Male Birth Control: The Pill and Vasectomies

A 1997 survey by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, an American health research and education organization, found that more than 66% of respondents (male and female) believed that men should play a bigger role in the choice and use of contraception.

In the U.S., a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 66% of American men said they would be willing to try the pill.

What kinds of tests and research are being done?

A few things I have read are:

A study conducted in the year 2000 showed a completely reversible blockage of sperm production in all 66 participants.

Organon, a pharmaceutical company in the Netherlands, has developed a pill that has proven to be 100% effective in preliminary clinical trials.

How does it work?
The pill contains a synthetic hormone and the male hormone testosterone. This combination blocks the production of sperm while maintaining male characteristics and sex drive. It must be taken daily.

How does other birth control compare?
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the condom has a failure rate of about 14% under typical conditions, while the failure rate of the female pill is less than 1%. Male birth control pills also cost about the same as womens at $15 to $20 a month.

Are there any side effects?
From what I have read, it is safer for a man to take birth control pills than it is for women. So far, the only thing some male participants have experienced is slight weight gain. Women on the other hand can get nausea, weight gain, blood clotting, headaches, and other symptoms.

Another Option: Vasectomies

A vasectomy is a birth control method in which all or part of a male's vas deferens are surgically removed. Sexual desire and the ability to have an erection and an orgasm with an ejaculation are not usually affected.

When the vasectomy is complete, sperm can no longer exit the body through the penis. They are broken down and absorbed by the body.

Most men will experience minor bruising in the scrotum for three to five days following the operation.

Failure rates are below 1%.

As with male birth control pills compared to female birth control pills, a vasectomy can be safer than tubal litigation, the women's sterlization surgery.

Why do people choose a vasectomy over tubal litigation?
- The lower cost and simplicity of vasectomy
- Fewer complications
- The lower mortality of vasectomy
Is it reversible?
Generally, but not in all cases

I think the male birth control pill is a great idea especially considering how many complications women can have with the pill. If the pill is safer for men then it is definately a good idea for your husband or boyfriend to take it. It also makes men more responsible for the babies they can make. If they just take this pill they won't have anything to worry about, where as a condom is not as fullproof. It is also good to see these statistics showing a lot of men are willing to share this reponsibility. If both partners take it, that provides even more protection. Unless you are sure you don't want kids EVER, I would definately recommend the pill over a vasectomy.