A Birth Control Pill for Men: Still At Least 5 Years Away

by Alex DiBranco · 2010-07-04 12:21:00 UTC
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Every time I hear about the possibility of a new form of birth control for men, I can't help getting excited, even though time after time I end up disappointed: it's never quite ready yet. A brand-new birth control pill out of Israel is up for human trials next year and expected to be ready within half-a-decade, but as the Ms. Magazine blog points out, "researchers always say a pill for men is just five years away, according to University of Washington medical professor John K. Amory."

Currently, beyond the barrier method of using a male condom, sexually active men don't have a wide selection when it comes to making sure they don't spread their seed without intending to. There's the (for most people) overly permanent step of getting a vasectomy, and the inadequate methods of withdrawal or family planning. Women are the ones expected to be on the pill to keep their eggs unfertilized, and they at least have a handful of other non-permanent yet largely effective options, such as IUDs, the Depo-Provera shot, and the NuvaRing.

Male birth control would allow men and women to share the responsibility of hormonal as well as barrier birth control. For women who have side effects and problems from most forms of birth control, allowing the male partner in heterosexual intercourse to carry the weight to averting pregnancy for a chance. As well he should: it takes two to tango, after all, or to make a baby. Or both partners can use a non-barrier form of birth control for extra protection. And while this is all great for women, it would be good news for men too, since those who don't desire to be Daddys or want to halt the need for an abortion could now have their own back-up birth control to be as certain as possible there won't be any unwanted pregnancy scares.

I understand Ms. Magazine's skepticism about the potential of an impending male pill, and think we' d probably be better off calling it "at least five years away" than imminent within less than five years. But this is one of those cases were I'd desperately love to be proved wrong.

Photo credit: TheTruthAbout

Alex DiBranco is a Change.org Editor who has worked for the Nation, Political Research Associates, and the Center for American Progress. She is now based in New York City.
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