Contraceptives

If research funds hold out and we can hold our breath for another 4 or 5 years, two types of oral contraceptive pill for men and a sperm blocker may be coming our way. In America, approximately one third of the responsibility for contraception is taken by men using condoms or having vasectomies. For this figure to grow, other non-permanent methods of acceptable and safe birth control for use by males will have to be developed.

We have been told for years now that a male contraceptive will be on the market ’soon’. When one finally DOES appear on the market, there could be mixed reactions from women, not least issues of trust and maybe handing back the ‘power of control’ over when to conceive. You will still need a good supply of anti STD devices though so stock up here at a reliable site- they have other ‘goodies’ too.
Will women rely solely on her male partner to take responsibility for birth control (as HE will not be the one physically going through an unplanned pregnancy) or will she take extra precautions ‘just in case’?

“Some men are quite desperate for better control over their fertility,” said Kirsten Thompson, director of the International Male Contraception Coalition. “They’re looking for something they can really count on.” So are we gentlemen!

Two conferences on the “Future of Male Contraception” have been held so far in Seattle (sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, World Health Organization and others) and a number of possibilities for new male contraceptive options look like being viable, including, wait for it guys, a device for blocking sperm that is inserted into the vas deferens (is that a cringe I feel?).

The vas deferens is the ’sperm tube’ that is cut in a vasectomy (my ex had this done and if one sits on an ice bag immediately after the op it keeps the bruising down and recovery is quite quick)

The sperm blocker device currently being developed, is comprised of a set of removable plugs that have so far been tested on 90 men. The results of the plug insertion trial show “substantial equivalence to traditional vasectomy methods”. However, more research is now required to find out if normal fertility returns after the devices have been removed.

Could this be the makings of a new catchphrase ladies? “Show me your scars honey!”

The Oral Contraceptive Pill for women uses synthetic female hormones- a ‘testosterone-like’ pill for men that uses a drug called “selective androgen receptor modulator,” or SARM is presently being tested on humans for treating osteoporosis and muscle wasting, this drug, when taken orally, has also been found to reduce sperm count in rabbits.

A team @ Pittsburgh University has found that a non- hormonal compound known as CDB-4022 stops monkey sperm from swimming to their destination and importantly, within 16 weeks of stopping treatment, normal fertility returned. The chief factor of safety in the administration of this drug still needs to be tested though.

A new survey by the International Male Contraception Coalition found 61 percent of men would pick a non-hormonal drug over other contraceptive choices. I wonder if they asked these men if they were comfortable with us women taking a hormonal contraceptive pill?

If the latest studies are to be believed, more men are becoming interested in taking more responsibility for birth control. While it is doubtful that we shall reach a point where ALL men see that this responsibility should be shared equally with women, surely it is healthy and mature to keep abreast of the latest developments so that we are all in a better position (no pun intended) to discuss the type of contraceptive ‘arrangement’ that is win/win for both partners and successful family planning for the future?

Adjudin and the ‘dry orgasm’ pill for men (no ejaculate produced) may eventually be developed with very minor side effects.

To see the reactions of 10 men when asked about taking a male contraceptive pill watch this 2 min. video

If the video does not appear in 10 seconds CLICK HERE