Freddie Clemo
Hormonal contraceptives became widely available in the 1960s, proving to be a hugely positive step forward for women’s reproductive rights. Finally, women were able to take control of their own fertility and prevent unwanted pregnancies.
As medicine has advanced, many women are left questioning why they are still having to shoulder the burden of taking contraceptives. Many antiquated options come with an alarming list of side effects, ranging from nausea and migraines, to blood clots and suicidal thoughts.
Many question whether it is fair that hormonal birth control options are only available for women. Women can only get pregnant every nine months, but men can impregnate someone daily if they choose to.
But a male birth control solution may be closer than ever. A breakthrough study has found a gel combining two hormones, segesterone acetate and testosterone, successfully suppresses sperm production.
But will men be up for taking it? Crucially, will women actually trust men to take hormonal birth control?
What Is The Main Form Of Contraception?
Currently, the only male birth control option is condoms, which are about 98% effective if used correctly. But a UK poll found that only 16 per cent of respondents (of both sexes) currently used condoms with their sexual partners. Worldwide, only 8 per cent of sexually active people rely on condoms. The main reason people don’t use condoms is a lack of education around sexually transmitted diseases, discomfort and reduced access to condoms.
Despite the side effects, the pill is still the most common form of contraception.
“We’ve been pushing for hormonal male contraceptives for 50 years”
Primarily, medical sexism has meant that hormonal contraception has remained a female issue. The lack of a male birth control on the market isn’t because studies haven’t shown potential. It is because there hasn’t been enough funding and investment in trials.
Daniel Johnston, chief of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development’s Contraception Research Branch, says: “We’ve been pushing for hormonal male contraceptives for 50 years, but there isn’t enough money available to really drive something through a very large phase 3 trial.”
Why Isn’t There A Male Contraceptive Already?
Historically, the medical industry has been dominated by men, sharing the burden of hormonal birth control has not been seen as a priority.
There are practical challenges to creating male birth control – namely, high sperm production. Controlling the release of one egg per month is very different from controlling the several million sperm men produce per day. On average, about 1000 sperm are produced per second.
Side effects are another concern in the trials for a male contraceptive.
One 2016 study was halted after side effects included acne, mood swings and depression. Side effects that probably sound familiar to women on the pill. Eventually, the study was cut short after one man tried to commit suicide. Most of the men who took part in the trial said they would not use the product if it was on the market.
Aren’t These The Same Issues With The Pill?
Hormonal contraceptives, most commonly the pill, are notorious for alarming side effects. Women report a plethora of unpleasant and even life threatening issues. These include spotting, nausea, breast tenderness, migraines, weight gain, mood changes, decreased libido and depression.
Harry Gale, 24, says: “I would be keen to try male contraception. My only reservation would be side effects, but women have had terrible side effects for years so it would be good to take the hit for a change.”
“I’d be happy to take a male contraceptive if it was on the market”
Women who use oral contraceptives have a 79 per cent increased risk of depression compared with their peers who had never taken hormonal contraceptives. Around a third of users stop taking the contraceptive pill because of the unbearable side effects.
Women are left to suffer with the same side effects that halted male birth control trials.
Would Male Contraceptives Be Practical?
Trial developments prove to be a positive step forward towards male contraception being available for use. But would men actually be up for shouldering the burden of hormonal contraceptives?
Kit, 23, says: “I’d be happy to take a male contraceptive if it was on the market, as I’m aware it goes through rigorous testing to get to the stage where it can be sold to consumers.”
A third of sexually active British men say they would consider using hormonal contraception. This is roughly the same percentage of British women who currently use hormonal contraception.
Many women start taking the pill in their teenage years. They are used to numbered packets and phone reminders. However, 6 per cent of men worry about remembering to take a pill.
Harry says: “My only concern would be generally speaking men are less reliable in terms of missing a tablet. Women would have to deal with the consequences in their own body. I feel like girls still have to be very aware.”
Harry raises a point that worries many women. Men already lie about using contraception. As many as 9 per cent are guilty of ‘stealthing’ (removing the condom without their partner noticing). The same men may lie about taking a pill, knowing they won’t face the long-term consequences.
Would Women Trust Men With Their Fertility?
Side effects aside, many women feel empowered by having control over their own ability to reproduce. In an era where women’s reproductive rights are under threat, birth control is one area where women have full control.
Ingrid, 18, says she wouldn’t trust a potential male partner to use contraception effectively. Georgia, 23, echoes this: “I would never trust a man to take contraception.”
But Josie Rodahan is in favour: “It would be good to share the burden of contraception and have an alternative to the pill”. Cameron and Ailsa, a couple in their 20s, also felt that it would be good for Cameron to shoulder the burden for a change.
Clearly, opinions are divided. But the success of the trial is a positive step forward on the long road to finding a viable male contraceptive solution.
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Featured image courtesy of Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition on Unsplash. No changes made to this image. Image licence found here.
freddieclemo
First-Class English Literature grad from Edinburgh University, currently completing my NCTJ at News Associates and living in Sussex.