# Male Contraception - a poll for the guys **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 16, 2013, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-contraception-a-poll-for-the-guys/655847 "2013-04-16T16:01:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-contraception-a-poll-for-the-guys/655847/1 "2013-04-16T16:01:45Z")
In the thread on unpopular views it was claimed that the dearth of Male Contraceptive options was due to lack of interest, or a belief that contraception is the woman’s job. I’d like the men of the SDMB to let us all know what you think of various Male Contraceptive options, both real and imaginary, as well as the importance of the topic in general. Which would you choose to use, purely for contraceptive purposes, given that ALL of the following options exist, are effective, and at a cost comparable to similar Female Contraceptives. Contraceptive and description Condoms - please ignore the disease protection aspect of condom use for the purposes of this poll Vasectomy - currently available methodology, in office medical procedure with a few weeks of healing time and (generally) permanent sterility Chemical Vasectomy - currently being researched, injection of substance into Vas Deferens making sperm non-viable as they pass thru. Non-Permanent, reversable. still requires Urologist visit and procedure The Male Pill - Daily pill with low side effects Male Depo - One shot every 3 months The Male Patch - Contraceptive Patch replaced every week The Male IUD - Um… I’ll leave this to your imagination ---
**Author:** ![Prof.Pepperwinkle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/prof.pepperwinkle/32/13627_2.png) [@Prof.Pepperwinkle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Prof.Pepperwinkle)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-contraception-a-poll-for-the-guys/655847/2 "2013-04-16T16:10:13Z")
After Madame Pepperwinkle gave birth to our Princess, the doctors informed us she would be at great risk if she had any more. So, reluctantly, I had a vasectomy. ---
**Author:** ![Red\_Wiggler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/red_wiggler/32/13190_2.png) [@Red\_Wiggler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Wiggler)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-contraception-a-poll-for-the-guys/655847/3 "2013-04-16T16:33:16Z")
Vaselgel, the American brand name for the RISUG compound, has recently completed successful trials on rabbits and [hopes to have their product on the shelves in 2015](http://www.parsemusfoundation.org/vasalgel-home/). Perfection of this technique and product could be a big deal. It’s done and forgotten for about a 10 year period and easily reversible in the meantime. Would make the perfect high school graduation gift. ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-contraception-a-poll-for-the-guys/655847/4 "2013-04-16T17:07:05Z")
Since I’m married and pushing 60, birth control isn’t a problem in my life. If I were suddenly single, I’d get a vasectomy. ---
**Author:** ![pancakes3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ba9def/32.png) [@pancakes3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pancakes3)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-contraception-a-poll-for-the-guys/655847/5 "2013-04-16T17:09:09Z")
> [@Red\_Wiggler](#): > > Vaselgel, the American brand name for the RISUG compound, has recently completed successful trials on rabbits and [hopes to have their product on the shelves in 2015](http://www.parsemusfoundation.org/vasalgel-home/). > > Perfection of this technique and product could be a big deal. It’s done and forgotten for about a 10 year period and easily reversible in the meantime. Would make the perfect high school graduation gift. I would be up for this. I didn’t vote for vasectomy, but did for the pill solutions. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-contraception-a-poll-for-the-guys/655847/6 "2013-04-16T17:10:04Z")
Vasectomy is really a great way to go. If I were answering before I had kids, I guess I’d go with the male pill. ---
**Author:** ![RickG](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rickg/32/5174_2.png) [@RickG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickG)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-contraception-a-poll-for-the-guys/655847/7 "2013-04-16T17:17:58Z")
We mostly used condoms until I went “sports model” after our second child. If such a thing as a Male IUD (reversible, non-chemical sterilization) were available, I probably would have gone with that. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-contraception-a-poll-for-the-guys/655847/8 "2013-04-16T17:20:20Z")
I’m already snipped. I would wear a condom for a one-nighter, although I don’t like the feel of them. I really do think that contraception is the woman’s responsibility when young and single though. I can’t imagine me having to take daily, weekly, monthly prescriptions to prevent a pregnancy in someone else. ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-contraception-a-poll-for-the-guys/655847/9 "2013-04-16T17:23:26Z")
After my son (2nd child) reached a year old, we discussed and agreed on no more children, so I had the vasectomy. Prior to that, my wife used the pill. So, the responsibility in our relationship was shared if you look at it over the long haul. I would not be averse to anything for the male that is temporary, but at that time there were more options for the female. ---
**Author:** ![Antinor01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecae2f/32.png) [@Antinor01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antinor01)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-contraception-a-poll-for-the-guys/655847/10 "2013-04-16T17:40:49Z")
Personally I use being gay. Hypothetically though, I would use condoms if temporary contraception is needed or a vasectomy for a permanent solution. There’s no way I’d remember to take a pill every day. ---
