Explore a range of contraceptive options, including male birth control pills and natural alternatives. Discover effective and convenient male birth control solutions and learn about the benefits and considerations of natural birth control methods. Stay informed and make informed choices about male contraception.

Time For Men To Share The Burden Of Pregnancy

In recent years, the landscape of contraception has expanded to include male birth control options. With advancements in reproductive health, men now have a variety of choices to actively participate in family planning. This article explores different male contraceptive methods, including the male birth control pill, non-hormonal alternatives, vasectomy alternatives, and sheds light on their effectiveness, potential side effects, ongoing research, and a comprehensive comparison of male birth control options.The male birth control pill is an exciting development in contraceptive options for men. This oral medication aims to temporarily reduce sperm production, providing a reversible method of contraception. Ongoing research focuses on developing a safe and effective male contraceptive pill, with promising results. Although not yet available on the market, this innovative solution shows great potential in offering men more control over their reproductive choices.For individuals seeking

Introduction

A fast-growing population is one of the greatest challenges currently faced by Pakistan. Increasing poverty, food shortage, health challenges, depletion of natural resources, and overcrowding are just some of the problems associated with overpopulation. According to the 2017 Census of Pakistan, with a population of more than 207 million, the country is the fifth most populated country in the world<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>. Therefore, effective birth control methods are a need of the hour to prevent the risks associated with overpopulation.

However, the use of contraception is largely stigmatized in Pakistan due to various reasons. As per the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS), the current contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) is only 34%<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>. Moreover, the use of contraceptive methods among men is extremely low. Thus, resulting in the burden of pregnancy and contraception lying largely with women. This could probably be due to a lack of awareness among men regarding various contraceptive methods that are readily available. Raising awareness about these methods is the first step in ensuring that the financial and emotional burden of <a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/how-to-practice-safe-sex">safe sex</a> is shared among both partners in a couple.&nbsp;

Almost 200 years ago, humans invented the world&#39;s first condom, and for a long time that was the greatest discovery in the world of contraception. However, scientists soon discovered methods specifically designed for women that could aid further in population control. Several female contraceptive options ranging from hormonal pills to invasive tubal ligation were introduced. However, each of the proposed methods comes with its side effects. Contraception methods have been widely politicized and various speculations exist regarding the reasons behind the disparity among male and female contraceptives. However, it is important to mention that male contraceptive methods are generally safer than their female counterparts, which is why in recent years significant work has been done to search for effective male contraceptive options. This shift in tide is also perpetuated in part by the increasing awareness among men and their willingness to use contraceptives.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Understanding Male Contraceptives

Currently, two widely acceptable male contraceptive methods exist: condoms and the invasive vasectomy.

&nbsp;

<h5 dir="ltr">Condoms</h5>

These are a form of barrier method and stop the sperm from entering and fertilizing the egg. Along with being an effective and inexpensive birth control, condoms also prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, incorrect use is associated with a high failure rate, and they can easily break or get damaged. In Pakistan, condoms are the most used form of contraceptive method, with a frequency of 65.5%<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>.&nbsp;

In recent years, the Pakistani government has stepped up its social media campaigns in a bid to educate the public regarding the use of condoms and other effective family planning methods. This is aimed at controlling the growing population by promoting birth spacing and awareness of women&#39;s fertility. Doorstep availability and affordable prices have significantly increased the use of condoms among the general population.&nbsp;

Unfortunately, misconceptions about condoms and other family planning methods still need to be overcome.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<h5 dir="ltr">Vasectomy</h5>

Also called male sterilization, the surgical procedure has been in use since the 1970s. The procedure involves cutting or blocking the vas deferens that carry sperm to the urethra. As a result, the semen is devoid of sperm and the egg cannot be fertilized. It is not easily reversed; therefore, it is mostly advised to men who are sure of not wanting children or who believe their family is complete.&nbsp;

With a success rate of 99.85%, it is the most reliable contraceptive option. Moreover, compared to tubal ligation in women, it is less invasive, has fewer risks, and has a quicker recovery time. However, only 2.4% of men around the world have undergone the procedure<a href="#accordion">[4]</a>. In Pakistan, the prevalence is only 0.4%<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>.&nbsp;

The lack of knowledge regarding vasectomy plays a major role in its low acceptance. Moreover, a majority of men hold the view that it leads to impotency or reduces sex drive. However, a recent study has found that men in Pakistan are becoming more accepting of vasectomy and recognizing their role in sharing the responsibility of family planning<a href="#accordion">[5]</a>.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

While female birth control pills have been around for more than 50 years, researchers have only recently started looking into pills for men.&nbsp;

