Male contraception: what it is and how it works
The condom
The condom is used both for contraception and to protect against sexually transmitted diseases: even when the HIV test is negative, there is in fact the risk of being exposed to other sexually transmitted diseases such as hepatitis B. Used since initiation of sexual intercourse, if worn correctly the condom is just as effective as the contraceptive pill.
Vasectomy
See also
Erection problems: all the reasons for a male disorder that can also be
Vasectomy is a surgical operation that cuts the ducts that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis: the sperm no longer mixes with the seminal fluid and the ejaculation is sterile.
Vasectomy is to be considered as definitive, in the same way as female sterilization, and therefore it is best to use this method when you are really sure that you do not want children. The intervention to restore the ducts exists (vaso-vasostomy) but it cannot always be performed and very often fails.
This method of sterilization, which is not very widespread, does not alter the person's libido or sexual functions.
The hormonal methods
There are currently testosterone-based products on the market that can be taken as a complement to some progestative drugs, although the initial purpose of these products is not contraception. The progesterone tablet, which blocks the production of spermatozoa and the male characteristics of man, is taken together with a dose of compensatory testosterone, which is essential for maintaining the virile characteristics. Testosterone is administered every week intra-muscularly (injections), or it can be in the form of a gel or patch.
It should be borne in mind that this treatment becomes effective after approximately two and a half months and that, if the treatment is to be stopped, it takes 10 weeks to restore fertility. In addition, undesirable effects such as a decrease in libido, an increase in body hair and even acne can occur.
When is the pill?
Researchers are studying a pill that contains both progesterone and testosterone, but no satisfactory results have been obtained at the moment.
The difficulties in developing this pill are numerous:
- the testicles have a double function: they produce spermatozoa but also male hormones, which are responsible for the virile characteristics of a man. The pill should only block sperm production, not male hormone production.
- the male reproductive system generates millions of spermatozoa, all to be neutralized.
- testosterone is essential for restoring male hormones, but if taken orally it is systematically destroyed by the liver.
- there should be no decrease in libido;
- sexual activity must not be reduced
