Contraception for men: types of male contraceptives, methods of use and reliability. New birth control pills for men Pregnancy prevention for men

One of the most unreliable. It is believed that the effectiveness of the method does not exceed 70%; almost every third act can be dangerous because it does not a large number of sperm may be released at the beginning of sexual intercourse.intercourse. In addition, such “protection” can lead to sexual disorders in both partners.

Artificially prolonged sexual intercourse

Also applies to unreliable methods. Of course, it prolongs the time of sexual pleasure for partners and, as a rule, does not lead to ejaculation, but it cannot guarantee protection, since sperm is released not only during orgasm, but also along with lubricant. In addition, if this method is used frequently, it can lead to impotence and health problems in a man (increased blood pressure and headache).

"Samurai Egg"

Hot scrotum – ancient Japanese method temporary sterilization of a man by increasing the temperature in the scrotum, which is achieved by taking daily hot bath 46.6 0 C for 45 minutes for a month. When the testicles overheat, sperm production is disrupted. By the way, the same effect is obtained if you sit behind the wheel of a car for more than four hours a day. After these procedures, the man becomes sterile for almost six months. Then everything is restored again to the same volume, but... there is a danger of cancer.

Condom

Ideal option for a man. However, the condom can break, and its use requires some skill. Modern technologies offer high-strength, ultra-thin latex condoms in a variety of lengths, colors and flavors. However, the condom can break, and its use requires some skill.

Hormonal agents

Subdermal implant for men

Ampoules containing “androgens” are implanted by a surgeon under the skin, where they dissolve within 2-4 weeks. During orgasm, a small amount of “neutralized” sperm is released. The effect lasts for about 3-5 months. Sometimes there are not entirely pleasant side effects (headaches, genital spasms, etc.). Development of more advanced injectable drugs- 1 injection in the arm annually or monthly.

A drug containing “cyproterone acetate”

These are the same oral contraceptives, only for men. Constant use of the drug leads to temporary sterilization and a decrease in sperm count. After stopping taking the pills, sperm volumes are restored, but it is not yet clear how long after a man will be able to fertilize.

Pills containing "estrogen and androgen"

Such pills cause an increase in libido and at the same time reduce the quality of sperm. You can use it for 1 month, and then take a break for 3-4 months. When too long-term use The drug may cause side effects: mental disorders, decreased tone and interest in life.

Vasoresection

Dressing spermatic cord, which can be untied if desired. An ideal method for the treatment of sexual weakness, prevention of inflammatory changes after removal of a prostate tumor.

Vasectomy

male contraception. This operation involves cutting the vas deferens, which carries sperm from both testicles. About a month after it, the man becomes completely infertile. Previously, the main disadvantage of a vasectomy was that a man would be unable to conceive a child for the rest of his life. Currently, the operation of “reverse vasectomy” has been developed, when the crossed vas deferens are sutured again, and the man again becomes capable of fertilization. The ability to conceive a child is restored in 90% of cases.

There is also alternative technique when specially designed miniature valves , which can be opened and closed again at will by a very small operation.

Reversible vasectomy using soft rubber plugs that prevent the passage of sperm. Introduced surgically and can be deleted.

Polyurethane plug

The operation can be not only surgical, then a substance is injected into the sperm ducts, which hardens and gives a contraceptive effect.

Male spiral

Not enough yet known method male contraception. The male IUD looks like a miniature umbrella and is inserted through the head of the penis into the scrotum. At the end of the spiral there is a gel that has a spermicidal effect.

To decide on the choice of contraception, a man must consult with an andrologist.

Male contraception tomorrow!

E. G. Shchekina, National Pharmaceutical University

Not all people who are sexually active want to have children. And this creates big problems for them, especially when they do not know how to avoid unwanted pregnancy.

Contraception is not only protection against unwanted pregnancy. This is the preservation of your health and the path to birth healthy child whenever you want it.

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The term "contraception" means protection against conception and comes from two Latin words: “contra” “against” and “conceptio” “conception, perception.” This is where the term “contraceptives” comes from, in other words “ contraception" In the broader sense of the word, contraception is a method of birth control that interrupts the natural progression of events from conception to birth. Modern medicine offers many methods to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Unfortunately, it must be admitted that there is no ideal contraception in the world yet.

Types and means of contraception differ from each other in the way they influence the body, effectiveness and ease of use (calendar and temperature methods, method of interrupted coitus, barrier, chemical methods; intrauterine devices; hormonal contraceptives, sterilization).

