms:

  • Benefits- They can work up to 98% of the time to block conception and serve as protection from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Chances for an unplanned pregnancy while using condoms are estimated to be about 1 in 5.

  • Guidelines of usage- Use only latex or polyurethane condoms kept in a cool dry place. Avoid carrying condoms in the wallet where heat and friction could damage them. Also, check their expiration dates.

• Vasectomy: This is also known as "male sterilization," where a surgeon cuts and seals off the tubes where the sperm pass through.

  • Benefits- It is simpler and cheaper, and it works better than female sterilization. Men can go home the same day of the surgery and do not change the way sex or ejaculation feels.

  • Drawbacks- It is permanent, and men will likely never be able to have kids again. There is a small chance of swelling, bleeding, infections, and other complications.

• Withdrawal: It is also known as coitus interrupts in Latin. Withdrawal is one of the oldest and simplest forms of birth control. It has no side effects and costs nothing.

• Outercourse: This includes foreplay that does not involve intercourse, like kissing, fondling, masturbation, dry humping, and oral or anal sex.

What Happens if a Man Takes Male Birth Control?

Earlier this year, scientists presented a report at a meeting of the American Chemical Society about a non-hormonal male contraceptive that effectively prevents pregnancy in mice.

Researchers targeted a protein known as retinoic acid and receptor alpha (RAR-α), which binds retinoic acid that plays important roles in cell growth, sperm formation, and embryonic development. Knocking out this protein in male mice makes them sterile without side effects. Currently, it is still under study and will undergo clinical testing.

For now, some men take birth control pills intended for women. If taken on one or two occasions, Very Well Mind reports that men will not likely notice any side effects. However, when taken regularly, there might be some mild side effects since they are designed to work with the female reproductive system and should only be taken by the person to whom they have been prescribed.

Check out more news and information on Contraception in Science Times.