You Have Options for Male Birth Control

By: Lior M. Hirsch, M.D.

When it comes to birth control, it used to be the women who shouldered the responsibility. But options for men are increasing. As urologists, we specialize in the male reproductive system. Here’s a review of what’s available now, and what may be available in the coming years.

Vasectomy

Vasectomy remains the most sure-fire option for preventing pregnancy with a success rate of over 99%. The procedure takes less than 30 minutes and is pain-free thanks to numbing medicine.

Because the testicles will be sore and swollen for several days after a vasectomy, men typically spend a few days on the couch to recover. That’s why some fans often schedule their vasectomy during March! If that timing works for you, call your MidLantic Urology physician office a month in advance to schedule your appointment. That way you can ensure you’re legitimately couch-bound for the games.

In addition to a few guilt-free days as a couch potato, most men appreciate the peace of mind a vasectomy provides. But the decision to have one deserves careful consideration. A vasectomy results in permanent sterility; it’s meant for men who are certain they no longer wish to have children. Some vasectomies can be reversed, but there’s no guarantee. Learn more about the vasectomy procedure and recovery.

It’s natural to feel a bit nervous before your procedure, but what happens when an earthquake strikes during a vasectomy? Read this MidLantic Urology patient’s story.

Condoms

Condoms can prevent pregnancy by keeping semen from entering a woman’s vagina and fertilizing the eggs. When used perfectly, condoms are about 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. But because they can tear, leak, or slip off, each year about 15 out of every 100 couples who rely on condoms get pregnant. Their effectiveness can increase by using a foam or jelly spermicide.

Benefits of condoms include:

• They lower the risk of STD by stopping or greatly reducing the exchange of body fluids between partners.
• They’re inexpensive and available over-the-counter

On the Horizon: NES/T Gel

Significant progress has been made in the development of a male birth control gel. Developed by the National Institutes of Health and the Population Council, the gel contains two hormones: segesterone acetate and testosterone. When applied daily to each shoulder blade for 15 weeks, 86% of men had a sperm count that decreased enough to prevent pregnancy.

The gel, still in the study phase, is popular among research participants because it:

• Has shown no serious side effects
• Is reversible (sperm count returns to normal once you cease application)
• Is easy to apply

While the gel shows significant promise, don’t look for it anytime soon. A lack of funding has so far prevented completion of research necessary for NES/T to gain FDA approval.

Your next step

If you want to discuss your male birth control options with a MidLantic Urology provider, call for a consultation. Find a MidLantic Urology provider close to you.