In the past year, there has been new developments for birth control for males. Current contraceptives that are used now are for predominately females. Some examples are the pill, diaphragm, IUD, patches, rings as well as condoms. Besides condoms, most Birth Control are used by women to prevent unplanned pregnancies. Hormones are either ingested or injected into the body, which leads to side effects like lighter periods, mood swings and depression. Now there are new research findings for male birth control. This can change the lives of many and make accidental pregnancies a thing of a past. However, most birth control methods do not protect against STIs, so still consider using condoms as another form of protection and have safe sex my friends!

Male Birth Control:

Vasalgel

Male birth control has been in the works for some time now, but now there seems to be a breakthrough in birth control technology. Vasalgel, it is a polymer that blocks the flow of sperm coming through the penis. It works like a vasectomy and would be injected through the vas deferens. It is currently being developed through baboon studies (aka testing on baboons) and monitoring the side effects and it’s effectiveness.

What’s special about the Vasalgel is a technology called RISUG (Reversible Inhibition of Sperm Under Guidance). Which means that sperm will not be coming through the tube due to an injection of the polymer. However, with a second injection, sperm will resume its flow like nothing ever happened. If testing is successful, then we may see Vasalgel on the market by 2017. Also, this injection is hormone free!

This new technology of birth control will give males and females equal opportunities for preventative pregnancies. However, will it be worth it in the long run if there is a large financial responsibility? Only time will tell. In the meantime, let’s take a look at some of the most expensive birth control that is readily available now.

Female Birth Control

Birth Control Shot (Depo-Provera)

The Depo-Provera is an injection of progestin hormones that last three months in your body. It works similarly to the Pill as it tricks the body into thinking it is pregnant and disrupts ovulation. The Depo-Provera also makes the cervical mucus thicker, preventing the eggs from reaching its destination.

For the shot to be successful, you need to see your doctor every three months to receive another dose of the Depo-Provera. As long as you continue to receive the shot every three months, you will be protected from unplanned pregnancies.

Cost: $60/ Shot x 4 times a year = $240 a year

Birth Control Pills

Aka, The Pill. This is one of the most commonly used method of birth control. The pill contains the hormones, estrogen and progestin – or combination pills. These hormones trick your body into it is thinking that you are currently pregnant and so eggs are never released. Taken orally, there are strict rules that apply to taking the pill. It needs to be taken once a day, every day, at the same time. If taken correctly, the pill can be the most effective form of birth control and there is no long term commitment.

Cost: $50/ month. $50X12 Months = $600 a year.

IUD (Intrauterine Device)

It is a small T-shaped birth control device that is inserted into the vagina to prevent pregnancy. There are two types: copper and hormonal. Copper’s lasting power is twelve years while the hormonal counterpart is only effective for three years. This method of birth control is generally for those who do not wish to have children in the long term. This type of birth control requires commitment and a firm understanding of the side effects. However, it is 99.9% effective to prevent pregnancy.

Cost: Depending on your insurance coverage, medical examinations, consultations it can cost up to $1000. If you are considering an IUD as a long term solution- the costs per year is lower. So it may just work out for your finances.

$1000/ 5 Years= $200 a year

So with the future looking brighter for male birth control, we females may be able to get a break in our wallets and an extra sigh of relief every month.

Tell Us,

Does a male birth control seem like a good idea?

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