For a long time, contraception was considered to be only for women, with condoms being the only option available to men. However, recently, many natural contraceptives have emerged for men, especially after studies have shown that some hormonal contraceptives used by women may have negative health effects. In this article, Dalili Medical, we will review the most prominent contraceptives available for men

**The importance of contraceptives for men**

 

Contraceptives are tools that help prevent or postpone pregnancy to a later time.

Although female contraceptives are the most common, the emergence of some complications associated with the use of birth control pills, such as depression, high blood pressure, and heart disease, in addition to the inability of some women to use them due to health problems such as uterine tumors or cervical inflammation, has made it necessary to search for alternatives. Therefore, it has become important to develop contraceptives for men, which have witnessed an increase in demand in recent years. In addition to their effectiveness, these methods are characterized by their low cost compared to female contraceptives.

How do male contraceptives work?

 

Contraceptives for men are similar to those for women in many aspects, but the main difference lies in the targeted gender. However, the mechanism of action of male contraceptives varies according to type, as follows:

- Some natural contraceptives for men rely on certain behaviors, such as ejaculation outside the vagina, known as the withdrawal method.

- Some contraceptives aim to prevent sperm from reaching the egg, acting as a barrier between them, such as a condom.

- Pharmaceutical contraceptives work by changing the chemistry of the body, such as hormonal contraceptives, or modifying the nature of the sperm itself, such as Gendarosa and inhibitory pills.

- Medical methods provide a permanent solution by targeting one of the body's organs, such as cutting the vas deferens.

**Contraceptive ointment for men**

We all know that contraceptives focus mainly on women, but there are also options available for men, such as injections and pills. Among these options, a special contraceptive ointment for men has been developed, which works to kill sperm thanks to its diverse chemical composition.

This ointment contains the substance nonoxynol-9, which prevents sperm production. Despite the effectiveness of this ointment, it is preferable to consult a doctor to determine whether this type of contraception is suitable for you, in addition to determining the appropriate dose and method of use.

The contraceptive ointment for men also contains the hormone Nestorone (synthetic progesterone), which plays an important role in reducing the secretion of natural testosterone in the testicles. It also contains a substitute for testosterone, making it an effective means of contraception.

The contraceptive ointment for men is also characterized by its ability to enhance sexual desire and vital functions associated with testosterone.

How to use the contraceptive ointment for men?

 

You can use the contraceptive ointment for men effectively by applying it to the shoulder once a day. However, it is preferable to consult your doctor to determine the appropriate dose for you. It is important to note that the effect of the contraceptive ointment for men lasts for three days.

**Contraceptive patches for men**

In addition to using contraceptive ointments for men, many medical techniques have been developed that aim to prevent pregnancy in men. Among these techniques, contraceptive patches stand out, which play an effective role in reducing sperm production in the body, thanks to the hormones testosterone and nestorone, which are the same hormones used in contraceptive ointments.

These hormones are also present in many other male contraceptives, such as pills and injections, which may cause some side effects such as acne and disturbances in cholesterol levels. However, contraceptive patches for men do not lead to these side effects.

**How ​​effective are contraceptive patches for men**

 

A study was conducted on ninety-nine men, who were divided into three groups. The first group received contraceptive patches daily for six months, as these patches contained a percentage of testosterone. As for the second group, they received a dose of 8 mg of testosterone and nestorone, while the third group received 12 mg of testosterone in addition to nestorone.

The study was completed by 56 men, and the results showed that 23% of participants who used testosterone-containing birth control patches experienced a relative decrease in sperm counts, which led to a decrease in their pregnancy rate.

In contrast, the group that used testosterone and nestorone patches showed that 88% of them experienced a significant decrease in sperm counts, indicating that advanced birth control patches for men have become more effective.

**The most important features of birth control patches for men**

 

Birth control patches for men have a number of benefits that make them one of the most prominent methods of birth control available, the most prominent of which are:

- They allow sexual intercourse without worrying about pregnancy.

- The wife does not need to use an additional method of birth control.

- They can be used immediately before starting intercourse, which eliminates the need for daily reminders as is the case with pills.

- They provide men with a balanced and constant dose of hormones.

- They are considered easy to use and easy to remove.

It is important to note that these features are similar to those of male contraceptive cream, providing the same effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.

**Reliable contraceptive methods for men**

Condom**Many men consider condoms to be one of the best natural contraceptive methods available to them, due to their ease of use.Its servants and low cost. The condom is highly effective in preventing pregnancy when used correctly, as its effectiveness reaches about 98%.

The condom acts as a barrier that prevents sperm from reaching the vagina, which prevents fertilization of eggs. In addition to its role in preventing pregnancy, it also provides protection against sexually transmitted diseases, such as AIDS and fungi.

