How Do I Get Pregnant

Male birth control is considered a controversial issue for lots of reasons. A few years ago large pharmaceutical companies like Schering, Organon or Wyeth announced the production of hormonal birth control designed especially for men, but the results of their research hasn’t been finalized yet. Why? The market seems to be little receptive to male birth control shots or pills, and the investments in technologies are huge. Several programs have been abandoned for this reason, and it seems that drug companies don’t show any renewal in their interest for this kind of birth control products.

Statistics show a certain willingness on the part of men to use alternative forms of birth control. Normally, male birth control should consist of some form of testosterone shot or pill that would impair the production of sperm. A certain prejudice has been recognized with women because many are reluctant to trust men to follow such treatments. At present, vasectomy is the only viable male birth control solution besides the condom. How would hormonal birth control work for men?

The sperm production can be inhibited by the administration of testosterone and progestin; this male birth control solution would be totally reversible with no impact on fertility. The testosterone pill doesn’t work because the hormone is too rapidly metabolized by the liver. The solution seems to come from a monthly shot, or the combination of the ingredients in a topical products such as a cream. One third option is that of twice-a-year implants and although the procedures are invasive, they could be an alternative to women’s pill.

Between 10% and 15% of men have a low reaction to hormonal male birth control, which is quite a high inefficiency rate. Too many cells have to be blocked which certainly raises an issue. While with female hormonal treatments, the egg is the only cell that has to be blocked from ovulation, with male birth control, there are millions of spermatozoon that have to be inactivated. Race also seems to affect the efficiency of this birth control method although researchers don’t know why.

Last but not least, we should also briefly refer to condoms as the most commonly used form of male birth control. This is preferable for many couples around the world, as well as for people who change their sex partner often. It is the only birth control method that is non-invasive and protects against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

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