Birth Control for Men
Since the FDA approved the birth control pill for women in 1960, there have been many claims that a hormonal birth control option for men is around the corner; however, much of the research done in the U.S. is still in the animal testing phase of development. When it comes to contraception, men can use three primary methods of birth control: withdrawal, condoms, and vasectomy.
Birth Control Options for Men
The two primary forms of contraception for men are condoms and vasectomies. Alternative forms of contraception are currently being researched, although they may not be widely available for some time. These options vary widely in their effectiveness at preventing pregnancies and cost.
Breakdown of Birth Control Options For Men
Birth Control | When to Use It | Cost | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
Withdrawal (pulling out) | Withdrawal should be used as an additional form of contraceptive | Free | 75% |
Condoms | Condoms are the only form of contraceptive that prevents pregnancy and STDs, including HIV. | ~$1 per condom $2 - $6 for a pack of 3 | 85% |
Vasectomy | Should be used by those who do not want to have kids | Nearly 100% | |
Nonsurgical Vasectomy | Should be used by those who do not want to have kids | Nearly 100% | |
Male Birth Control Shot | Still in development | TBD | — |
Male Birth Control Gel | Still in development | TBD | — |
Male Birth Control Pill | Still in development | TBD | — |
Withdrawal
Withdrawal, commonly known as the “pull out” method, is the least effective form of birth control. It is entirely free, consisting of withdrawing the penis before ejaculation to prevent sperm from reaching the female egg. The withdrawal method is inconsistent and should be used in conjunction with another form of contraception, such as a condom. The withdrawal method only works about 75 percent of the time.
Condoms
Condoms are the only form of contraception that prevents pregnancies and STDs. Condoms are easy to use and are available at drugstores, grocery stores, pharmacies, health centers, and online. Condoms can only be used once, should be stored in a cool and dry place away from the sun, and expire in three to five years. If you keep a condom in a wallet, the friction can cause it to wear down and easily break, so be sure to replace it regularly.
Condoms are 98 percent effective at preventing pregnancies if used perfectly every time. After accounting for mistakes, they are about 85 percent effective, meaning that 15 out of 100 people who only use condoms get pregnant each year. By using the pull-out method with a condom, you and your partner will have a high level of protection from pregnancy and STDs.
Types of Condoms
Material | Can it be used with lubricant? | Does it protect against STDs? |
|---|---|---|
Latex (most popular) | Yes, only use water-based lubric  Get affordable doctor copay without paying insurance premiumsJoin 39,000 people and get Mira, the best alternative to traditional insurance. Enroll and use immediately. Plans start at only $45/mo. Erica graduated from Emory University in Atlanta with a BS in environmental science and a minor in English and is on track to graduate with her Master's in Public Health. She is passionate about health equity, women's health, and how the environment impacts public health. TopicBirth Control |
