Contraception still seems to be woman's matter. However, there are also male contraceptives as well as other innovations:
Condom
The condom is a barrier contraceptive and both the most effective and current protection from venereal diseases. The condom also serves as contraception and must be slipped over and moved off correctly. [BARRIER CONTRACEPTIVES].
Vasectomy
During the procedure, the male vas deferens are severed in a manner so as to prevent sperm from entering into the ejaculate which thereby only contains fluids of the seminal vesicle and prostate. This procedure is not easily reversed and thus should only be considered in case of concluded family planning.
Pearl-Index*: 0,1-0,15 [1]
Heat method
In the 1980ies the heat method was used for temporary sterilization. Thereby, the testes are bathed in water at exactly 113° Fahrenheit (45° Celsius) for ninety minutes daily for three weeks. A heat shock factor (HSF) initiates the death of sperm cells in the testicles above 95° Fahrenheit (35˚ Celsius). The sperm count is reduced to almost zero for six weeks. However, the reliability of this method is scientifically controversial. [2]
Vasalgel
This non-hormonal polymer gel is injected into the vas deferens and thereby disactivates the sperm moving to the egg. The contraceptive action is reversible by flushing the vas deferens with a solution which neutralizes the gel. An injection can be effective for at least 10 years. With a prospective market release in 2017, men could take active part in family planning due to this non-hormonal contraceptive method. [3]
Male pill
Unfortunately, the male pill consistently fails due to its massive side effects like depressive mood, gain in weight, acratia etc...
In 2011, a multicentre study on a combination drug including testosteron and gestagen was conducted by the WHO. Although the drug was effective, it disappeared in pharmaceutical archives due to its side effects. However, a publicly available analysis of data is still missing. The interest from pharmaceutical industry and research are apparently low. [2] [4]
"Research on hormonal contraception for men dates back to half a century ago. In the 1950's, scientists promised the solution would be available in the upcoming five years. They have repeated themselves over the next fifty years and still do so today".
(Elaine Tyler May, author of America and the Pill: A History of Promise, Peril and Liberation, translated by Christine Wilhelm)
* The Pearl Index (PI) is used as a statistical estimation of the number of unintended pregnancies in 100 woman-years of exposure. A PI of 85 or 90 corresponds to no birth control methods used. A lower Pearl index represents a lower chance of getting pregnant. The Pearl Index can change depending on studies and observations. [5]