**Author:** ![Enginerd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/bcef8e/32.png) [@Enginerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enginerd)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-contraception-a-poll-for-the-guys/655847/11 "2013-04-16T18:04:35Z")
For me, condoms are the only real choice outside of a committed safe relationship. With a monogamous partner, I’d consider any reversible, non-invasive method. > [@Leaffan](#): > > I really do think that contraception is the woman’s responsibility when young and single though. I can’t imagine me having to take daily, weekly, monthly prescriptions to prevent a pregnancy in someone else. Baloney - pregnancies affect both parents, even if they are affected unequally. If you don’t want to think of contraception as preventing pregnancy, then think of it as preventing fatherhood. ---
**Author:** ![Foggy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foggy/32/1082_2.png) [@Foggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Foggy)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-contraception-a-poll-for-the-guys/655847/12 "2013-04-16T18:09:49Z")
Gay guy, no vote option. When I was a kid, I decided that I would never have kids of my own. When I learned HOW you have kids, I planned on getting a vasectomy as soon as I could. Then I realized that wouldn’t be necessary. Contraception is an issue for both men & women. It’s not the responsibility of one or the other, it’s both. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-contraception-a-poll-for-the-guys/655847/13 "2013-04-16T18:11:54Z")
> [@Enginerd](#): > > Baloney - pregnancies affect both parents, even if they are affected unequally. If you don’t want to think of contraception as preventing pregnancy, then think of it as preventing fatherhood. Why do you think I’m snipped dude? ---
**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-contraception-a-poll-for-the-guys/655847/14 "2013-04-16T18:13:37Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > I can’t imagine me having to take daily, weekly, monthly prescriptions to prevent a pregnancy in someone else. The control freak in me would leap at the ability to control my fertility in such a way were I not gay. Frankly, I can’t believe that straight guys are so cavalier about it. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-contraception-a-poll-for-the-guys/655847/15 "2013-04-16T18:21:06Z")
> [@Inner\_Stickler](#): > > The control freak in me would leap at the ability to control my fertility in such a way were I not gay. Frankly, I can’t believe that straight guys are so cavalier about it. Not cavalier in the least. When I was young and single I would always ask “are you on the pill?” If not I would wear a condom. I don’t need to worry about that now that I let Doogie Howser take a soldering iron to my scrotum. I do think that mostly contraception is the woman’s responsibility though, but hey I’ll do my part. ---
**Author:** ![Enginerd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/bcef8e/32.png) [@Enginerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enginerd)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-contraception-a-poll-for-the-guys/655847/16 "2013-04-16T18:41:20Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > I do think that mostly contraception is the woman’s responsibility though, but hey I’ll do my part. And you’re bitching about child support in [this thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=687441). That is impressive compartmentalization. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-contraception-a-poll-for-the-guys/655847/17 "2013-04-16T18:55:38Z")
> [@Enginerd](#): > > And you’re bitching about child support in [this thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=687441). That is impressive compartmentalization. Is everyone here not reading the fact that I’ve had a vasectomy? ---
**Author:** ![Meatros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Meatros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meatros)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-contraception-a-poll-for-the-guys/655847/18 "2013-04-16T19:04:02Z")
> [@Inner\_Stickler](#): > > The control freak in me would leap at the ability to control my fertility in such a way were I not gay. Frankly, I can’t believe that straight guys are so cavalier about it. I’m married and straight and if there were a pill, patch, or shot, I’d definitely be doing that. As it is I’m considering a vasectomy. My wife and I have two kids - she strongly wants another, I’m not so strongly in favor of another. This is the primary reason why I haven’t gotten snipped yet. ---
**Author:** ![Typo\_Knig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/cdc98d/32.png) [@Typo\_Knig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Knig)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-contraception-a-poll-for-the-guys/655847/19 "2013-04-16T19:18:16Z")
Married guy. I used condoms, except when trying to get kids. I got snipped a couple of years after the last kid. One of the better things I’ve done for myself and for the Mrs. If I were in a situation where I needed them, I’d try other options. I do not mind using condoms at all. According to TV/movies I’m unusual in that regard, but then we know the track record of TV/movies. ---
**Author:** ![shiftless](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9c0ed/32.png) [@shiftless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shiftless)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-contraception-a-poll-for-the-guys/655847/20 "2013-04-16T20:03:44Z")
My vasectomy has worked out for me. No new kids so far. Before I had kids I would have gone for an IUD type thing. I’m imagining something the doctor inserts, like a little clamp on the vas to the keep the boys in. A pill that stops ALL the sperm 100% of the time? That would have to be some powerful stuff that I wouldn’t want to mess with. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-contraception-a-poll-for-the-guys/655847.md?page=2)