Condoms are available in various types, shapes and sizes, but it is important to take some precautions when choosing a condom, such as:

- **Type of condom**: It is preferable to use condoms made of urethane or latex, while ensuring that there are no allergic reactions to them.

- **How ​​to store the condom**: It should be kept in a cool, dry place, and avoid placing it in places that may be exposed to friction, which may lead to its damage. It is also important to check its expiration date to avoid tearing during use and losing its effectiveness.

**Isolation method** Isolation (ejaculation outside the vagina) is one of the most common methods of contraception among men, but it is the least effective. This method depends on withdrawing the penis from the vagina just before ejaculation. This method can be effective in preventing pregnancy if applied correctly and at the right time. It is important to note that some sperm may come out before the semen, so the time must be estimated accurately and the penis must be withdrawn quickly before ejaculation.

**Avoid ovulation days:** During ovulation, the possibility of pregnancy increases significantly, so men are advised to refrain from having sexual intercourse during these days.

**Vasectomy** Vasectomy, also known as male sterilization, is the second surefire option for men to use as a contraceptive.

This surgical procedure involves cutting or blocking the tubes that carry sperm, which results in the semen being devoid of sperm and losing its ability to fertilize the egg.

Here are the most important information about vasectomy:

 

- The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, allowing the man to remain awake without feeling pain.

- The procedure takes about 15 minutes.

- Two semen tests are performed after the procedure to ensure that there are no sperm.

- This procedure is permanent and irreversible, as it is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, making it a very effective method of contraception.

- It is an easier and safer alternative to female sterilization, as it does not affect hormone levels in men.

- It is important to note that the man may need to use other methods of contraception for a period ranging from 8 to 12 weeks after the procedure, as previous sperm may remain in the tubes.

**Birth control pills for men**

Research is still ongoing on the development of birth control pills for men, as this method is the easiest to use. However, no product has been launched on the market yet due to the incompleteness of the necessary studies. Clinical trials have resulted in three types of birth control pills for men, as follows:

1. **Epididymal protease inhibitor tablets**: These pills are non-hormonal, as their components bind to proteins on the surface of sperm, preventing them from reaching the egg.

2. **Gindarosa pills**: These are herbal pills that work to inhibit the enzymes present in the head of the sperm, which reduces its ability to penetrate the egg.

3. **Clean sheet pills**: The name may seem strange to some, but these pills were named so because of their effect, as they prevent ejaculation. These pills are taken about 2 to 3 hours before sexual intercourse, and their effect lasts for a period ranging from 16 to 24 hours.

4. **Vasalgel**: This gel works in a similar way to the tubal ligation procedure (which transports sperm), but it is a reversible technique and does not require surgery. Instead of cutting the tube, the gel is injected into the tube to prevent the passage of sperm.

5. **Non-hormonal birth control pills**: Also known as "clean sheet pills", these are non-hormonal pills that work to temporarily close the muscles responsible for pushing semen. These pills do not affect any other part of the sexual process, including orgasm, but they may lead to reduced ejaculation, which some men may not prefer.

6**Hormonal gel**: This is a temporary method consisting of a gel containing a combination of testosterone and progestin, applied topically to reduce sperm production without affecting libido, ejaculation, or muscle tone. Sperm count returns to normal after discontinuation. This method and other hormonal substances are still in phase II clinical trials.

7**Gandarosa pill**: Extracted from the plant "Justicia gandarosa", an Indonesian plant used as a herbal remedy for stress, and was later observed to have an effect in preventing pregnancy in men. It has been studied in Indonesia since 1985, and is currently in phase III clinical trials. This compound, which is taken in the form of daily pills, works by disrupting the ability of sperm to penetrate the egg, and no other side effects have been recorded so far.

8**Hormonal implant:** This implant prevents pregnancy for a full year, as it contains a compound similar to synthetic testosterone that inhibits the growth of sperm cells without affecting sexual desire. A study conducted on 11 men with four hormonal implants showed that eight of them had no sperm in their semen, an effect that lasted for several months until the implants were removed.

9**Contraceptive injection for men:** Contraceptive injections for men help delay pregnancy by injecting gels, known as SMA, into the vas deferens. These materials stick to the walls of the vas deferens, and when sperm pass through them, the gel distorts them, making them unable to fertilize.

The effect of contraceptive injections and gels can last for a long timeIt ranges from 10 to 15 years. One of the most prominent features of this technique is that it is reversible, as its effect can be removed if desired by injecting dissolved sodium bicarbonate, which dissolves the gels and nullifies their effect.

The categories that are not allowed to use male contraceptive patches include:

- People over the age of 35.

- Smokers.

- Individuals who suffer from chest pain or who have had heart attacks.

- People at risk of stroke.

- People with high blood pressure.

- Individuals with a medical history that increases the risk of blood clots.

- Men with liver cancer.

- People with complications of diabetes, such as neuropathy.