Types of contraceptives for men, taking birth control pills

Quite often, women are interested in whether there are birth control pills for men. Relatively recently, developments in the field of contraception were aimed exclusively at the creation of female drugs.

But medicine does not stand still, and now men can use pills on an equal basis with women. And today we’ll talk about what kind of contraceptive pills there are for men and what else, besides traditional condoms, the strong half of humanity can use.

Myths about home contraception

Men make several mistakes when they want to take charge of contraception into their own hands. The most common of them:

• Taking herbal pills and folk recipes that promise to reduce sperm count. These are dietary supplements that do not have such actions.
• Large doses of testosterone. This can lead to baldness and cancer, although testosterone is considered one of the active hormones for male anti-fertility drugs.
• Female contraceptives. Their constant use is dangerous for infertility and hormonal imbalance.

• Drugs for the treatment of dangerous diseases, and a decrease in male fertility is their side effect. Some cancer drugs have contraceptive properties, but a healthy person should not take them.

Doctors do not approve of taking any medications on your own, as experimenting with your health can lead to unexpected consequences. For now, the use of oral medications to prevent conception in men is not possible, but the situation may soon change.

To achieve irreversible male infertility, surgical vasoresection is a safer method. This operation can be performed on a man over 35 years old who has children.

Male contraceptive injections

Modern types of contraceptives are represented not only by the development of male contraceptive pills. Doctors are finishing trials of injections that block sperm production. Don't worry, this is just a temporary effect. The developers compare this type of contraception in terms of effectiveness with the previously discussed vasectomy procedure.

To ensure a contraceptive effect, a man needs to administer a drug consisting of the hormones progesterone and testosterone once every two months. After administration of the drug, the number of sperm in the male ejaculate decreases.

With this method of contraception, a man does not have any side effects. If you refuse to administer the drug, the quality of sperm returns to normal in the shortest possible time.

Why is it difficult to develop pills for men?

The drugs must have a mechanism of action that is different from female drugs for oral administration. This is due to the fact that men produce millions of sperm every day. It is much more difficult to suppress their activity, since there is no cyclicity.

The second problem for men is hormonal levels, the effects of which are dangerous. Scientists are developing products that will temporarily stop sperm production. So far, they have obtained male contraceptives in tablets that completely change hormonal levels and cause side effects.

There are no such funds available for free sale. Now there are only prototypes of oral contraceptives for men, but even the names under which the drugs will be sold are unknown.

Male birth control pills

This includes oral contraceptives intended for temporary sterilization. And the very first representatives of such drugs were products whose composition included cyproterone acetate.

Daily use of pills not only reduces the amount of sperm produced, but also makes a man temporarily infertile. After discontinuation of the drug, the volume and quality of seminal fluid return to normal levels.

The next category of drugs is products containing androgens and antiandrogens. While taking pills, all sperm completely disappear from a man's semen, and, as a result, he develops temporary infertility. But a side effect of taking it can be the development of cancerous tumors in the testicles.

The following male contraceptive pills contain both androgen and estrogen. Taking drugs reduces sperm quality, but at the same time increases sexual desire.

Drugs from this category can only be used for a month. Then the body should rest for 3-4 months. This long break is explained by numerous side effects. These include mental disorders and loss of interest in life.

Types of drugs

It is not yet possible to continuously use male contraceptives. There are several types of pills that can temporarily prevent sperm production. They cannot be used constantly. All drugs can be divided into groups:

• prototypes;
• products that have not undergone clinical trials;
• medications that lead to male infertility as a side effect.

For now, doctors recommend not to take risks, but to use conventional methods to prevent pregnancy: condoms, interrupted coitus or vasectomy. Other products have not been proven to be safe. Medicine knows too little about them.

Cyproterone acetate

Cyproterone and its analogues are most often prescribed for prostate cancer. The drug has a pronounced antiandrogenic effect, so it is sometimes prescribed to women for hair loss and acne.