However, it must be recognized that most modern contraceptive methods are aimed at women and only a few are designed for men. There is a huge amount associated with male contraception and psychological problems. Many men, as we know very well, consider taking care of pregnancy prevention to be a purely female responsibility. Men are known not to get pregnant, and that's probably why they... fewer women concerned about contraception issues. And yet, men can and should take all possible part in protecting their partners from unwanted pregnancy. For this there are special methods male contraception.

Coitus interruptus method(coitus interruptus) means withdrawal of the penis before ejaculation begins. The method can be considered one of the most unreliable. The fact is that even with exceptional self-control, a small amount of sperm can be released at the beginning of sexual intercourse. It is believed that the effectiveness of the method does not exceed 70%, i.e. almost every third act can be dangerous. In addition, constant interruption of sexual intercourse can lead to a decrease in potency in a man.

Male condom a dense latex elongated bag, worn before sexual intercourse on a man’s erect penis. A condom prevents sperm from entering the vagina during sexual intercourse and prevents vaginal discharge from coming into contact with the man's penis, which prevents the spread of sexually transmitted infections. The condom is put on by the partner immediately before sexual intercourse and removed immediately after the end of sexual intercourse.

This is the most widely used method of mechanical contraception. It has virtually no contraindications, protects against HIV infection, and is easy to use. However, the condom can break, and its use requires some skill.

Sterilization in men Called a “vasectomy,” it involves cutting the vas deferens, which carries sperm from both testicles. About a month after a vasectomy, a man becomes completely infertile. The operation is quite simple, lasts 1520 minutes, and is performed under local anesthesia. The man can return home immediately.

There is also an alternative technique in which specially designed miniature valves are inserted into the vas deferens, which can be opened and closed at will with a very small operation. In addition, a no-scalpel vasectomy technique has been developed in China, where the entire operation is performed through a miniature incision 35 mm long.

The operation can be more than just surgery. Then a substance is injected into the duct, which hardens and gives a contraceptive effect. During temporary sterilization, a soft rubber “plug” is inserted into the vas deferens, which can then be removed.

Previously, the main disadvantage of a vasectomy was that a man would be unable to conceive a child for the rest of his life. Currently, the operation of “reverse vasectomy” has been developed, when the crossed vas deferens are sutured again, and the man again becomes capable of fertilization. The ability to conceive a child is restored in 90% of cases.

It is important to note that sterilization does not affect sexual desire, potency and erection. After all, the testicles continue to work, hormonal background is not violated.

Thus, surgical techniques male contraception is very reliable and relatively safe. Their disadvantage is the need for surgical intervention, as well as the low risk of irreversible contraception.

There is also such a little-known method of male contraception as male spiral. It looks like a miniature umbrella and is inserted through the head of the penis into the scrotum. At the end of the spiral there is a gel that has a spermicidal effect.

Also in ancient japan invented a method of male contraception known as the “samurai egg”. Its essence lies in the fact that a man holds his testicles in hot water (about 40 degrees) for several minutes every day for two months. As a result, he is not in danger of becoming a father for at least the next six months. In normal condition, the temperature of the scrotum is not higher than 36 degrees. When the testicles overheat, sperm production is disrupted. By the way, the same effect is obtained if you sit behind the wheel of a car for more than four hours a day.

The idea of ​​creating a men's medicinal contraception It has long been of concern to researchers (and women especially). Promising directions development of male contraception is the creation vaccinations against pregnancy based on antibodies to sperm produced in men and women and causing immunological infertility, and male medicinal (hormonal and non-hormonal) contraception, which includes paths such as inhibition of spermatogenesis, decreased sperm activity, inhibition of epididymal function.

Not long ago, molecular biologists from the Salk Institute in California announced that they had found the desired target for chemical “sanctions” against sperm using a drug proposed to treat Gaucher disease (a rare genetic disease). This drug can be an ideal contraceptive for men.

This substance the alkylated iminosugar N-butyldeoxynoirimicin (NB-DNJ) was administered to male mice, and they became sterile after three weeks of use. The drug had no effect on testosterone levels or luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, indicating that NB-DNJ acts in a non-hormonal manner. According to scientists, infertility is ensured by a certain mouse gene encoding cell receptor to the enzyme phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. A mutation in this gene disrupts the interaction of the enzyme with the receptor, which leads to “underripeness” of sperm precursor cells. Immature sperm of mutant males are not able to perform their fertilizing functions, so they, while remaining completely healthy, are infertile. After stopping the drug, male mice regained their fertility after three weeks, and their offspring developed normally.

