Table 1 Methods of male contraception
From: RISUG® as a male contraceptive: journey from bench to bedside
Method | Advantages | Disadvantages | References |
|---|---|---|---|
Abstinence | No side effects. No cost. | Difficult to abstain for long duration. | [4] |
Withdrawal | No Cost. | High risk of pregnancy if not withdrawn at time. Pregnancy may occur by pre-ejaculate. | [10] |
Male condoms | Easy availability. Helps in prevention of STIs. | Decrease spontaneity. May break during use. High failure rate. | |
Hormonal approaches | Non-surgical procedure. | Lack of uniform efficacy, Complex formulations, Impractical systemic delivery system, Poor availability, High cost | |
Immuno-contraceptives | Target specific effect. Long-term efficacy. No surgical interventions. | Still under research phase. | |
Non-injectable Plugs | No-scalpel method. Size available according to vas, thus avoids vas rupture. | Lower efficacy. Delayed azoospermia Reversal – less assured | |
Vasectomy | Safe and effective. Risk involved in surgical intervention. | Microsurgical skills required. Antisperm antibody development. Reversal is expensive and partially successful. | |
Non-Scalpel Vasectomy | No surgical procedure. Easy technique. High efficiency. | Reversal is expensive and partially successful. | |
RISUG® | Easy approach. Single intervention. Early contraception Minimal systemic interference. No undue side effects. Better scope for reversal. | No protection against Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). |