Best Birth Control Options

Unfortunately, men don't have nearly as much control over their reproductive destiny as women. Whereas women have various pills, implants, and other methods to choose from, men have only a few. Some of these male birth control methods are more desirable than others.

Condoms

The most common form of male birth control is the condom. Condoms have the advantage of being readily available, inexpensive, and are very effective if used properly. Unfortunately, condoms are frequently either used improperly or forgotten entirely.

Effectiveness and Protection Against Sexually Transmitted Diseases

If used properly, male latex condoms result in pregnancy only about 3% of the time. That is, for every 100 couples who rely on condoms as their sole form of birth control, 3 will become pregnant within one year. Condoms are frequently used improperly, however, and actual pregnancy rates for couples who rely on condoms as their sole form of birth control approach 14%. While condoms can be very effective, it should never be your only form of birth control.

In addition to their role as a contraceptive, condoms also help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Because of this, condoms should be used every time you have sexual intercourse in addition to any other form of birth control used.

Vasectomies

Condoms aren't the only form of male birth control. They are, however, the least invasive. Men unable or unwilling to rely on condoms have the option of having a vasectomy. A vasectomy is a procedure where the vasa deferentia are cut in order to prevent sperm from being able to leave the body via the penis. Instead, sperm is absorbed and broken down by the body, which treats is as a foreign substance.

Effectiveness and Side Effects

The effectiveness of a vasectomy in preventing accidental pregnancy depends in part on the skill of the surgeon involved, but post-vasectomy pregnancy rates are generally below 1%. Although late failure due to recanalization of the vasa deferentia is extremely rare, it is not impossible. No vasectomy is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Some studies have shown sexual desire decreases in as many as 10% or more of vasectomized men, although this is disputed. Although an effective form of male birth control, vasectomies aren't for everybody. Consult your physician to find out if a vasectomy is right for you.

The Male Birth Control Pill

Much has been made about recent advances with the so-called male birth control pill. Although not yet available on the market, preliminary clinical trials have shown the technique to be nearly 100% effective. Like female birth control pills, the male birth control pill will have to be taken daily and thus subject to the same downfalls as the female pill. Real-world effectiveness rates will likely be far lower than what is theoretically possible.