The promise of this discovery is difficult to overestimate. Firstly, human spermatogenesis, like mouse spermatogenesis, is completely controlled by genes and, accordingly, enzyme-receptor systems. Secondly, in order to replicate the effect in mice in men, it is not necessary to interfere with human genes; it is enough just to develop a method of chemically blocking the necessary cellular receptors. Thirdly, the “mouse model” is natural and, as biologists have shown, safe. And if it is possible in the near future to find a way to reliably and reversibly block the enzyme-receptor interaction in human sperm, then civilization will have at its disposal effective and harmless birth control pills for men.

Inhibition of spermatogenesis, or male hormonal contraception

Contraceptives in this group were developed after examining patients with azoospermia who were diagnosed with hypogonadism with reduced production of FSH and LH. Steroid hormones suppress the production of gonadotropins and indirectly testicular function, including spermatogenesis. For the purpose of contraception, these drugs are used both in pure form, and in combinations. Let's name the most commonly used steroids.

Among the long-acting testosterone esters, the most fully studied testosterone enanthate. Administration 200 mg this tool weekly results in a 50% reduction in FSH and LH levels compared to basic level secretion, while the level of free testosterone in the blood plasma increases slightly. Sperm concentration when using testosterone enanthate ranges from 5 million/ml to azoospermia. After stopping the contraceptive, the level of gonadotropic hormones and sperm concentration return to the original amount.

Side effects include: increased greasiness skin, acne, weight gain, enlargement muscle mass, occasionally gynecomastia and a slight decrease in the number of red blood cells. No significant changes in liver function, blood glucose and lipid levels were noted.

Combination testosterone enanthate and danazol allows you to reduce the use of contraceptives to once a month. Danazol is a synthetic analogue of 17-α-alkylated ethynyltestosterone. Its maximum dose is 800 mg. The effect is comparable to the effect of testosterone. Efficiency approaches 85%.

Progestin steroids include norethandrolone, norethindrone, R2323, megesterol acetate, depot medroxyprogesterone, etc. Progestins cause inhibition of spermatogenesis, but are necessary for a pronounced effect large doses. Taking these drugs, unfortunately, causes significant side effects, especially decreased libido. Low efficiency, pronounced side effects, and the long duration of recovery of spermatogenesis after the end of treatment do not contribute to the widespread use of progestin contraceptives.

19-nortestosterone — anabolic steroid with a weak gestagenic effect. IN medical practice has been used for the past 20 years. Causes a reversible decrease in sperm concentration up to azoospermia. No side effects were noted during use. The drug has virtually no effect on libido and erection; these properties make its use very promising, especially in combination with other drugs.

The combination of androgens and gestagens can significantly reduce their doses, which reduces the severity of side effects.

Most often used depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) in combination with testosterone enanthate and cypronate, and norethindrone with 19-nortestosterone hexyphenylpropionate (anadur). The combination is taken once a month in the following doses: DMPA 150 mg, androgens 250-500 mg.

When studying the synthetically produced gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (nafarelin), its paradoxical effect was noted: with long-term use, it inhibits the production of LH and FSH. This effect was the basis for it contraceptive action. Injections of 200400 mg of nafarelin in combination with 200 mg of testosterone enanthate cause inhibition of spermatogenesis.

The following methods of male contraception are currently being tested experimentally: the use of a synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist; the use of inhibin, which suppresses FSH synthesis; immunization against FSH.

The development of male hormonal contraceptives is very active all over the world.

Australian scientists reported the successful completion of preliminary trials of a new drug intended for male contraception.

Developed at the Institute medical research them. Prince Henry (Melbourne) drug is a combination of two sex hormones: testosterone and progesterone. The drug is introduced into the body in the form of implants (i.e., a tablet with active substance, absorption of which continues for 34 months). Its effectiveness is quite high throughout the year. The effect of the drug is completely reversible and is not accompanied by any serious side effects.

The pharmaceutical company Organon has created a contraceptive drug for men that is effective for three years. Active substance continuously enters the body from implants sewn under the skin. The active substance etongestrel is a hormone from the progesterone group that blocks the formation of sperm. Along with these medications, men will need to take testosterone injections every four to six weeks to maintain sexual function, which is reduced by the female sex hormone.

The German company Schering and its Dutch rival Akzo Nobel said they were ready to join forces with other firms to develop a contraceptive pill for men that could hit the market within the next 5-7 years. Scientists have already developed a prototype of an effective pill for men using synthetic hormone, which suppresses sperm production by slowing down the action of testosterone.

