Birth control might currently be associated with women, but this is soon going to change. A team of scientists has successfully tested a male contraceptive in a 28-day trial without any of them experiencing side effects.
While this has been received with mixed emotions, it could change the roles of parenthood with men playing an active role in preventing unwanted pregnancies. Here are some of the things you need to know when it comes to male contraceptives.
Male birth control pill
Recent statistics revealed that more people are opting to have children later in life or none. However, sometimes people do get surprised by an unexpected pregnancy. “According to MedPharm, there were approximately 86 million unplanned pregnancies that occurred in South Africa. Many situations can arise from having an unplanned pregnancy, but for those trying to avoid such situations, a contraceptive pill could be one of the solutions,” says Craig Baker CEO of MiWayLife.
The male birth control pill combines two hormonal activities in one to help decrease the sperm count in the semen without altering a man’s sex drive. The pill can also be reversible, unlike other forms of contraceptives available to men.
When it comes to playing a supportive role to their partners Baker points out that, “Being on the pill can help men with effective family and financial planning to protect and provide for your family adequately.”
Exploring other methods of male contraceptives
Having a vasectomy is one of the procedures that are available for men, but it can be irreversible. It involves the cutting of the two tubes known as the vas deferens that prevents sperm from entering the semen.
Undoing this procedure is not always successful, which is why you need to carefully consider the option before proceeding with this procedure. Opting for protected sex by using a latex and polyurethane condom which are commonly used could be your better option.
Preparing yourself financially
There are two types of people; those that want to have children of their own one day and those that do not. The common factor between the two is that it will have financial implications. This is where family planning and preparing your finances matter. Scheduling doctor’s appointments to check what contraceptives or procedures are suitable are some of the things that must be considered into a budget.
“For people planning on having a baby, a baby budget is essential. It can help you adjust your finances and your life accordingly to welcome a new life into your world. However, it can only stretch so far which means you will need insurance to protect you and your baby against life’s unforeseen events,” says Baker.
Having a life insurance cover such as MiLittleLife can ease the financial stress knowing that your baby is covered while they are still in the womb and after by creating a safety net for them.
We could be waiting for ten years before the male contraceptive pills are dispensed to the public, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t play an active role in planning your’s and your child’s future by thinking ahead.
