Male contraception is still not popular in India due to reasons ranging from cultural taboos to societal pressure. As of now, the most used male contraception methods are condoms and vasectomy. Other contraception methods, such as hormonal and non-hormonal contraception methods are also available but need more research. Let’s dive deeper into the subject and learn more about it.
What contraceptive options are available for men?
Male contraceptive methods are very few in comparison with those for female contraception, but they are effective if properly used. The major methods include the following:
Condoms: These are the most popular male methods of contraception. Latex or polyurethane condoms act as a barrier that prevents sperm from reaching the vagina. They are economical, prevent STIs, and are widely accessible.
Vasectomy: This is a permanent surgical process. The ‘vas deferens’ (the tubes that carry sperm) are cut or sealed preventing sperm from mixing with seminal fluid. This is effective but considered irreversible, hence for use in men sure they do not want any more children.
Withdrawal Method: This is an act of pulling out from the vagina before ejaculation to prevent sperm entry. It takes much self-control and it is not very effective as pre-ejaculate may contain sperm.
Male Birth Control Pills (Under Development): Science is still trying to look into hormonal and non-hormonal male contraceptives. These temporarily block sperm production or mobility without affecting libido, however, it needs more research.
Is male sterilisation (vasectomy) a common practice in India?
Male sterilisation, or vasectomy, is not a common practice in India due to cultural and social reasons. Even though vasectomy is the safest, most effective, and relatively simple method of permanent male contraception, it remains a small percentage of sterilisation cases done in the country. In contrast, tubectomy, or female sterilisation, is a figure that far exceeds male sterilisation, as nearly 95 per cent of all sterilisations are carried out among females.
This is due to gender norms, misinformation, and stigma associated with vasectomy. Most men feel vasectomy is an emasculating surgery; their manhood and sexual performance will be derailed, though science proves otherwise. Male sterilisation takes a low uptake due to the lack of information, poor promotion, and limited male-focused family planning services.
Programs such as the government-sponsored national family planning programs for promoting vasectomy continue to mould perceptions but with slow progress. Greater awareness and dissipation of myths will encourage more men to consider vasectomy a valid method of contraception.
What are the social attitudes toward men and contraception?
Dr Anusha Dewan, General Physician and Public Health Professional, Jeevan Anmol Hospital, New Delhi says, “Social attitudes on matters of men and contraception are defined, in large measure, by traditional gender roles and societal norms. In the majority of cultures, family planning is viewed as the responsibility of women, with males playing a relatively passive role. This makes males less involved in matters of family planning and perpetuates myths about male contraceptive means.”
Dr Dewan adds, “Most likely, men are discouraged from utilising contraceptives such as condoms or vasectomy (because of myths and beliefs) that a lot of men may lose masculinity or will have poor sexual performance. Further, because of the stigma attached to discussion over the use of contraceptives among men, most of them do not seek advice or participate in decisions.”
Ironically, in patriarchal societies, men holding power over family decisions paradoxically exclude them from participating in creating support for the use of contraception. Cultural consciousness and new trends in contemporary gender equality are thus slowly introducing shared responsibility in family planning among the people. Social attitudes toward such issues can be handled through educational courses, open dialogue, and social campaigns to empower men. These to promote the belief that contraception is a mutual responsibility, hence healthier relationships and more prudent decisions.
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