For too long, the burden of contraception has fallen almost entirely on women. From the pill to IUDs, to condoms and diaphragms, women have shouldered the responsibility of preventing unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.
Finally, after decades of research and development, there is a revolutionary new contraceptive method that promises to give men more control over their sexual health: male hormonal contraception.
What is male hormonal contraception?
Male hormonal contraception refers to a form of birth control that uses hormones to prevent pregnancy. Like female hormonal contraception, male hormonal contraception works by blocking the production of sperm.
However, instead of using estrogen and progestin (like the birth control pill), male hormonal contraception uses testosterone and progestin.
How does male hormonal contraception work?
Male hormonal contraception works by suppressing the production of testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), two hormones that are necessary for sperm production.
Without enough testosterone and FSH, the testicles stop producing sperm, making it virtually impossible for a man to impregnate a partner.
What are the benefits of male hormonal contraception?
The most obvious benefit of male hormonal contraception is that it gives men more control over their reproductive health.
This can be particularly important for men who do not want to rely on their partner to take birth control pills or use other contraceptive methods.
Another benefit of male hormonal contraception is that it has the potential to be more effective than some other forms of birth control.
According to one study, male hormonal contraception was over 96 percent effective at preventing pregnancy in couples who used it for a year.
Finally, male hormonal contraception may have fewer side effects than some other forms of birth control. For example, many women experience mood swings, weight gain, and other negative side effects when they use hormonal birth control.
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In contrast, the side effects of male hormonal contraception have been found to be generally mild and well-tolerated.
How is male hormonal contraception administered?
Currently, male hormonal contraception is administered through injections of a combination of testosterone and progestin. This injection is typically given once every two to three months.
In the future, researchers are exploring other ways to deliver male hormonal contraception, including through a patch, a gel, or a pill.
When will male hormonal contraception be available?
Male hormonal contraception is still undergoing clinical trials, but researchers are hopeful that it will be available on the market in the near future.
Once it is approved, men will be able to get the injection from their healthcare provider, just as women can get a prescription for the birth control pill or an IUD.
What are the potential side effects of male hormonal contraception?
As with any medication, male hormonal contraception can have side effects. Some of the most common side effects that have been reported in clinical trials include acne, weight gain, and changes in libido.
More serious side effects, such as changes in mood or increases in the risk of cardiovascular disease, have not been conclusively linked to male hormonal contraception, but researchers continue to study these potential risks.
Is male hormonal contraception reversible?
Yes, male hormonal contraception is reversible. Once a man stops receiving the injections, his sperm production will typically return to normal within a few months.
However, it is important to note that it may take up to a year for some men to regain fertility after stopping male hormonal contraception.
Conclusion
Male hormonal contraception has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach birth control and sexual health.
By providing men with a safe and effective option for preventing unplanned pregnancies, we can put greater control in the hands of both partners, and reduce the burden of contraception that has traditionally fallen almost exclusively on women. With ongoing research and development, we may soon see male hormonal contraception become a widely available and popular choice for men and couples everywhere.