In a healthy person, sperm production temporarily stops, but at the same time side effects develop. Cyproterone acetate has a negative effect on the liver and changes blood glucose levels. Self-medication with this remedy is prohibited, because it is hormonal.

High dose testosterone pills

The first oral contraceptives for men were banned and withdrawn from sale. They originated in America and consisted of pure testosterone. During clinical trials, pharmacists studied injections of this hormone, and a tablet product was released onto the shelves.

It was planned that they would completely replace regular injections. The contraceptive achieved its goal - after taking the first pill, sperm activity was inhibited, but side effects arose:

• baldness;
• increased blood viscosity;
• the appearance of pathologies of the heart and blood vessels, exacerbation of diseases in this area;
• nervous breakdowns, increased aggressiveness;
• decreased sensations during intimacy;
• respiratory pathologies;
• weight gain;
• leg pain, cramps.

After massive complaints from patients with such symptoms, the testosterone-based drug was considered dangerous and banned. It has not spread beyond America. Scientists are looking for ways to prevent conception that will not cause side effects.

Tablets with androgens and estrogens

The shortcomings of testosterone contraceptives can be compensated for by combination drugs containing female hormones - estrogens. When taking them, a man will also experience side effects:

• mood changes, tendency to apathy and depression;
• increased blood viscosity, tendency to form blood clots;
• increased libido.

According to clinical trials, these drugs cannot be taken in long courses. The maximum period is 1 month, after which you must wait at least 90 days before the next course.

Non-hormonal drugs

Currently, non-hormonal drugs are being developed that will have fewer side effects. The main task is to obtain a composition that can be used constantly.

• CDB-4022 is a product of American developers. They need to be taken only once a day, and after the end of use, reproductive function will be fully restored. The drug prevents sperm from maturing.
• Another development, JQ1, works similarly. Its components are absorbed into the blood, disrupting spermatogenesis.

• Israeli doctors went further; they carefully studied spermatogenesis and discovered a protein that is responsible for the production of sperm. They have found a remedy that can block its production, leading to temporary male infertility. The tablets are planned to be taken only once a month.

It is not yet known when these contraceptives will hit the shelves; clinical trials are currently underway. Popular Chinese product websites are already selling pills for men under working names. Doctors do not recommend purchasing funds via the Internet. It is not known how accurate their composition is and you will get a prototype, and not a toxic substance that will be fatal.

Basic methods of male contraception

All methods of male contraception can be divided into the following groups:

1. Behavioral (interrupted sexual intercourse or protracted, prolonged).
2. Barrier (condom).
3. Chemical (tablets, injections, implants).
4. Surgical intervention (vasectomy, installation of an IUD, polyurethane plug).

Not all contraceptive methods have been fully studied and tested.

Table: characteristics of individual methods of male contraception

Photo gallery: existing methods of male contraception

The method involves inserting a small umbrella into the scrotum, which will kill sperm.

The condom is the most popular barrier type contraceptive for men.

PPA is a very unreliable method of contraception, causing psychological stress in the couple, especially if the man is not very experienced

Contraceptive injections are another chemical method of male contraception.

The implant releases a substance daily that suppresses sperm production

The process of applying the product can disrupt the romantic mood of a couple and weaken an erection

As a result of a vasectomy, sperm no longer enters the seminal fluid.

Oral male contraceptives have quite a few contraindications and side effects

A kind of extreme method of male contraception is heating the scrotum (in a bath or just a container of hot water). This effect is achieved by taking a very hot bath (up to 46 °C) every day for about 45 minutes. After such a course, a man becomes sterile for six months. Then reproductive function is restored, but the risk of developing cancer tumors increases significantly.

An extreme method of male contraception is deliberate overheating of the testicles, which is certainly harmful to health.

By the way, truck drivers also develop infertility. Their testicles are forced to overheat due to long periods of driving in a sitting position.

Video: contraception in men (gynecologist explains)

Comparison of oral medications for men

Scientists name several advantages of the new generation of contraceptives:

• 90 - 99% efficiency;
• reversibility of action (restoration of reproductive function occurs within six months after stopping use);
• maintaining sensations during sexual intercourse at the same level.

