Understanding Contraception: Male Contraception

Contraception means “against (contra) conception." It is defined as the act of preventing pregnancy and can come in the form of a device, medication, procedure or behaviour.

By using contraception, individuals can have control over their reproductive health and make informed choices. In this module, we'll focus on male contraceptives. For information on female contraception, visit Zora Health Learn.

Contraception is a cornerstone of public health, empowering people to prevent unintended pregnancies and avoid the risks they bring.

Shockingly, over 60% of unintended pregnancies end in abortion, and 45% of these procedures are performed in an unsafe manner. By providing essential protection, contraception helps save lives and promote healthier futures.

Between 2011 and 2015, 81.7% of unmarried men reported using some form of contraception during their last sexual encounter, with 45.2% opting for condoms.

It’s also interesting to note that the use of withdrawal or pull-out method has been increasing over the years.

Male contraceptive methods can be broadly categorised into temporary and permanent options. Condoms serve as a popular temporary method, effectively preventing sperm from entering the uterus while also offering protection against sexually transmitted infections.

On the other hand, a vasectomy is a permanent solution that involves a surgical procedure to cut and seal the tubes carrying sperm.