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have developed a way to suppress sperm production while preserving normal level sex hormones in the body, which is a big step forward towards the creation of male hormonal contraceptives. The men took 150 or 300 micrograms of desogestrel, a synthetic hormone that is now the main component of female birth control pills. At the same time, each subject was implanted with one capsule with 200 mg of testosterone at the beginning of the study and another after 12 weeks. It turned out that desogestrel inhibits sperm production in men in the same way as it prevents ovulation in women. After 16 weeks, all men taking 300 micrograms of the drug showed complete suppression of sperm production.

After discontinuation of desogestrel, sperm concentration returned to baseline within 16 weeks. Side effects of the drug - mood swings, increased appetite and weight gain - developed rarely and were mild.

American scientists have discovered a protein in the tail of sperm that, if blocked, can make a man completely infertile. The effectiveness of this technique has already been successfully tested on mice. This protein is called CatSper. According to researchers from medical institute named after Howard Hughes and Harvard Medical School, he is responsible for one of the last stages fertilization, when the sperm must penetrate the zona pellucida and connect with the egg.

They bred mice that lacked the CatSper protein. The mice were completely infertile. However, if the egg was previously deprived of the zona pellucida, fertilization occurred as usual. Apparently, the inability to penetrate the membrane was the only change on the part of the sperm.

All that remains is to find a substance that will block the protein. Then, for the purpose of contraception, both men will be able to take the medicine immediately before sexual intercourse, and women shortly after it. In the latter case, the effect will be on sperm that have already entered the woman’s genital tract.

German researchers from the University of Münster have successfully tested a contraceptive for men. All study participants were given the male sex hormone testosterone by injection every six weeks for 24 weeks, and they also received injections of the hormone norethisterone enanthate (NETE). The following side effects were noted: acne, pain at injection sites. Several people complained of sweating at night. The hormones caused an increase in cholesterol concentrations, but within normal values.

There are also non-hormonal male contraceptives. For example, agents that directly affect sperm activity. Gossypol, the best known drug from this group, is a natural product isolated from the seeds, stems and roots of cotton. It inhibits a number of enzymes contained in sperm and spermatogenic epithelial cells, namely lactate dehydrogenase and glutathione alpha transferase. This leads to a decrease in the motility of mature sperm and inhibition of spermatogenesis at the spermatid stage. When used, spermatogenesis is inhibited early stages and the motility of mature sperm decreases. Gossypol is prescribed daily for 2-3 months, and then switched to a maintenance dose once a week. The effectiveness of the drug reaches 90%. The most common side effects are increased fatigue (12%), gastrointestinal disorders(7%), decreased libido (5%), dizziness and dry mouth. The most serious complication is a decrease in the level of potassium in the blood, which can lead to problems with cardiac activity, but this is extremely rare. With long-term use of gossypol, spermatogenesis stops completely.

Drugs 3-indazole-carboxylic acids cause disruption of the meiotic process in spermatogenic epithelial cells. Currently at the stage clinical trials.

Sperm-specific enzyme inhibitors act at the final stages of spermatogenesis. In particular, an inhibitor of acrosomal proteinase (acrosin) interferes with the correct formation of the acrosome, which makes fertilization impossible. This group of drugs is also being studied in clinical settings.

Inhibitors of epididymal function. Alpha chlorohydrin is a chemical derivative of glycerol. It blocks a number of sperm enzymes while they are in the epididymis, and also causes changes in the epididymal epithelium. The drug is prescribed at a dose of 3090 mg/kg body weight per day. The effect is to reduce the motor activity of sperm up to their complete immobility. The drug is toxic, which sharply limits its use.

Drugs 6-chloro-6-deoxysucrose and its derivatives block the processes of glycolysis in the epididymis. In this case, the number of sperm does not change, but a sharp decrease in their motility and pronounced morphological changes are detected. Dosages have not been fully developed.

Tripterygium Wilfordii plant used in traditional Chinese medicine. The amount of glycosides contained in it has a pronounced spermatotoxic effect at the level of the epididymis.

Research shows that the most rapid contraceptive effect occurs with drugs that affect mature sperm (their maturation in the epididymis, motility). In addition, after stopping taking these medications, fertility is restored quickly and in full.

Sperm activity is influenced by many medicinal substances. For example, the “male” contraceptive properties of such a widely known drug, like nifedipine. Nifedipine has no real prospects of becoming a contraceptive, and it has a large number of side effects. But this drug was perhaps the first to demonstrate the real possibility of modifying the biochemistry of sperm so that they lose their fertilizing ability. All that remains is to find other, safer application points chemical exposure on these cells and the problem of creating birth control pills for men will be solved.

