Berlin
When it comes to contraception, it’s not just women who are responsible. Men can do something too. These methods are there for him.
Birth control pills or condoms – when it comes to the subject prevention If so, these are probably the most common methods. But there are a number of ways to prevent unwanted pregnancy. And they don’t just affect women. Because contraception has long been a matter for men too.
Contraceptive methods for men: condoms
Condoms are probably one of the most popular contraceptive methods for men. As a thin shell made of rubber or latex, it is intended to prevent bodily fluids – such as semen or vaginal secretions – from being exchanged. This not only prevents unwanted ones pregnanciesbut also protect against sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, syphilis or chlamydia when used properly.
The important thing is that the condom must “fit” and be used correctly. If you stick to these rules, it offers relatively good protection. However, this is not 100 percent. The Pearl Index, which indicates the safety of contraceptives, is included The condom according to “pro familia” at around 2 to 12. For comparison: the pill achieves values of 0.1 to 0.9 and is therefore significantly safer.
However, it can have tremendous effects on the female Body have. With the exception of allergic reactions, this is not the case with condoms. They are used, thrown away and do not affect either partner in the long run.
Male contraceptive methods: vasectomy
Die Vasectomy is a long-lasting contraceptive method and is particularly suitable for men who are sure that they no longer want to have children. During the procedure, the vas deferens are severed to cut off the flow of sperm.
Contrary to popular belief, vasectomy can be reversed. In a re-intervention, the doctor sews up the ends of the Collector together again. Most patients are fertile again afterwards, but sometimes not as fertile as before. There is also a risk that the vas deferens will grow back together. A vasectomy usually costs between 2000 and 5000 euros.
Male contraceptive methods: withdrawal method
The withdrawal method, also called coitus interruptus, may be a simple birth control method. With her, the penis is removed from the ejaculation before the ejaculation Vagina removed to prevent sperm from entering. However, since individual sperm can get into the vagina before the orgasm, this method is absolutely unsafe and not recommended under any circumstances.
Contraceptive methods for men: Hormonal contraception
A pill for men has been researched for a long time. However, there is currently none hormonal contraceptive method for men on the market. The reason: Too many side effects have emerged in the studies. These include acne, depression and loss of libido. But there is criticism of this reasoning. Because: Many of the side effects that are considered “too strong” also occur with the pill for women.
More on this: 60 years of the birth control pill – when will the pill be available for men?
Der University of Minnesota however, a breakthrough may have been achieved. Researchers there have developed a hormone-free contraceptive pill with the active ingredient YCT529, which inhibits sperm production. The pill could be a promising alternative to traditional male birth control methods, but further testing is needed.
Male contraceptive method: Vasalgel
Vasalgel is a new contraceptive method for men that is also still being tested. This is a gel that is injected into the vas deferens and temporarily blocks it. This means that sperm can no longer get into the semen and fertilization is prevented.
The injections should last 15 minutes and protect against pregnancy for ten years. The effect of vasalgels can, however, be reversed beforehand. An antidote is injected that dissolves the gel.
Contraception for men: The choice remains limited
Ultimately, for men who are not willing to undergo an operation, the only reliable contraceptive is the condom. But the fact that choices are so limited doesn’t mean men can sit back and let women take care of birth control. During sexual intercourse, both should be equally responsible for protection – and ideally speak openly about it. (ari)
More articles from this category can be found here: Life