Currently, only hormonal or toxic agents can be used for contraception. They have several disadvantages, including the impact on:

• cardiovascular system;
• blood clotting (it increases, the risk of thromboembolism is high);
• skin and hair condition.

After the release of non-hormonal drugs on the market, it is likely that complications will be eliminated. They will not affect the functioning of basic human systems, including feelings during intercourse or libido.

How to take birth control pills?

"Dry orgasm"

Gamendazole

It’s best not to figure out how to choose birth control pills on your own. Ideally, a specialist should tell the woman in detail how to choose the right contraceptives. After all, those who seek to choose contraceptives without a doctor, using the advice of a friend or the recommendation of a pharmacist, risk receiving not only protection from unwanted pregnancy, but also a number of side effects.

The gynecologist always takes into account what diseases the patient has suffered, is interested in family history, and takes into account all individual characteristics.

Next, the specialist conducts an examination, during which he assesses the condition of the skin, measures weight, blood pressure, and palpates the mammary glands. It is also important to conduct laboratory tests to determine blood sugar, liver enzymes, and hormonal levels. It is equally important to conduct an ultrasound of the pelvic organs and mammary glands, and, if necessary, do a mammogram. The specialist conducts a gynecological examination.

Before determining which birth control pills are best to choose, a woman is advised to visit an ophthalmologist, since even the best birth control pills, when taken over a long period of time, increase the risk of developing glaucoma and other eye diseases.

Thus, which oral contraceptives are better, the doctor determines taking into account the following features:

• appearance of the mammary glands;
• height;
• pubic hair;
• skin and hair condition;
• features of the menstrual cycle;
• chronic diseases.

What are the phenotypes? Currently, three types of female phenotypes are defined.

Before you start using oral contraceptives, you need to clearly know how to take hormonal OCs correctly and how long you can take female OCs.

How to take birth control pills is described in detail by the instructions for such drugs.

Contraceptives for women are usually contained in standard blisters containing 21 tablets. True, there are exceptions. For example, a blister of Jess tablets, which are recommended for young, nulliparous girls, contains 24 tablets.

If a woman is interested in which contraceptive pills are appropriate to take after 35 years, then the doctor can recommend contraceptives for women after 35 years Klaira. There are 28 of them in a blister. In addition, there are a large number of other tablets that are optimally taken at the age of 25, and after 35 years. The specialist will tell you the names of such medications, as well as whether you should take additional vitamins individually.

So, women at any age need to take COCs - contraceptives for women after 30 years, and after 50 - need to be taken daily, at approximately the same time. You should start taking it on the first day of your period.

It is important not to forget to use hormones, so it is better to keep the pills in a place where the woman will definitely notice them. Hormonal contraceptives for women over 40 years of age and younger women should take one tablet every day until the blister runs out. This is followed by a week's break.

If you miss a dose, you need to take the pill as soon as possible. Take an extra pill if vomiting occurs after taking the drug. But in these two cases, additional protection is necessary - for example, you can use condoms.

Even if contraceptives are used for women after 40 years of age, it should be borne in mind that in the first two weeks after starting a new drug, additional protection is necessary.

You should not stop taking the pills if intermenstrual bleeding occurs. As a rule, a similar phenomenon is observed in the first few months after starting to take OCs and is evidence of a reconfiguration of the body.

If a doctor recommends the pill after 40, he will also consider whether the woman has certain chronic diseases and may also recommend taking vitamins. Those who become pregnant after 40 years should definitely consult a specialist for advice. Reviews from doctors will help you choose the right contraception immediately after childbirth.

It should also be taken into account that when taking COCs simultaneously with a number of other drugs, their effect may be weakened. This information is especially relevant for women over 45 years of age and older, since at this age many women already have chronic diseases and, accordingly, take a variety of medications. Therefore, the names of the drugs that a woman is forced to take must be reported to the doctor, who explains how to protect herself.

Vitamins taken in parallel do not affect the effect of OK.