Thus, in modern science There is an active search for the creation of birth control pills for men. Finding such a drug for men is much more difficult than for women. For a woman, it is enough to slow down ovulation once a month, certain period cycle, in male body Tens of millions of sperm are produced every day. To obtain a contraceptive effect, it is necessary to restrain or limit the process of sperm production to such an extent that the sperm loses its fertilizing ability. Sperm maturation takes 7778 days. The duration of this process also complicates the invention of a “male pill”: after all, it is necessary to find a substance that would act on the body for three months, suppressing sperm production and without affecting harmful influence to your health.

Male anti-sperm medications are still in development. And so far, no country in the world has a male contraceptive drug that has fully passed all the necessary clinical researches and was approved for sale.

However, the above factors indicate the prospects for further development of drugs in this group.

Literature

1. Dwek, R. A. et al. Targeting glycosylation as a therapeutic approach. Nature Rev. Drug Discov. 1, 65Dwek, R. A. et al. Targeting glycosylation as a therapeutic approach. Nature Rev. Drug Discov. 1, 652. Berg J., Hammon M. The modern management of the menopause. London-N. Y., 1993.
2. Abramchenko V.V. Perinatal pharmacology. St.-Pt., 1994.
3. Boroyan R. G. Clinical pharmacology for obstetricians and gynecologists: A practical guide for doctors. M.: Medical Information Agency LLC, 1999. 224 p.
4. Lawrence D. R., Benitt P. N. Clinical pharmacology in 2 volumes. M.: Medicine, 1993.
5. Manuilova I. A. Modern contraceptives. M., 1993.
6. Mikhailov I. B. Doctor’s handbook on clinical pharmacology. M., 2001.
7. Federal guidelines for use medicines(formulary system). Issue IV. M.: ECHO, 2003. 928 p.
8. Filippova I. A. Contraceptives: a complete reference book. St. Petersburg: JSC “VES”, 2000. 160 p.

Contraceptives for men include not only the well-known condoms, but also other methods that make sexual intercourse protected and safe. Let's consider the main types of male contraception and the features of its use.

Types of protective equipment

Male contraception is a rather complex area modern medicine, because researchers It is quite difficult to develop drugs that block the action of a huge number of sperm. While the task of female contraceptives is to protect only one egg from sperm penetration during the menstrual cycle.

However modern man A person who takes a responsible approach to building relationships and family planning will do everything possible to protect himself and his partner from unwanted pregnancy. There are a variety of tools designed specifically for these purposes. The most common contraceptives include condoms, birth control pills, vasectomies, implants, and injections. Each technique has its own characteristics, disadvantages and advantages.

• Condoms.

Condoms are the most common and effective means of male contraception, allowing you to protect intimate intercourse by 98%. These latex products not only protect against unwanted pregnancy, but also protect both partners from venereal diseases and sexually transmitted infections. The modern consumer market offers a huge selection of condoms. Products have different colour, aroma, size and even special sensitivity enhancers. But many representatives of the stronger sex neglect this means of contraception.

Using condoms has a number of significant advantages. These include the following factors:

1. Availability - you can purchase products at any pharmacy, kiosk or supermarket.
2. Easy to use.
3. High level of protection against penetration of sperm into the vaginal area.
4. Protection against HIV infection and sexually transmitted diseases.

There are virtually no contraindications to the use of condoms, other than an increased individual tendency to develop allergic reactions. According to statistics, about 56% of the male half of humanity prefers this method of contraception.

The main disadvantages of condoms include the following:

1. The product may tear or slip during use.
2. Creating a certain psychological discomfort during an intimate act.
3. Decreased sensitivity during sexual intercourse.
4. For correct use requires certain skills in application.
5. These disposable products are not always available when needed.

• Hormonal remedies.

Hormonal male contraceptives are medications, the composition of which contains a special hormone that suppresses the activity and motility of sperm. Hormonal contraceptives are available in the following forms:

1. Pills.
2. Injections.
3. Capsules.
4. Gels.
5. Subcutaneous implants.

Contraceptive drugs for men contain a sex hormone called testosterone, since in large dosages testosterone acts effective means to prevent unwanted pregnancy. According to statistics, the effectiveness of this method of contraception is almost 99%. But hormonal pills and injections can provoke the development of the following side effects:

1. Increase in the size of the mammary gland.
2. Increased blood clotting.
3. Prostate enlargement.
4. Impaired functioning of the cardiovascular system.
5. The appearance of excess hair on a man's body.
6. Education allergic rashes on the skin.

