Still taboo for some, the contraception project is becoming a subject addressed by couples and no longer only by women. Today, men can become an actor in this area, by choosing a contraceptive method suited to their situation. What are these techniques? Where is the male pill? Zoom on the 4 main methods of contraception for men.
Reversible contraceptive methods
The male condom
The male condom is arguably the most commonly used method. The case, which is made of latex or polyurethane, is for single use only and when used correctly during intercourse it is very effective. The condom acts as a barrier to sperm, but it is widely used to protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Thermal contraception
This French method, developed by Dr Roger Mieusset from Toulouse University Hospital, involves increasing testicular temperature with the aim of blocking spermatogenesis (the process of sperm production). To raise the temperature of the testes, it is necessary that they are placed and maintained at a higher level, that is, in the inguinal canals located in the groin area. Thus, the scrotum (the testicular envelope) is empty and the testicles stay warm a little higher above. This manipulation can be carried out by means of a specific underwear which must be worn about 15 hours per day.
This technique can be used, for example, in addition to contraception taken by the woman. For the time being, according to the Association for the Research and Development of Male Contraception (ARDECOM) thermal contraception has not revealed any adverse effect on sexual desire or erections.
Hormonal contraception
Male hormonal contraception is a process that has received validation from the World Health Organization. It consists of the intramuscular injection of a dose of 200 mg of testosterone enanthate each week. By increasing the level of testosterone in a man’s blood, the hypothalamus, which regulates the secretion of hormones, will react by decreasing the production of sperm. According to family planning, a man cannot procreate ” from the moment the sperm concentration is less than 1 million / ml “.
No side effects on erection or the amount of ejaculate were observed. However, just like with female hormonal contraception, a man can develop side effects. According to the WHO, “ The side effects that appear to be fairly well established are:
- tmoderate endurance to gain weight (2 kg on average),
- slight increase in hematocrit [niveau de globules rouges dans le sang](2%)
- Occurrence of acne or detectable gynecomastia from time to time [augmentation des glandes mammaires chez l’homme].
These reactions rarely led the subjects to discontinue the experimental protocol. ”
However, the studies that have been validated cover a period of 18 months. The technique cannot be used beyond this period. At the same time, there is no data to indicate that longer use would be risky.
If treatment is stopped, sperm production resumes normally after three to six months.
What about the pill for men?
The hormonal pill would not be compatible with the male organism. In women, the tablet has three essential roles:
- prevent ovulation;
- modify the uterine wall to make it less conducive to implantation of the egg;
- thicken cervical mucus to prevent sperm from passing through the cervix.
In men, millions of sperm should be blocked in order to avoid fertilization. According to Doctor Mieusset, Interviewed by BFMTV, “ There will never be the equivalent of the men’s pill, that’s unrealistic. Physiologically, this is not possible. Just because men cannot take oral testosterone, it is too toxic for the liver. “
Vasectomy, an irreversible process
Vasectomy is suitable for a man who no longer wishes to have children. It is a means of irreversible sterilization. It is a surgical procedure which is performed under anesthesia and which consists in cutting the vas deferens which carry the sperm in the seminal fluid. As ARDECOM indicates, this technique is generally chosen by “ couples who have satisfied their desire for parenthood. Their motivation is then to free the woman from the constraints related to contraception.. In women, we talk about tubal ligation, although the operation is more complex for her. The vasectomy is partially reimbursed by social security.