Those who are interested in when to start taking hormonal medications after an abortion should know that they should be taken either on the day of the abortion or a month later, when the first menstruation begins.

A standard mini-pill blister contains 28 tablets. They need to be drunk without interruptions, at the same time. Breastfeeding mothers can take mini-pills after giving birth. If a young mother does not practice lactation, then the doctor may recommend that she use low-hormonal Oka (Miniziston, Belara, Regulon). Women wondering when to take such drugs after childbirth should take into account that COCs are taken to prevent pregnancy already 21–28 days after childbirth.

It should also be remembered that the tablets begin to work fully two weeks after the first dose. One hundred percent effectiveness is observed in the second month, provided that the tablets are used correctly.

Before choosing estrogen pills or other types of COCs, you should consider what side effects may occur from birth control pills. Of course, every woman would like to use contraception without side effects. However, undesirable effects, that is, those manifestations that do not threaten a woman’s health, still appear when taking COCs.

All side effects are divided into two large groups.

• pain in the mammary glands, their swelling;
• headache;
• nausea, poor appetite;
• bloody discharge between periods;
• dizziness;
• overweight;
• absence of menstruation;
• strong gas formation;
• poor skin condition - the appearance of acne, chloasma;
• swelling of the legs;
• heavy hair growth;
• decreased sexual desire.

Serious

• swelling and pain in the calf muscle on one side;
• hemicrania, migraine;
• bleeding when taking birth control pills;
• difficulty breathing;
• manifestation of acute pain in the chest;
• wet cough with mucus;
• fainting;
• difficulty speaking;
• loss of visual fields;
• jaundice;
• sudden jumps in blood pressure;
• hives.

If serious manifestations develop or minor side effects are constantly bothering you, discontinuation of contraceptives is necessary. Your doctor will tell you which oral contraceptives are best to choose in this case.

Regardless of which birth control pill is best to choose, according to the doctor, a woman who starts taking it should undergo periodic examinations to assess her health. Such a health assessment will help determine the best birth control pills and prevent negative effects on the body. It is important to conduct the following research:

• blood pressure measurement;
• physical examination;
• conducting a urine test;
• breast self-examination every month.

New generation contraceptives have a number of advantages over barrier contraceptives. Currently, there are a number of positive aspects when using such funds:

• Pills containing hormones are one of the highest quality methods of birth control that can be used at any age (both for teenagers and for older women who have given birth).
• By taking such products, women note that their menstrual cycle stabilizes and pain during menstruation becomes less intense.
• Almost all of these drugs have a good cosmetic effect - they improve the condition of hair and skin; have antiandrogenic properties - reduce the growth of unwanted hair.
• They have a positive psychological effect - the woman has confidence that she will not become pregnant.
• The newest products make it possible to speed up the onset of menstruation or delay it.
• They produce a therapeutic effect for mastopathy, ovarian cysts, and endometriosis (although there are no results of full-fledged independent studies on this issue yet).
• After quitting pills containing hormones, fertility is restored on its own after 2-6 menstrual cycles; in rare cases, a year passes from the last OC dose before fertility is restored.

Thus, low-dose birth control pills and other types of oral contraceptives have a number of undeniable advantages. But we should not forget that even low-dose hormonal contraceptives also have a number of negative effects, which, if we compare the pros and cons, are much greater.

Therefore, no matter what the name of female hormones in tablets is, whether they are cheap or expensive, it is important to consult with a specialist about whether it is worth protecting yourself with them or whether it is better to find other methods of contraception. The doctor must take into account all the consequences that may occur when using such tablets, as well as contraindications, the possibility of their use for chronic diseases, etc.

Like any medical drugs, contraceptives in the modern world are produced by those involved in this branch of pharmacology with the aim of developing business. Therefore, it is quite understandable that manufacturers intend to advertise such products as widely as possible.