There is also a theory that prolonged and uncontrolled use of hormonal contraceptives can cause male infertility. Therefore, in order to avoid the development of such undesirable reactions, before using a certain hormonal drug, it is recommended to first consult with a qualified specialist.

• Surgical techniques.

The most radical method of male contraception is a vasectomy. This procedure is a surgical procedure during which the vas deferens is cut. The operation has no effect negative influence on male potency, and the effectiveness of this product is 98%.

But having a vasectomy effectively denies a man the opportunity to become a father. Although modern Scientific research have proven the possibility of carrying out a subsequent operation to restore reproductive function in men who have undergone a vaectomy, no specialist can give one hundred percent guarantees.

According to current legislation, vasectomy is allowed only to representatives of the stronger sex over the age of thirty-five years, if they have at least two children.

The benefits of a vasectomy include:

1. One hundred percent reliability.
2. There is no need to use any other contraceptives.

The disadvantages of this procedure include the following factors:

1. The need for surgical intervention.
2. High cost of manipulation.
3. A vaectomy does not provide protection against sexually transmitted infections.

TO surgical methods contraception may include sewing in subcutaneous implants that release testosterone, which blocks the processes of spermatogenesis, preventing fertilization. This effect is achieved due to the influence of contraceptives on the quality of the protein component of the sperm, which is responsible for fertilization. This technique is characterized high degree reliability and efficiency.

• Oral preparations and gels.

Contraception for men includes contraceptives intended for internal use. Tablets, which contain large doses of sex hormones, block the process of sperm formation, which makes intimate contact safe in terms of protection against unwanted pregnancy. At the same time, in contrast to a vasectomy, upon completion of taking contraceptives reproductive function recovers over time.

Feature oral contraceptives is the fact that in order to achieve extremely favorable results, birth control pills must be taken at least three months before intimate contact. This is due to the fact that the process of maturation of male germ cells takes seventy days. However, doctors say that it is necessary to periodically take mandatory breaks of one and a half to two months when taking oral contraceptives. Thus, this method protection against unwanted pregnancy is suitable only for young people who have stable sex life and having a permanent partner.

In addition to hormonal contraceptives, good contraceptive effect gives use medications, which include cyproterone acetate. Tablets containing this substance have a temporary sterilization effect, significantly reducing the amount of sperm. After the use of the pills is stopped, the volume of sperm produced will gradually recover.

Birth control pills for men long-term use may trigger the development of the following side effects:

1. Depressive state.
2. Decreased muscle tone.
3. The appearance of mental disorders.
4. Increase in body weight.
5. Hair loss. Baldness.
6. The appearance of tumor growths in the testicular area, which can be both benign and malignant.
7. Azoospermia.
8. There may be a violation of the fertilizing qualities of sperm after stopping the use of oral contraceptives.

Birth control gel is another in a modern way male contraception. Part this drug includes male and female sex hormones that contribute to a significant reduction in the number of sperm in the ejaculate. Contraceptive gel is recommended to be applied daily to intimate areas of the body. The effectiveness of the drug is about 89%. Experts say that the gel has virtually no side effects, but this moment the product is under development and has yet to undergo a number of clinical trials confirming its safety.

Male contraception today is at the stage of active development. Most new modern means are currently undergoing clinical trials, they will very soon appear on the consumer market and will be used in great demand. Indeed, according to statistics, about 97% of the stronger sex are ready to take responsibility for issues of protection from unwanted pregnancy.

Unfortunately, in last decades Medicine has concentrated on contraceptives for women, this is explained by the ease of developing such drugs. To avoid pregnancy, a woman only needs to block her egg once every 28 days. In the case of men, the situation is different - you need to stop the “army” of sperm, which is much more difficult. But effective contraception for men still exists, it’s time to consider these methods in more detail.

Five basic methods of male contraception

Interruption of sexual intercourse.

Efficiency is about 80%. The man must remove his penis from his partner's vagina before ejaculation. According to statistics, every fourth man uses this method.

Advantages:

• does not require the use of tablets or other means;
• free;
• does not harm the body.

Flaws:

• a man needs to be able to control ejaculation well;
• requires DC voltage during sexual intercourse, so as not to miss the right moment;
• does not protect against sexually transmitted infections;
• with prolonged use, it reduces libido.

Using a condom.

Approximately 56% of men prefer condoms. This is the most popular and effective means of male contraception. Modern products are made from latex, a substance impermeable to sperm.

Advantages:

• highest efficiency (85-97%);
• protects against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections;
• ease of use and wide availability on sale.

