A non-hormonal, reversible and non-toxic male birth control could be a step closer, with scientists successfully targeting a protein that's crucial in making fertile sperm. Knocking this protein out for a period of time would give men control over their protection window, much like oral…
  • FiniteBanjo@lemmy.todayEnglish
    132·
    5 months ago

    The Caveat is that it is permanent and irreversible for the average person with very few exceptions.

    EDIT: added “for the average person”

    • cro_magnon_gilf@sopuli.xyzEnglish
      52·
      5 months ago

      Another caveat is that it’s not allowed for men under 25 in my country (Sweden). “My body - my choice” only applies to one gender lol

      edit: Although, to be fair, sterilisation is also not allowed for women under 25. They do ofc have many more options though

      • Syntha@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        4·
        5 months ago

        Successful reversal meaning they managed to glue the tubes back together. Successful pregnancies are significantly lower afaik

      • FiniteBanjo@lemmy.todayEnglish
        2·
        5 months ago

        Yeah, but how available are those clinics to the average person? I’ve never looked into it personally, but I assume travel is necessary and costs are out of pocket.

        • nickwitha_k (he/him)@lemmy.sdf.orgEnglish
          2·
          5 months ago

          Absolutely a correct take, I’d say. I know that my insurance would cover it but this is the first time that I’ve EVER had insurance that would touch anything related to fertility (beyond female birth control) with a 10ft pole. I’d say that it’s fair to say that the average person in the US does not have access, mainly due to the awful level of “normal” for healthcare accessibility.

          I’ve looked into it recently, myself. I wanted to see if the snip was an option due to how hormonal birth control impacts by wife. With the desire to still have kids at some point, it’s not a sure enough thing currently and is not recommended for people like me (“if you’re looking into reversibility, it’s probably not for you”). When I last looked a decade ago, success rates were topping out around 60-70%. Advances in surgical technique and technology have really improved things though. If only something like vasalgel would actually see availability - I’m not confident though, after two decades of failure.