Your Health

Male Birth Control Options

Condoms

Condoms are a form of barrier birth control. It can be put into the penis to prevent semen from penetrating the vagina during sexual intercourse. Without semen from the male partner, the egg in the female cannot be fertilized. If used properly, condoms can be very effective at birth control and protection against some common infections, such as HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia. They can be found easily in two main materials: polyurethane and latex. There are different textures and sizes to meet different needs. Some products are lubricated to reduce friction and allow for easier penetration, while others come with spermicide. A drawback of condoms is that they may slip or rip off easily.  [1]