Here is the long-awaited article about male contraception methods.
Primarily, women bear most of the birth control burden and all the side effects that go along with it. From researchers’ perspective, women and men should share equal responsibility for preventing pregnancy. Because of that, scientists are developing novel contraception methods for men, which currently are undergoing clinical trials.
While women have a choice of using different kinds of contraceptives ranging from pills to vaginal rings, men are limited to few options to control their fertility– condoms, vasectomy (surgical procedure for permanent contraception) and withdrawal. These methods are far from being safe, effective and reversible.
For over 400 years, no new contraceptive options for men have been developed. That is why it is crucial to make advancements in the field of male contraceptives.
So far, scientists have been working together to create new contraception options for men to lower the rate of unintended pregnancies. Many promising therapeutics, including hormonal - and nonhormonal are currently in various stages of development worldwide.
1. Male Birth Control Gel (Nestorone-Testosterone)
Nestorone®/Testosterone gel, a novel reversible contraceptive for men, has been developed by researchers at the Population Council. In fact, it is the most advanced contraceptive in clinical trials. The gel, which contains a progestin and testosterone, should be applied to the shoulders and upper arms every day. It allows to suppress sperm production in men as well as the level of testosterone.
2. Male Birth Control Pill
DMAU (Dimethandrolone undecanoate) is a male oral contraceptive that contains properties of androgen and a progestin, and is to be taken once a day.
The study, developed by University of Washington Medical Centre and presented at the annual Endocrine Society, has shown that the pill lowers the amount of testosterone and other hormones involved in sperm production. According to the professor of medicine Stephanie Page: “Many men say they would prefer a daily pill as a reversible contraceptive, rather than long-acting injections or topical gels, which are also in development.”
3. Male Birth Control Shot
In studies conducted by World Health Organization, the new method of contraception was discovered – an injection, which consists of 200 milligrams of progestogen (Norethisterone Enantate) and 1,000 milligrams of androgen (Testosterone Undecanoate). The injectable contraceptive works to decrease males sperm count. Researchers tested the safety and effectiveness of a contraceptive shot among 320 men, ranging from 18 to 45 years of age.
However, some side effects, such as injection site pain and the cases of depression, have been found. Therefore, the study was put on hold.
4. RISUG
Vas occlusion is a unique approach to male birth control. Several game-changing products under development include RISUG, Vasalgel and Contraline’s Echo-VR.
RISUG (Reversible Inhibition of Sperm Under Guidance) is an injection that was developed in India. It is fully non-hormonal, reversible and long-acting (it can last for 8-10 years). Clinical studies have shown that this male contraceptive gel has been effective in 99% of the cases. In contrast to vasectomy, which implies a surgical intervention, a gel is injected into vas deferens (the duct that carries sperm to the urethra). The polymer gel forms a flexible barrier and blocks sperm. If a man wants to dissolve a gel, after months or years, the gel is flushed and sperm flow can continue. RISUG provides significant advantages over vasectomy due to reversibility.
The working principle of Vasalgel and ECHO-VR is very similar. Vasalgel (based on RISUG) has been licensed in the United States and is being developed by Revolution Contraceptives.
Echo-VR is at the stage of clinical trials, conducted by Contraline, an entrepreneurial start-up that is studying the effectiveness of polymer gel and reversibility of this kind of male contraception.
Results of the survey.
Being curious about the topic of reinventions in the field of male contraceptives, our team conducted a survey among 33 men, aged from 18 to 45, at IE Business School.
The most important insight we found was that men were willing to use new kinds of contraceptives. Approximately 40% of respondents would be ready to take up a novel method. 46% would consider the possibility of using a new birth control method. Taking into consideration the results, we can assume that there has to be more research and investment in the field of male birth control.
Another impressive observation is that nearly 65% of participants agree that men and women should share equal responsibility when it comes to the topic of the unforeseen pregnancies.
Coming to the conclusion of our today’s topic, we can say that men definitely should have more options of contraception both for controlling their own fertility and taking credit for birth control.
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