Take a peek at how contraceptive gel works, a new breakthrough for kb tools for men

You may be more familiar with condoms as a contraceptive for men. However, recently a new contraceptive has been developed. Yes, contraceptive gel is one of the new breakthroughs that men can use to prevent pregnancy. Then, what is this contraceptive gel like and how does it work? Come on, find out more about the latest breakthroughs in male contraception below.

What is contraceptive gel?

Contraceptive options for women are available, from birth control pills, birth control injections, inserting an IUD, female condoms or tubectomy. Meanwhile, men only use condoms or vasectomy as contraceptive options. When compared to contraceptives for men, it is clear that women have more choices.

However, recently the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) developed a new contraceptive tool for men, namely contraceptive gels. This method, also known as NES / T, contains a combination of a synthetic progestin called segesterone acetate (nestorone), synthetic testosterone, and the hormone estradiol.

Generally, the hormone estradiol is used as a female contraceptive to stop egg production. However, Dr. Eilliam Bremmer from the University of Washington School of Medicine explained that this hormone can also have the same effect on men, so it is used as a combination of NEST.

How contraceptive gel works

This contraceptive works by means that the two synthetic hormones, namely progestin and estradiol, block the production of natural testosterone in the testes. Then, this contraceptive gel will reduce sperm production to a very low level. Even though testosterone is blocked, there will be replacement testosterone from the contraceptive gel which will keep the testosterone levels in the blood functioning. One of them is maintaining sex drive.

Diana Blithe, PhD, Head of the NICHD Contraceptive Development Program said, "This contraceptive method is quite safe, effective, and can help maintain men's productivity and health."

How to use contraceptive gel?

There is a reason why synthetic testosterone is not made in pill form the way women take birth control pills, and is instead made into contraceptive gels. This is because these hormones are not properly absorbed by the body when consumed like drugs.

Synthetic testosterone blends will not last a full day. On the other hand, the synthetic hormones in this contraceptive gel can work well and last longer when applied to the skin. That's why nesterone is made in a gel form, just like a sex lubricant.

Even though they have the same shape, the method for using this contraceptive gel is not applied to the penis. So, don't carelessly use this male contraceptive. How to apply contraceptive gel correctly, include:

Make sure you wash your hands first before using this contraceptive gel.
Remove the gel from the container as much as half a teaspoon and apply it on the shoulders and back evenly.
Apply gel should not need the help of a female partner. The reason is, it is feared that exposure to the hormones in the gel will also seep into the partner's skin.
If already exposed to the gel, women should immediately wash their hands thoroughly to avoid greater exposure.
Gel can suppress sperm count for up to 72 hours. If on the third, fourth, and so on, the gel is not used, then the gel function will not be effective.

Even though it has been tested before, more research is needed regarding contraception for this man. This is necessary to determine the possible side effects. It may take the next few years for this contraceptive to be marketed to the wider community.

Can this contraceptive replace condoms?

In fact, the emergence of contraceptives for men is considered a new breakthrough. Moreover, for couples who may not have been able to find common ground about what contraceptive method is suitable and what they really want.

The problem is, so far, many women refuse to use contraceptives, especially those that are hormonal. Meanwhile, contraceptive options for men are very limited.

The existence of contraceptive gel, which is one of the most effective and temporary contraceptives, can meet the needs of couples who have encountered a "dead end" when discussing contraception.

However, if you compare condoms with contraceptive gels, of course condoms still have their own advantages. In fact, launching Health, contraceptive gel cannot replace condoms.

The reason is, although condoms often make couples not "satisfied" with sexual intercourse, so far only contraceptive condoms can prevent the transmission of venereal diseases.

In fact, considering that this gel will only be effective if applied correctly, it is better if female partners continue to use contraceptives even though men have used them. Even so, it does not mean that the use of male contraceptives is less meaningful.

The use of contraceptives for men is certainly still useful for couples, because during intercourse, it would be better if both parties have the same responsibility in preventing pregnancy. Especially for couples who both do not want to have children.

This contraceptive gel is still not on the market. However, you are certainly getting closer to the possibility of using contraceptives for men. For this reason, more in-depth research is still needed regarding the use of this contraceptive device.

Consult a doctor for the selection of the right contraceptive

For safety and comfort, of course, you still have to consult with your doctor about the type of contraception you should use. You may be confused by the lack of contraceptive options available for men. Your doctor will help you determine what type of contraception is best for your health condition.

In fact, you can also discuss with your doctor about the type of contraception used by your partner. That way, you can discuss with your doctor whether the contraceptive options you want to use are in accordance with the contraception used by your partner.

Currently, contraceptive gels are not yet widely circulated in the market. However, when this contraceptive has been circulated and you can use it, make sure that its use has been approved by a doctor. Do not use contraceptives without the supervision of a doctor or other medical professional.