Flaws:

• psychological discomfort and decreased sensitivity during sexual intercourse;
• requires some skills to use;
• not always available at the right time;
• sometimes men and women are allergic to latex;
• If used incorrectly, condoms break and slip off, resulting in loss of protection.

Despite all the shortcomings, the condom is considered the main means of male contraception. Apart from allergies, there are no other contraindications.

Vasectomy (sterilization).

This is a surgical operation lasting 30 minutes, during which the ejaculatory streams are intersected. Does not affect the potency and libido of a man. 2-3 months after sterilization, the need for other means of contraception disappears completely. Efficiency reaches 99%.

Advantages:

• high reliability;
• the operation is done only once.

Flaws:

• requires surgery;
• irreversibility (the man will no longer be able to have children);
• high cost;
• does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases;
• According to Russian legislation, sterilization is allowed only to men over 35 years of age who have at least two children.

This method is considered the most radical; after the operation, a man can no longer become a father; naturally, not everyone is happy with this prospect.

Male contraceptive pills.

A new word in contraception. Like their female counterparts, they contain sex hormones. Increased content Testosterone in a man's blood prevents the formation of sperm. After the end of treatment, reproductive function is restored over time.

Birth control pills for men are still in development

These tablets are not yet available for sale, since the drugs are still at the stage of clinical trials. But many experts are already skeptical about these funds. The fact is that male reproductive cells mature within 70 days, that is, to prevent unwanted pregnancy, the pills must be taken regularly three months in advance. Side effects of such drugs are also possible.

Contraceptive pills for men cannot yet be called any effective means of contraception. It may still be years before these products become available on the market.

Male contraceptive implant.

Another untested new product. This is a small (2.5 cm) object containing hormones that is injected under the skin. The drug suppresses sperm production and neutralizes a man’s reproductive function for some time. The only advantage of the implant is that there is no need to take other medications.

The disadvantages are the same as those of male pregnancy pills - they do not provide reliable protection and can cause negative hormonal changes in organism. There is also no need to talk about protection from sexually transmitted infections.

Conclusion: male contraception is effectively represented only by condoms; the use of other means is associated with certain risks.

Everyone knows that to protect against unwanted pregnancy, women take a variety of hormonal contraceptives, establish intrauterine device etc. As for the stronger sex, most people do not even suspect that in addition to condoms, there are many types of male contraception and even birth control pills for men. Let's try to understand the issue of male contraception more deeply.

Male pills against unwanted pregnancy

In women, the laying of follicles occurs in the mother's womb, therefore, at birth, the exact number of eggs that will be formed from follicles and participate in ovulation throughout life is determined. In the male half, spermatogenesis is a constant process. It is precisely because it is much easier to prevent the release of an egg once a cycle than to suppress the daily maturation of sperm that scientists began to actively develop drugs for female contraception. But in recent decades, many discoveries have been made in this area, one of which was contraceptives for men.

Operating principle

In order for a man to lose his fertilizing abilities, but not lose his potency and libido, it is necessary to neutralize the sperm that is formed in the testes. Various approaches are used for this:

• Sperm production is artificially stopped by all possible means;
• Sperm are removed from semen or their development is stopped;
• They block the production of certain components of sperm, which leads to its unsuitability for fertilization, etc.

All these changes are achieved by taking specific drugs containing hormonal and other components.

There is no need to confuse male contraceptives with female ones, although their principles of action are similar. But if a man decides to take female contraceptives, then this will not lead to anything good. Included female medications estrogen and progesterone hormones are present. After a single dose, your health may not suffer, but if a man starts taking female contraceptives regularly, then colossal changes will occur in his body. Although a man will definitely not be able to have children after taking such medications. Male hormonal contraceptives contain a completely different set of hormonal components intended specifically for the stronger sex.

Advantages and disadvantages

In women, the egg matures only once during the cycle, but in men, sperm are formed daily, so constant suppression of hormones is necessary. Therefore, if contraception is based on hormonal suppression, then you will have to take high-dose drugs every day. This, in fact, is the main disadvantage of tablet contraceptives for men. In addition, such drugs provoke many adverse reactions such as baldness on the head and body hair, the appearance of various types of rashes, thickening of the blood and cardiac dysfunction.

Such drugs provoke respiratory disorders and uncontrolled weight gain, arthralgic manifestations and convulsions, sudden outbursts of aggression and causeless anger. And many tablets also contain gestagen, which has a strong effect on the brain, due to which spermatogenesis is suppressed. The danger is that when testosterone and gestagen are combined, pathological suppression of libido occurs and even irreversible infertility develops. As a result, most drugs were banned. Among the advantages of such drugs are high efficiency and the absence of negative effects on erectile functions. After most medications, reproduction is completely restored over time.

