MALE FAMILY PLANNING METHODS

1) Condoms

2) Withdrawal

3) Outercourse

4) Vasectomy ( Procedure, Pros and cons)

Male birth control is seldom talked about. Ironically nature allows women to ovulate just once in 21-35 days with fertility window being about 6 days while men do not have fertility window as their swimmers are always ready. Not to sound gender biased, I think men should be opened to contraceptives. If it takes two to make a baby then it shouldn’t exclude the other in planning the family. Do you agree?

The truth remains that contraceptives come with lots of side-effects that can be general or peculiar to some people. Unfortunately, there are no oral contraceptives for men at the moment but there are few family planning options.

CONDOMS

A condom is a thin, fitted tube worn over the penis during sex (male condoms) or inserted into the vagina before sex (female condoms). They prevent the sperm from entering the vagina hence preventing pregnancy.

Condoms have been a mainstay in male birth control for the longest of time. They are still much relevant with improved prospects. The fact is condoms are relatively cheap, available and easy to use. They do not alter fertility of either partners and they remain the only choice of contraceptives that protect against sexually transmitted infections. However, a lot of men have issues with condom. The issues vary from decreased potential for diminished sensation to skin irritation due to latex allergy and allergic reaction to some other chemicals in the condoms and decreased sexual pleasure.

However, there are better quality condoms that aid to extend the duration of sexual pleasure and are made of a kind of a kind of plastic (Urethane) to reduce skin sensitivity.

In maintaining the integrity of condoms, there are certain ‘’Donts’’ of condom.

• Do not reuse condoms. Reusing a condom reduces its protective effect by leading to condom breakage, slippage or leakage.

• Do not carry condom in your wallet or where it may be folded or sat on for too long. The wrapper may look fine but the condom inside might not.

• Do not open condom wrappers with your teeth.  Tear the wrapper open from the serrated edge and handle the condom carefully ensuring fingernails and sharp edges don’t touch the actual condom.

• Do not used oil-based lubricants with condoms as this may cause the condom to tear during intercourse. Only water-based lubricants can be used. Anointing oil brothers please take note!

WITHDRAWAL

Withdrawal (also called coitus interruptus or pulling out) is a method of contraception that involves the withdrawing of the penis from the vagina just before ejaculation around the time of orgasm to prevent pregnancy. In a healthy man the ejaculatory fluid usually contain enough sperm to ideally get a woman pregnant. By withdrawing, the sperm shouldn’t reach the egg and pregnancy shouldn’t occur.

Withdrawal requires self control and proper timing as it is easy to forget to withdraw at the peak of orgasm (ejaculation).Another disadvantage of this method is the high possibility for sperm to be present in the pre-ejaculatory fluid. Pre-ejaculate is a fluid released before the main semen as lubrication in intercourse. It is preferred because it is free and doesn’t require pre-planning, it has no side effects and doesn’t require any prescription for both partners. However, it isn’t as effective as other forms of birth control.

It is advisable to combine withdrawal method with other methods especially in a committed relationship. The use of condom and Abstinence/ Calender method can be effective. This implies withdrawing or use of condom during the woman’s fertility window.

OUTERCOURSE

Outercourse refers to sexual activity that does not include sexual penetration; it can include rubbing, groping, kissing, talking about sexual activities. This way the sperm doesn't get to meet the egg and hence no pregnancy.

Sexual pleasure is beyond sexual penetration.Outercourse can be as pleasurable and intimate as sexual penetration. This is a good way of family planning as the main goal is to avoid pregnancy.

However, some sexually transmitted infections can still spread especially if there is skin to skin genital contact or if your partner's bodily fluids, such as saliva get in or on your genitals or mouth. Also, it can be difficult to alter the natural transition of outercourse to intercourse.

Outercourse is 100% effective when done correctly which means no exchange of bodily fluids with the vagina.

VASECTOMY

Vasectomy is a contraceptive method that involves a minor surgery carried out to block sperm from reaching the semen that is ejaculated from the penis. Semen devoid of sperm cells would definitely not get a woman pregnant.

The procedure involves cutting or blockage of the tubes (vas deferens) in the scrotum that carry sperm, so sperm cannot leave the body and allow pregnancy(conception) to occur.

MYTHS AND FACTS

MYTH: Vasectomy cannot be reversed.

FACT: Vasectomy reversal is a surgery done to reverse vasectomy. However, it is not easy and does not always work.

MYTH: Vasectomy reduces sex drive.

FACT: Vasectomy does not reduce sex drive as it does not alter the hormone(testosterone) that is responsible for a man's sex drive. The procedure blocks sperm but does not reduce the amount of semen that is beingg ejaculated.

MYTH: Vasectomy causes a buildup of sperm.

FACT: No, through a natural body process, sperm that is being produced is absorbed.

MYTH: Vasectomy increases the risk of prostatecancer.

FACT: No, there is no link found between vasectomy and prostrate cancer

MYTH: Vasectomy is 100% effective right away

FACT: No, about 10 to 20 ejaculations over several weeks may be required before the semen can be free of sperm. Usually, a semen analysis is carried out to ensure that the semen is devoid of sperm.

 CONTENT BY ALONGE BOLADE YETUNDE