Male Contraception Methods

The most common male contraceptive method is condom. But there are far more ways of contraception for men to choose from than just this. This article talks about Male hormonal contraception, reversible inhibition of sperm under guidance (RISUG), vas-occlusive contraception and heat based contraception.

Application of heat to the testes causes their temperature to become above body temperature and can thus considerably decrease production of sperms for several months. Sperms production is favored by a temperature slightly lower than the body temperature.

Normally, when the temperature of the body decreases, the scrotum sac shrinks to maintain sperms at optimal temperature. When the testicles are heated they are unable to produce sperms. The method must not be practiced at home. It should only be performed by an expert.

Vas-occlusive has shown to have same similar side effects like vasectomy. In this, a mechanical barrier is inserted so as to prevent travelling of sperms from the scrotum to the vasa deferentia. The method includes insertion of plugs or valve like barriers.

In RISUG, an injection is given in the vas deferens. This vessel lets the sperms pass by for the ejaculation. The injection containing several chemicals like maleic anhydride, styrene, dimethyl sulfoxide and cobalt 60 is given. The injection coats the walls of the vessel in the form of gel and thus blocks passage of sperms.

The chemicals create a positive charge in the fluid and clash with the positive charge carried by the sperms. It is also believed that these chemicals and chemicals similar to them help in killing of the sperms. One of the common contraception methods in males is hormonal contraception or MHC.

It is based on the simple fact that when the production of testosterone drops in the reproductive system, the production of sperms either slows down or stops completely.

This is done by blocking the passage of testosterone to brain and testes. Because testosterone is essential to maintain male features like body hair, voice, strength; a testosterone replacement is given directly in the bloodstream.

All these contraceptive methods are not practiced commonly. Few medical test need to be conducted before finalizing which method will be most suitable.