Male Birth Control Pill
Female birth control pills revolutionized contraception making women more independent and relaxed about the possibility of conception. However, these pills are not a contraceptive panacea. There are some cases of unintended pregnancy as well as some concerns about their influence on future fertility. That is why the world awaits new contraceptive revolution which will be brought by male birth control pill. The main idea of the new contraceptive method was in the combination of “testosterone implants to inhibit sperm production and regular progesterone injections to counteract the unwanted side effects” (Watson and Conger). But nowadays researches work on non-hormonal male birth control concepts versions.
Despite many men around the globe are really waiting for a new contraceptive that can make them feel more and enjoy sex more, “there’s more money dedicated to figuring out how to best sterilize your family pet than there is to research new male contraceptives” (Hamlin). Pharmaceutical companies are not interested in developing “a one-time, long-term male birth control treatment” which will hardly bring significant profit margin (Watson and Conger).
However, male birth control pill will hardly substitute condoms as means of contraception. There still exists “the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases” (Watson and Conger), which cannot be eliminated by pills. Condoms are a barrier method which will remain effective against sexually transmitted infections. Also there is no certainty that men will take them or that women will trust them. Hamlin wrote that “for women, it will be life-changing to have men help out in the contraceptive department, with a method other than condoms.” This means that now both sexes will be responsible for taking measures in order to avoid undesired pregnancy. Forgetfulness will not be a big trouble for men as well is the birth control treatment is long-term and one-time. Another survey featured that “a majority of adults see contraception as a joint responsibility, not as many men are hyped about male birth control” (Watson and Conger).
Among the possible side effects of male hormonal contraception would be sudden changes in the mood, periodical rash on the face or back, and a little random weight. They would be exactly as those women face day-to-day. This would probably lead to greater understanding between sexes. But as the new male contraceptive is going to be non-hormonal, there are a number of other threats they can potentially have. They can be expensive. Other side effects will depend on the form the new contraception will take. As Fawcett writes “side effects appear to be minimal, with no effect on muscle mass, bone density or libido.” However, the number of observations and human trials held are not enough to testify that this kind of contraception will bring possibility of happy and healthy sexual life while the conception of a child will happen only when both partners wish it.
Consequently, this new contraceptive method can be worth all the efforts made for its development and trial. It can effectively prevent unexpected pregnancy and, furthermore, is long-term one-time measure. However, as it only appears in the market, there is no solid ground to say that it is completely side-effects-free. Long term consequences may become noticeable only after regular use, and this requires time. Time is also needed for trust to this new method. This is a question whether men and women both will trust these pills their risk of becoming parents against their wish. However, this is a chance to divide responsibility for pregnancy prevention between both sexes. But in the future, if this method becomes reliable and recognized, this promises a shift from women to man in terms of birth control.
Works Cited
Fawcett, K. The Future of Male Birth Control. The U.S. News, 26 Feb. 2015. http://health.usnews.com/health-news/health-wellness/articles/2015/02/26/the-future-of-male-birth-control
Hamlin, A. The Male Pill is Coming – and It’s Going to Change Everything. The Telegraph, 18 June 2015. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-health/11646385/Contraception-Male-Pill-is-coming-and-its-going-to-change-everything.html
Watson, S. and Conger, C. How the Male Birth-Control Pill Will Work. How Stuff Works, 9 July 2005. http://health.howstuffworks.com/sexual-health/contraception/male-bc-pill.htm