Types of tablets

Today, male contraceptive pills are represented by drugs that provide the effect of temporary sterilization. The very first drugs were medications with cyproterone acetate - this element is used in antiandrogenic treatment. Typically, such medications are prescribed to men for prostatic pathologies. Cyproterone is a powerful antiandrogenic substance that blocks the production male hormones. Therefore, its constant use leads to temporary sterilization. But a serious side effect of such drugs is often suppression of libido and other side effects. That's why this category There are currently no medications used in male contraception.

A “younger” group of drugs is hormonal contraceptives containing testosterone. You also need to take them daily. During the course, aspermia of a reversible nature develops, i.e. there are no sperm in the semen. After stopping the use, all reproductive qualities are restored, however, a number of adverse reactions may be present, such as decreased sensitivity with sex, a tendency to thrombosis or testicular cancer.

An even newer generation of male contraceptives are drugs containing female hormones. But you need to take them for no more than a month, and then a break of three months is required. But these drugs are not without their drawbacks, because they cause reactions such as mood swings, depression, excessive libido or increased blood clotting.

The names of male contraceptives like Adjudin or Gamendazole are little known, or rather, they are known, but in a slightly different area. These medications are used to treat cancer. Many andrologists prescribe them as contraception, which can lead to dangerous consequences. Development is actively underway, but completely safe means so far it has not been possible to invent it, therefore female contraception in this regard remains a priority.

Other types of male contraception

As you can see, the contraceptive option is not at all safe for men. Therefore, the stronger sex is actively looking for other contraceptive options. There are quite a lot of them, and most of them do not have dangerous consequences, so men turn to them much more often.

Condoms

The most reliable, one might say, proven over centuries, method of preventing unnecessary pregnancy.

• Such products almost completely prevent not only unwanted conception, but also a host of sexually transmitted problems.
• Many couples, especially their male counterparts, refer to a noticeable decrease in sexual sensations that are typical for traditional intimacy without rubber bands. If earlier this statement could somehow be justified, then today’s technologies have reached the point that condoms are produced ultra-thin.

Therefore, the main problem is that they can tear. Otherwise, condoms have no complaints; moreover, they protect against most sexually transmitted infections. Condoms are also considered the most affordable contraceptive, which significantly increases interest in this method contraception.

Injections

Injections, which also belong to the category, are also used to prevent pregnancy. hormonal drugs contraception. The specificity of the technique lies in the introduction of testosterone injection, which will subsequently lead to the suppression of spermatogenetic processes. But injections also have their disadvantages, which are generally associated with blood thickening and alopecia, prostate adenoma and excessive body hair, and gynecomastia in men.

Implants under the skin

There is another method of male contraception - subdermal implants. This technique involves the implantation of a special implant containing an androgenic substance. Over time, the ampoule biodegrades, that is, it dissolves. Most often this happens after half a month or a month. Action sewn under skin covering ampoules is due to the fact that sperm activity is inhibited.

After using the implants, the effect is observed within several months. But the technique can provoke adverse reactions like cramps or headaches.

Vasoresection or vasectomy

Vasoresection is called surgical intervention, which comes down to ligation of the spermatic cord. As a result similar procedure sperm cannot enter the uterus. Such an intervention is reversible, so when a man wants to have offspring, the cord is untied. The technique is quite widely used in andrology for the treatment of prostatic formations.

Vasectomy is also used to prevent unwanted pregnancy. This procedure involves cutting the ducts. Approximately a month after the operation, the patient is deprived of reproductive capabilities. Such an intervention is usually irreversible nature, but today it is possible to return childbearing functions.

There is no need to resort to the method of crossing the ducts; today it is possible to simply close them with special valves, which, if necessary, are easily removed, returning the man to his previous fertility.

Male spiral

This technique is little known today, but it has been used in foreign clinics for a long time. The specificity of the method is that a microscopic umbrella is inserted into the scrotum, on the tip of which a sperm-killing agent is applied. It is not yet possible to say for sure how safe such a contraceptive method is, but such methods are not practiced in our country.

There are optimal ways, you just need to choose the most suitable one for yourself. It should be immediately noted that safe contraceptives for men have not yet been created, so you should not use similar drugs in my own practice. It is better to contact an andrologist who will help you choose the safest and most effective method protection. And it is certainly not recommended to resort to techniques such as vasectomy or vasoresection. No one guarantees that fertility will return after such an intervention.