Psychological issues arising from the development of new male contraceptives.

Abstract

Reading et al. (Bulletin, October 1982) report low correlations between morning erectile frequency and diary card records of sexual behavior, and consider difficulties in accurately assessing the monthly frequency of such erections. It seems that the authors have a problem that may derive from the assumption that erections are always associated with sexual arousal. I would argue that this is not the case. If the authors consider the frequency with which morning erections are maintained following micturation, I suspect they would find a lower incidence of early morning erection than they have hiterto. A full bladder in the morning is frequently associated with erection, with detumescence following micturation (Fielding, R. unpublished observations on a single case study for 16 years). Is it possible, therefore, that to consider the term erection as synonymous with sexual arousal can sometimes confuse the simple minds of men? The authors also considered whether retarded ejaculation is perceived as positive or negative. Obviously, this would depend on the duration of retardation. Total retardation would, I predict, prove to be an effective, though unpopular means of contraception, whilst a contraceptive which trebled or quadrupled the duration of intercourse might be much more popular. Finally, as an effective male contraceptive would function by preventing spermatogenesis only, and as spermatozoa constitute less than 1% of the total volume of ejaculatory fluid, no significant changes in the volume of ejaculate should occur. Perhaps contrary to the author's assumption than basic information on the subject is lacking, it has been there under our noses, so to speak, all the time.