 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||||
|
Beyond the condom |
||||||
|
||||||
|
Women have more contraceptive choices than ever. But it's been ages since the advent of any new male nonsurgical method. So what's on the horizon for men willing to do their part? Men play an important role in family planning - despite the limited range of male contraceptive methods available. Today, you have only four choices - abstinence, withdrawal, condoms and a vasectomy - in helping to prevent pregnancy. Introduced more than 3,000 years ago, the condom was the last revolutionary male contraceptive device to appear on the scene. So what's next for men willing to play a more active role in family planning? You can look forward to a number of new alternatives in the near future. The millions of research dollars expended every year have already yielded a number of male contraceptive leads. Making a male version of the pill Several clinical trials are currently under way, and in the next five to 10 years a male pill will likely be available commercially. Scientists are working on a method that would "trick" the body into stopping production of testosterone and, in turn, sperm cells. They've already shown that experimental hormone-based contraceptives block sperm production. Further studies focus on whether an oral pill, implant or injection - or combination of these - would be most effective. Researchers are also looking at a non-hormonal compound that alters the development of sperm cells in such a way that they become very poor swimmers and lack some of the specialized structures needed for fertilization. It's difficult to predict just when a birth control pill will be available for men. But the research groundswell has many couples eagerly anticipating its arrival. If you and your partner are among them, stay tuned. Taking the anxiety out of vasectomies For couples seeking permanent contraception, vasectomy is the safest option and very effective. About half a million American men each year choose the procedure, which involves tying off or blocking the vas, two tubes that allow sperm to travel from the testicles to the penis. |
Compared to female sterilization, vasectomy is a simpler, less expensive procedure with fewer side effects and health risks. New no-scalpel, no-needle, no-stitch procedures can take less than 15 minutes. Despite the benefits, many men are concerned that a vasectomy will affect their masculinity and sexual function. But experts counter that it doesn't reduce a man's sexual drive or ability to enjoy sex. In fact, men discover that once sterility is complete, they no longer need to worry about accidental pregnancy. Lovemaking can be even more enjoyable than before. Potential side effects following the operation include temporary bruising, swelling and pain. Occasionally, there can be a mild infection that responds to antibiotics. Major complications are rare and are usually associated with a more serious infection. Changing your mind One of the best things about vasectomies might also be considered one of the worst: They're usually permanent. Nevertheless, as many as 30,000 to 50,000 men undergo surgical attempts to reverse their vasectomies each year. But reversal success rates vary from 16% to 79%, depending on a number of factors, including the surgical method, location of the vas segment either excised or blocked, and length of time since the original procedure. Reversals are usually not covered by most insurance plans. So if you think you might have a change of heart, consider your options carefully and wait until you're sure. You should use a less permanent contraceptive method - until you're confident about your decision. Angela Lower is senior public relations specialist with the American Academy of Family Physicians, headquartered in Leawood, Kan.
|
|||||
