Written By Introduction:
In the ever-evolving landscape of reproductive health, Dr. Jeffry L. Garner emerges once again as a pioneering force, guiding us through a transformative exploration of male birth control options. This comprehensive article unveils eight cutting-edge methods currently in the pipeline, showcasing Dr. Garner’s commitment to reshaping family planning dynamics. As a distinguished figure in health and wellness, Dr. Garner propels us into a realm where science and innovation converge to provide men with a diverse range of choices for active participation in contraception. From hormonal interventions to non-hormonal approaches, each option stands as a testament to the ongoing advancements in reproductive health. Join us on this journey as we navigate the potential of these eight groundbreaking options, opening new avenues for family planning and ushering in a future where both genders play an equal role in shaping the course of reproductive well-being.
Importance of Male Birth Control
Male birth control is a transformative force in reshaping family planning dynamics, breaking traditional gender stereotypes, and fostering shared responsibilities. This shift empowers men with enhanced reproductive autonomy, providing diverse and reversible contraceptive options that contribute to balanced decision-making within relationships. Beyond reducing unplanned pregnancies, male birth control strengthens relationships, supports flexible family planning goals, and advances economic empowerment. Embracing male birth control is a step towards gender equality, challenging traditional perceptions of masculinity, and offering a tool for global population control.
- Shared Responsibility: Challenges traditional gender roles, fostering shared responsibility in family planning.
- Reproductive Autonomy: Empowers men to actively participate in reproductive decisions.
- Contraceptive Equity: Balances the contraceptive equation, offering reversible and effective methods.
- Relationship Strengthening: Fosters open communication and mutual decision-making within relationships.
- Reducing Unplanned Pregnancies: Contributes to a more comprehensive approach to family planning.
- Supporting Family Planning Goals: Provides flexibility in adapting contraceptive strategies based on changing circumstances.
- Economic and Social Impact: Empowers men economically, contributing to career stability and overall well-being.
- Advancing Gender Equality: Challenges traditional gender norms, promoting relationships built on shared responsibilities.
- Redefining Masculinity: Changes perceptions by promoting responsible and empowered masculinity.
- Global Population Control: Offers a valuable tool in regions facing challenges of overpopulation.
Current Birth Control Options for Men
Besides abstinence from sex, the currently available birth control for men are condoms and vasectomy. Condoms are a barrier method. They prevent semen (which contains sperm) from reaching the egg to fertilize it. Vasectomy is a permanent, surgical male birth control. It prevents sperm made in the testes from reaching the penis.
Are Other Methods Available?
The withdrawal method is not reliable for birth control. It has a high failure rate.
Women have a variety of birth control methods. Research is underway to find new kinds of male birth control. The two main directions of research are:
Hormonal male birth control. Synthetic hormones that can safely and effectively stop sperm production.
Non-hormonal male birth control. Other methods can prevent healthy sperm from reaching a woman’s vagina.
Male Birth Control — Requirements
Any birth control method must be dependable — with very few unintended pregnancies — and reversible. Some compounds, like gossypol and triptolide, are effective but can cause permanent sperm reduction.
Some important factors for male birth control are dependable and quickly reversible, few mild side effects, no effect on libido, easy to take or use, easy to access, and affordability.
Testosterone Injections
This hormone prevents the release of the pituitary hormones that tells the testes to produce sperm. Weekly or monthly injections reduce sperm counts and prevent pregnancy.
These hormonal birth control injections have side effects — injection site pain, acne, weight gain, abnormal blood lipid levels, and psychological effects.
Studies also showed that testosterone alone is not as effective as combinations with progestin (a hormone like progesterone).
Hormonal Contraception Gel
This is a gel you apply to your skin daily. It gets absorbed and prevents the formation of sperm. The gel is named NES/T. This gel is a combination of Nestorone (NES) and testosterone (T). Nestorone is a progesterone-like hormone that acts on the testes to stop sperm production. Testosterone is a male hormone and is included to retain libido.
Hormonal Combination Injections
These injections combine hormones with long-lasting action. Norethisterone enanthate (NETE) and testosterone undecanoate (TU) is one example.
These injections have been tried at 6-week and 8-week intervals. They greatly reduce sperm production. Side effects are local pain at the injection site, acne, muscle pain, and mood swings.
Testosterone Plus GnRH Antagonists
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) antagonists suppress the pituitary hormones that cause the testes to produce sperm. They are very effective at suppressing sperm production.
GnRH antagonists are expensive and require frequent injections. Research for a long-acting preparation, degarelix, is happening now.
The Hormonal Male Pill
Hormonal male birth control has been tried as much as injections. Oral testosterone forms are toxic or need several doses a day, which is not practical.
Dimethandrolone undecanoate is a new testosterone-like medicine. You can take it as a pill. It is effective at stopping sperm production.
Side effects are weight gain, raised hemoglobin, and blood lipid disturbances.
Non-Hormonal Contraception — RISUG
RISUG is reversible inhibition of sperm under guidance. The vas deferens are the tubes carrying sperm from the testes. Vasectomy works by cutting these tubes.
RISUG is different and uses a chemical injected into the vas deferens. This blocks the tubes and destroys any sperm that touches it. When you want to have children, your doctor washes out the blocking chemical with another chemical.
Non-hormonal Contraception — IVD
A similar method is the intra-vas device (IVD). Your doctor places this device inside the vas deferens. It filters the sperm out and prevents pregnancies.
IVD is currently just an experimental technique, with studies looking at its effectiveness and safety.
Birth Control Vaccine
Eppin is a protein found in sperm. A vaccine to target this protein has been successful in lessening sperm counts. Other potentials for a birth control vaccine are GnRH and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone).
The birth control vaccine is not reversible in some men. This vaccine also needs frequent booster doses and is not fully dependable.
