Contraception Methods for Men

Many times birth control is left up to the female partner in a relationship. This is likely because pregnancy is a bigger issue for women and because there are so many more contraceptive options available for women than for men. There are a few methods, however, that men can use to take charge of their fertility.

Condoms

Condoms are the most popular contraceptive method for men. Condoms consist of a latex (or rubber or sheepskin) sleeve that is worn over the penis. It has a small reservoir at the end that serves to catch the semen and prevent it from entering the vaginal canal. The success rate of condoms is approximately 85 percent. In order to work most effectively, condoms must be worn before any sexual contact occurs (by doing this, the success rate is much higher). Condoms also offer the advantage of being extremely effective in preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, if used properly.

Withdrawal

Withdrawal occurs when the penis is removed before ejaculation. The rate of failure is quite high for this method of contraception (about 27 percent) because oftentimes pre-ejaculatory fluid can contain sperm cells.

Rhythm method

Avoiding intercourse during ovulation is known as the rhythm method but requires that the man have intimate knowledge of the woman's menstrual cycle. The failure rate associated with this method is about 25 percent.

Vasectomy

A vasectomy has a high success rate (greater than 99 percent). This occurs when the vas deferens, which is the small tube that delivers sperm from the testis to the urethra, is surgically severed. These surgeries are relatively simple and have a high success rate. Within several weeks, the urethra is cleared of sperm cells.

Abstinence

Abstinence remains the only contraceptive method that is 100 percent effective.

Potential

Researchers are focused on developing a birth control pill for men, but this may be significantly in the future.