Best Contraceptive For Men

What is the best contraceptive for men? Unlike women, men have surprisingly few choices when it comes to contraception. In fact, there are currently only two contraceptive options for men that medical authorities agree are reliably effective. These two options are condoms and vasectomies. Both choices have significant drawbacks, so researchers are actively looking for new contraceptive alternatives for men. 

Condoms. Condoms provide contraceptive protection by creating a barrier between the sperm and egg. Condoms are cheap, highly effective when used properly, and widely available. They can also provide a degree of protection from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Because of their ease of use and ability to prevent the spread of STDs, many men consider condoms to be the best contraceptive for men. But, condoms have significant disadvantages. Many men and women do not like the feel of condoms. Men report that condoms prevent them from enjoying the full sensory experience of sexual intercourse because the penis is not actually touching the vagina. Condoms may also break, which negates their purpose. Some men also do not know how to don a condom properly, which can limit its effectiveness as a contraceptive device. Purchasing condoms can also be an embarrassing experience for many men, which may prevent them from using condoms or any contraception at all. 

Vasectomy. A vasectomy is the most effective method of male birth control and many consider it the best contraceptive for men. Essentially, a vasectomy is a surgical procedure in which the tube that carries sperm is severed so that sperm can never reach the penis and be ejaculated. It's a very minor procedure with a quick recovery time and few complications. The primary advantage of a vasectomy is that it is permanent. The failure rates for vasectomies are exceedingly small, and they allow men to enjoy the full sensory experience of intercourse. The primary disadvantage of a vasectomy is that it is permanent. If you decide that you want to have children after a vasectomy, the procedure to reverse the vasectomy is very expensive and may not work. One way that you can avoid this problem is to place some sperm in storage before the vasectomy for possible future use in case you decide to have a child. But, you will incur storage costs to keep the sperm viable. A few men also report decreased sex drive after a vasectomy, and some also report long-term pain after the procedure. Furthermore, vasectomies provide no protection against STDs. 

Birth Control Pill. Unfortunately, this method does not yet exist, but a great deal of research is being conducted to develop a male version of this popular female contraceptive. Such a pill would ideally provide you with effective long-term contraceptive protection without causing significant side effects. Frequently, the popular media reports that an effective version of the male birth control pill has been successfully tested in the lab, but these pills never seem to make it to the market. If such a contraceptive is ever developed, it would be popular among the male population. Depending on their effectiveness, cost and side effects, many people of both genders might view male birth control pills as the best contraceptive for men. 

The Best Contraceptive for Men. Determining the best contraceptive for men depends on what's important to you. If you want a low cost contraceptive that allows you to retain your reproductive capability while also providing some disease protection, then condoms are your best choice. If you want a permanent contraceptive that maximizes the sensory experience of sex, and disease prevention isn't important to you, then the vasectomy is your best choice.