Very often studies are conducted, the result of which is information about the negative effects of oral contraception. Therefore, before you start using such funds, you need to clearly know what negative consequences may occur and why this happens. Without a doubt, the selection of such means should only be carried out by a doctor, therefore messages on forums: “Advise contraceptives” or attempts to find online ratings and photos of birth control pills are, at the very least, irresponsible ways to choose the appropriate method of contraception.

Side effects

When consuming high doses of testosterone, uncontrollable aggression occurs. In fits of anger, he may not be fully aware of his actions.

Toxic drugs based on cyproterone acetate can cause acute poisoning if dosed incorrectly. Intoxication can lead to irreversible consequences in the brain and disruption of the digestive system.

Combination drugs that combine female and male sex hormones can lead to disruption of the part of the brain responsible for sperm production. Their main side effect is considered to be persistent infertility. In most cases it is irreversible.

What pills stimulate conception?

There are three types of hormonal drugs, the action of which is aimed at restoring impaired function.

• Ovulation stimulating agents. Thanks to them, increased growth of follicles in the ovaries occurs. They contain luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones.
• With the help of medications containing hCG, the growth of the follicle and its ability to release an egg are stimulated. That is, these drugs help the egg meet the sperm.
• To ensure that the egg is securely implanted in the uterus, a medicine containing progesterone is used. This hormone thickens the walls of the uterus and also promotes the formation of a safe environment during pregnancy.

All drugs that stimulate conception can be taken only after consultation with a doctor and under his supervision! It should be remembered that all of them are potent drugs, which, if used independently and uncontrolled, can cause harm rather than help.

The doctor will tell you which pills are suitable for a particular woman, because everyone’s body is individual.

Alcohol compatibility

Those means that can now be used by men to prevent their partner from becoming pregnant are incompatible with alcoholic beverages. Under its influence, side effects and the strength of their manifestation intensify. The consequences are especially common when taking cancer drugs with alcohol.

Testosterone, when taken simultaneously with alcohol, often increases its effect on a person’s mood. It is best not to take combination drugs with alcohol for another reason - their effect is reduced. It is not known how the scientists who are currently testing prototypes will solve the problem of compatibility with alcoholic beverages; perhaps soon a way will be found not to change their habits when using contraception.

Any medications are a priori considered incompatible with alcohol.

Video on how to choose a condom

In the video, experts tell you how to choose the right condom, what types exist, and how to properly store contraceptives.

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Where can I buy drugs?

Currently existing male contraceptives cannot be purchased without a prescription, since these drugs are used to treat complex pathologies. There are sites on the Internet that offer contraceptive medications, but you should not seek their help. By purchasing products and dietary supplements that have not been certified, you are taking a very big risk.

In the near future, contraception for men will not appear on the shelves, approved for use. Pharmacists announce their mass production no earlier than in 5 years, only then will they be products with proven safety. Until this time, it is not worth looking for a place where to buy drugs. The price of contraceptives is not yet known, but due to the difficulties of manufacturing and development, it may be more than for female counterparts. Although some manufacturers claim that medicines will be more affordable.

Other methods of medicinal contraception in men↑

Contraception methods for men

In addition to developing birth control pills for men, scientists are actively searching for effective injectable contraceptives. In this case, the man does not take the drug on his own, but an andrologist will administer it.

For many years now, at the University of Münster (Germany), under the leadership of Michael Zitzmann, the development of a hormonal testosterone contraceptive has been underway.

The mechanism of action of the future drug is relatively simple. The introduction of testosterone from the outside via injection will block the testes’ own production of this hormone, which means the formation of sperm will become impossible.

Scientists plan to recruit about 50 married couples who have regular sex life to participate. The man will not have to take pills. The drug will be administered by injection once every 2 months.

How does emergency contraception work?

Emergency contraception works in several ways Plan B One-Step:

1. Suppresses ovulation. Since ovulation does not occur, then there is no mature egg that could be fertilized.
2. Prevents fertilization.
3. Prevents the attachment of the fertilized egg to the uterus.

In any of these cases, pregnancy does not occur.

But if you are already pregnant, the doses of hormones that emergency contraception offers no longer work.