In 2019, a team of scientists conducted a clinical trial for a male birth control pill among 82 healthy men<a href="#accordion">[6]</a>.&nbsp;They administered dimethandrolone undecanoate (DMAU) in varying doses over a period of 28 days. The two active hormones, progestin, and modified testosterone, helped suppress levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the study participants. Thus, suppressing sperm production without causing symptoms of low testosterone levels.&nbsp;

Although the study did not measure sperm count, the pill was found to be safe, even in high dosages. The team is currently conducting a longer trial to assess the drug&#39;s effect on sperm production and any long-term effects on the body.&nbsp;

However, men are often hesitant to use hormonal options due to the presence of adverse effects. Therefore, a team at the University of Minnesota have developed a non-hormonal male contraceptive pill. According to early results from a trial in mice, the contraceptive was 99% effective at preventing pregnancy<a href="#accordion">[7]</a>. Moreover, it had no obvious side effects in the mice.

Called YCT529, the non-hormonal pill works by targeting a protein called the retinoic acid receptor alpha (RAR-&alpha;). Through inhibition of this receptor, the retinoic acid in the body is unable to cause cell growth and differentiation, both of which contribute to sperm formation. As a result, the contraceptive helped cause reversible sterility in male mice.&nbsp;

Researchers now plan to conduct human trials for the compound. However, it is too early to tell whether the results in mice will also translate to humans.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Conclusion

Pakistan faces several challenges to the acceptability of various family planning methods. These range from religious and cultural beliefs, low literacy levels, misconceptions about side effects, lack of knowledge regarding various options for men and women, and reluctance to adopt a method. According to a study from Karachi, fear of side effects was the most common reason for low prevalence among users<a href="#accordion">[8]</a>.&nbsp;

Several trials are currently underway to look for safe and effective male contraceptive pills. However, it can take years till a pill is available in store. Even then, its availability will not matter until there is a change in beliefs regarding family planning.

Despite the safety and availability of male contraception, men are reluctant to use the contraception methods due to various reasons ranging from misconceptions about side effects to a lack of knowledge about safe sexual practices.&nbsp;

Therefore, there is a need for campaigns aimed at educating men about the importance of adopting contraception methods.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Key Points

<ul>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>A growing population poses several challenges to a country&#39;s health and economic stability.</li>
	<li>Effective implementation of family planning measures can help control overpopulation.</li>
	<li>In Pakistan, use of contraceptives is highly stigmatized due to various reasons.</li>
	<li>While several advances have been made in the search for female contraception, men have only been presented with two options: condoms and vasectomy.</li>
	<li>Condoms are the most commonly used form of contraception; however, there is a need to raise awareness on its correct usage.</li>
	<li>Vasectomy is the most effective male contraceptive method, but the lack of education and widespread myths regarding its side effects has resulted in a low frequency (0.4%) of the procedure in Pakistan.</li>
	<li>Recently, scientists have begun testing various hormonal and non-hormonal compounds as male contraceptive pills.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>In 2019, a team of scientists tested varying doses of dimethandrolone undecanoate (DMAU) among healthy males and found it was well-tolerated. They are now planning long-term clinical trials to test the compound&#39;s effect on sperm production.</li>
	<li>Recently, a team at the University of Minnesota developed a non-hormonal contraceptive pill. They tested the compound in mice and found it to be 99% effective, with no observable side effects. The team now plans to conduct human trials of the compound.</li>
	<li>The development of male contraceptive pills can help men share some of the burden of contraception and pregnancy.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

[1] Statistics, P. B. o., 2021. Brief on Census - 2017. [Online].

[2] Meherali, S., Ali, A., Khaliq, A. & Lassi, Z. S., 2021. Prevalence and determinants of contraception use in Pakistan: trend analysis from the Pakistan Demographic and Health Surveys (PDHS) dataset from 1990 to 2018. F1000 Research, Volume 10.

[3] Shattuck, D., Perry, B., Packer, C. & Quee, D. C., 2016. A Review of 10 Years of Vasectomy Programming and Research in Low-Resource Settings. Global Health, Science and Practice, 4(4), pp. 647-660.

[4] Siddiqui, M. et al., 2020. Prevalence and Predictors of Contraception Usage in Karachi, Pakistan. Cureus, 12(10).

[5] Hatesh, H., Maheshwari, B. K., Shah, S. Q. & Kumar, D., 2020. Males’ perception and motivation for Vasectomy. Pakistan Journal of Public Health, 10(4).

[6] Thirumalai, A. et al., 2019. Effects of 28 Days of Oral Dimethandrolone Undecanoate in Healthy Men: A Prototype Male Pill. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 104(2).

[7] Society, A. C., 2022. A non-hormonal pill could soon expand men’s birth control options. [Online].

[8] Bibi, S., Memon, A., Memon, Z. & Bibi, M., 2008. Contraceptive knowledge and practices in two districts of Sindh, Pakistan: A hospital based study. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Associatio, 58(5).

Trusted By