While condoms are by far the best contraceptive method, there are always alternatives for those that, for whatever reason, can’t wear or don’t like or can’t wear the often go-to choice of the world, the condom.
As mentioned frequently through this, website. The condom is the safest and most reliable contraceptive device out there. While these methods will keep your love life condom-free, they may not all be as dependable as our latex friend.
Condom Alternative #1: The Vasectomy
The vasectomy (or ‘The Snip’ to its friends) is a straight-forward and simple operation. Performed on the male, this is done by making a small incision in the scrotum and accessing the tubes that carry sperm (vas deferens) from the testicles and up and out of the penis (ejaculation). There also exists a non-scalpel vasectomy that carries far fewer complications than the conventional method. In a no-scalpel vasectomy, the doctor (always use a doctor for vasectomies) will puncture the scrotum and perform the baby-blocking deed. I’m honestly not sure if either of them sounds very appealing.
The good news is that the snip is 99% effective in terms of pregnancy. However, the operation won’t protect anyone from STIs or STDs.
Unlike the female alternative, the hysterectomy, a vasectomy is reversable if the prospect of the patter of tiny feet arises in the future.
Condom Alternative #2: The Pill
The Pill, or to give it its proper name, the combined pill. This method, to be fair, is quite dependable with the same 99% effective rate we see in the condom and the vasectomy. For the female, the pill works by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg and thickening the mucus at the neck of the womb, while also thinning the lining of the womb, decreasing the chances of an egg attaching itself.
The combined pill is taken once every day for 21 days. After 21 days, the female will experience seven days of bleeding; not unlike a period. When this bleeding spell ends, it’s time to carry on with daily doses.
Condom Alternative #3: The Withdrawal Method
The most inefficient method of contraception in practice today. The withdrawal method relies on the male withdrawing his penis at the moment before climax. This doesn’t work for two different reasons:
- “Pulling out” is a lot easier said than done, as any man will tell you
- Pre-cum (or pre-ejaculate) secretes before any actual semen, as the name suggests. While the odds are it won’t happen, this can still cause pregnancy.
It also goes without saying that the withdrawal method has no effect on the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases or infections.
#4: The Coil
To give it its correct name, the Intrauterine device (IUD) is fitted by a doctor. The IUD works by emitting copper into the womb that modifies the cervical mucus, making it nearly impossible to conceive. The IUD is also 99% effective and is a popular alternative for many couples.
As with the fitting of a UID, the removal also needs to be performed by a doctor or qualified professional. The coil poses a very slight risk of infection, but this is more or less unheard of in the modern-day. Discomfort is also a factor to consider.
Afterword
There we have it, four alternatives to the condom. I have spoken of four here but there’s an abundance of condom alternatives on the market. Just remember, condoms are the only affective safety precaution for sexually transmitted diseases or infections. If condoms aren’t for you, talk to your partner about the alternatives out there; there will always be one for everyone.