Contraceptive methods are of various types but the methods are mostly partaken by females. There are only two well known contraceptives for men but there are a few more that men should know so that they can understand and support their partner in the process. Contraception procedures should be a joint decision in the case of a couple and not to be coerced upon each other.
As a male it is important to have the knowledge of the different contraceptive methods that are present. Only a small portion of the male population are aware of contraceptives and it is time to increase that awareness. Continue reading to know what different contraceptive methods are there!
Condoms
Condoms are the most well known and cheapest of the contraceptive methods that require money. It is also one of the most easily accessible of all contraceptives and also has a huge success rate making them one of the most favoured contraceptive methods for male and females both. Although there are female condoms too, male regular condoms are what is used more often. This makes it one of the main contraceptives for men.
Vasectomy
Vasectomy is more of an expensive contraception and the only one that is majorly permanent (yes, it can be reversed). It is a male only contraceptive and involves surgery. There are many different ways it is performed but all of them have the singular purpose of sealing the vas deferens of the male organ, the way through which the sperm flows to exit from the penis.
They have a huge success rate and rare cases where it had any side effects of excess bleeding or pain. It is a guaranteed contraceptive having an extremely low failure rate. But it takes time for it to be in full effect, usually three months, till then it is recommended to use other contraception methods.
This makes it one of the most effective contraceptives for men. But the only biggest con the vasectomy faces is its permanence which means no pregnancy. Making it not a suitable option for people who wish to have children.
Spermicide
Spermicide is another contraceptive that is used by many. It is sprayed on the inside of the vagina. The spermicide works by killing off sperms that enter the vagina making it prevent any sort of fertilisation. It is not as effective as the other methods mentioned and has a low success rate plus it becomes difficult to apply it properly for it to effectively work. It is usually recommended to use another form of contraception along with spermicide to have a more successful rate. Such as using the condom and the spermicide will help in case the condom comes off or breaks.
Fertility tracking
Fertility tracking is the tracking of your partner’s period cycle to avoid sexual activity during the times of high fertility. This is a free contraception method for men and has a decent success rate. It also depends if the cycle is consistent, which makes it easier to track or else makes it difficult and also reduces the success rate tremendously. This method, even though sometimes recommended, is not the best of contraceptives for men.
Outercourse
Outercourse is the practice of sexual actitvoty without involving penetration with the penis. It is mostly the practice of foreplay sex, oral sex or use of sex toys to achieve sexual satisfaction. It is not for people who enjoy only penetrative sex and can be difficult to maintain such high levels of arousal with only foreplay. This makes it one of the most effective contraceptives for men and is free with a guaranteed success rate.
Conclusion
Male contraceptives as seen are fewer in number as compared to females and most contraceptives for men have a high failure rate. But it is always important to be aware of the different types so that you can choose the best one for you and your partner. It is also to keep in mind that male contraceptives have seen further research and there are talks of creating a male contraceptive pill, like a women’s, in the future but as of now there is no such pill in the market and the above mentioned are the best methods.