Traditionally, male birth control includes condoms and vasectomies. More recently the male contraceptive shot has been designed, and pharmaceutical companies are also studying a birth control pill for men that will hit the market in the near future. Vasectomies although reversible in theory have sometimes proved false friends. And remaining infertile for the rest of their lives seems like a risk few men would take.

This is why the shot or the pill seem a more appealing option for male pregnancy control than vasectomy. Developed by an Indian scientist, the male contraceptive injection reduces the number of sperm and disables the spermatozoa that travel through the sperm pathways. The injection contains a number of chemicals that form a gel against the pathway of the sperm. This gel can last between 10 to 15 years, and so far, in studies, this form of male birth control has proven to work 100%.

For several years now, the male pregnancy control shot has been in clinical trials in India. It is now being tested in the United States as well, as the Male Contraception Information Project in San Francisco bought the rights to the technique. The clinical trial process will be repeated in the United States until this form of male birth control will get ready for FDA approval. The sperm-stunting potential of the male birth control shot was initially considered a toxic side effect of a drug used for skin and inflammatory diseases. Taken from there, as part of lab tests and lots of experiments the medical formula sounds promising enough.

The problem with the male pregnancy control shot could be that it presents no financial potential for drug companies for the main reason that the contraceptive solution remains viable for years on end. This is probably the reason why so little progress has been made with male birth control in the Western world.

However, we should also mention the fact that such an injection is usually an option for married or stable couples who already have children or don't plan to have a baby soon. Otherwise, it does not offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Condoms are the only form of male birth control that prevents pregnancy and creates a protective barrier against various infections with sexual body entrance. Even so, the condom is not 100% safe for pregnancy or STD prevention. It has to be used correctly, consistently and carefully in order to do its purpose.

Natural family planning depends on methods that can determine when intercourse does not result in pregnancy. A woman can keep track of the changes that take place in her body during the menstrual cycle, and thus the couple can plan when to have or not have intercourse to avoid pregnancy. The same methods are used by families who are trying to conceive and need to identify the most fertile period. Natural family planning thus goes two ways.

The ovulation method

This type of natural family planning determines the fertile and infertile days by checking the cervical mucus. When the mucus is stretchy, slick and clear, chances are that the woman can get pregnant. The mucus looks like uncooked egg white during the fertile period.

The Symptothermal method

It involves taking the basal temperature every day. The temperature is written down in a chart. During ovulation, the woman's temperature will rise slightly with about 9 degrees Fahrenheit. The woman should also check the consistency of the cervical mucus. Other possible symptoms that accompany ovulation include breast tenderness, low backache, bloating and slight discomfort in the abdomen.

The period when you are most likely to get pregnant is right before and after the ovulation. This interval usually expands between the 9th and the 21st day of the menstrual cycle, for a woman with a 28-day period. Such information is relevant for natural family planning, yet it is not enough to make the above methods 100% reliable for the prevention of pregnancy.

There are natural family planning instructors who teach couples the most efficient ways to make the best out of the above methods. Talk to your family doctor to refer you to one such professional. However, in practice, this kind of birth control has proved less reliable than in theory. Most specialists recommend the use of a second means for birth control such as barrier methods. Condoms, for instance may successfully support natural family planning.

Keeping communication open with the life partner is of vital importance for the success of natural family planning. Unless your spouse is willing to cooperate and not have sex during the 12 days of the fertile period, you need to find other birth control means to prevent pregnancy. Natural family planning therefore requires mutual agreement and lots of support and understanding in the couple. It does not work for every family, because it cannot be considered a unilateral decision that only a member agrees to.

People now have access to many types of birth control. If for casual sex, lots of people use condoms only, and the morning-after pill, when necessary, stable couples often want to explore their options more carefully. It is when people get involved in serious relationships that they search for information and talk to family planning specialists to find reliable methods that reflect their sexual needs.

Hormonal birth control

Numerous types of birth control means use hormones to prevent pregnancy. Here we ought to mention the patch, the hormonal shot, the oral pill, the vaginal ring and a certain variety of intrauterine devices. Hormonal contraceptives have a high efficiency rate, yet they have a higher risk of side effects, and they cannot be used by just anybody. The woman should be in perfect health, and should consult a specialist to have a hormonal contraceptive prescribed.

ITU devices

The intrauterine device is inserted in the woman's uterus, making the uterine lining unsuitable for the implantation of a fertilized egg. It can only be inserted by a gynecologist. The doctor will explain to you how the device works and whether you have to pay attention to special issues while you have it on. Sometimes the ITU can cause abnormal bleeding or very abundant menstrual bleeds.

Barrier methods

These types of birth control include condoms, female diaphragm, cervical cap and sponges. Condoms are the only ones that protect against sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy at the same time. However, they have to be used correctly and consistently to offer optimal protection. The cervical cap and the diaphragm need to be custom-made so that they fit the woman's individual specificity.

Natural birth control

Some people use natural contraceptive methods in parallel with other types of birth control. Here we should mention the calendar method, that calculates the fertile period based on the changes specific to the woman's menstrual cycle. The fertile period can be determined either by observing the consistency of the cervical mucus, or by taking and recording basal temperature daily.

Natural birth control is also possible through abstinence or through withdrawal. It is important to talk to a family planning expert to evaluate your options and know for sure which methods are more suitable for you. Sometimes a combination of various types of birth control should be used in order to achieve the right kind of protection against pregnancy and STDs. Moreover, an open attitude in the couple with mutual respect and support helps a lot.