After decades of promises and false starts, what all men have wanted has finally become a reality. No, we’re not talking about that awesome threesome with a few ladies from the latest Swimsuit Edition (though if a man does happen to be so lucky, please, do share the tale!). We’re talking about something so responsible, so practical, that it will make a man’s head spin - and a woman’s, too. Now, an integral part of good penis care might actually be found in a simple injection or a little pill. It’s male birth control.

Is male birth control finally here?

Actually, it is - on a limited basis, anyway. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism tested the birth control shot on 320 men around the world. These men were in monogamous relationships with female partners. The men ranged in age from 18 to 45, and were confirmed to have a normal sperm count at the start of the study.

Men took a shot every eight weeks that consisted of two specific hormones: Testosterone and norethisterone enanthate, which is basically a derivative of progestin, a common medication found in women’s birth control. The testosterone tricked the body into thinking it had enough, so it stopped producing it. The progestin suppressed production of both testosterone and sperm. Though it took several weeks to diminish sperm count, those counts went down steadily throughout the first several weeks of the shot being administered.

And yes, it worked. The method was 96% effective in reducing sperm count to a point of preventing pregnancy. In fact, the only participants who got their partners pregnant did so before the shot had fully taken effect - which was not the failure of the shot, but a failure of proper timing.

What does this mean for overall health?

Interestingly, the study was terminated before it was considered complete. That happened because three percent of men who took the injections dealt with side effects, including muscle pain, pain at the injection site, acne and increased libido. Depression was also found in a few men in the study, which was enough for the researchers to stop the process in its tracks.

Most men returned to regular fertility within about 12 weeks of the final injection. However, further studies need to be done to ensure that fertility really will come back when a man is ready to get a partner pregnant.

What does this mean for penis skin health?

Men who are curious about male birth control are likely sexually active with a partner, and that means that they should not only care about their overall health, but their penis health as well. This includes being careful to protect himself from sexually transmitted diseases, as well as to find ways to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Keep in mind that the extra testosterone offered in the male birth control shot can make a man feel great, as well as boost his libido, so more sex will likely be happening if you choose to use this birth control route. That means paying attention to penis skin health matters more than ever.

The penis should always be tended to with a specially formulated penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) designed for a man’s unique needs. These nutrient crèmes bring potent vitamins and minerals right to the skin in the form of a high-end emollient, usually one that contains Shea butter and vitamin E. Men should look specifically for crèmes that contain pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, which promotes cell metabolism, and alpha lipoic acid, which fights the signs of aging. Applying the crème on a regular basis can help ensure the best results.