Birth control has always been and probably will always be a topic of discussion. It’s great that there are various birth control options on the market. It’s even better that these options are effective if used correctly. This way, those trying to control when they give birth have that option.
With that being said, it seems that most of the responsibility, in terms of options, falls on the females. There seem to be more birth control options for females than for males. The options for females include condoms, the patch, IUD, and birth control pills.
Birth control pills are the most recommended form of birth control for females, which has been this way for decades. This has brought up a very interesting question in the minds of many. If females can have many options, especially birth control pills, why aren’t there more options for males? So, we’re going to get into that.
Birth Control Options For Men
Let’s start by talking about current birth control options for men. At the moment, there are only two options for males; these options are a condom and a vasectomy.
If the condom is used correctly and doesn’t break, it is very effective in doing its job. In addition, it doesn’t call for anything permanent like a vasectomy. A vasectomy is a permanent procedure in which a doctor cuts two tubes, one for each testicle. Once these tubes are cut, live sperm can no longer leave the body; with that, there is no getting someone pregnant. In addition to these two, we can also say that the pull-out method is another option, but this is not very reliable.
So, in total, we can say that there are about 3 options for men at the moment. We always see that their main recommendation is to use a condom. The condom protects not only from getting someone pregnant but also from getting STIs. The question still remains: Why is there no pill option for males like there is for females?
Let's Answer the Question
According to the American Chemical Society and various other sources, a new non-hormonal pill could be on the horizon. For some time, a non-hormonal male contraceptive has been in the works. This oral contraceptive works by blocking a vitamin A receptor that prevents pregnancy and has no noticeable side effects. Unfortunately, for now, there is still testing going on, and the treatment has not been approved.
For decades, scientists have been trying to create an effective male oral contraceptive, but past attempts have not been approved. This is for several reasons; in past and ongoing clinical trials, the contraceptive targets testosterone levels. Testosterone is a male sex hormone that is produced in the testicles. Targeting this hormone has led to side effects such as weight gain, depression, and increased low-density cholesterol levels. In the long run, these side effects can really take a toll on the male body, and scientists are looking to avoid that. So, for now, the “pill for men” is still in the works.
What Happens If A Guy Takes A Birth Control Pill?
There have been a few cases, well maybe a little more than a few, where a man has taken female birth control pills. Before we get into what would happen if a guy took a birth control pill, we have to understand how it works and what’s in it.
Birth control pills contain 2 hormones; these are estrogen and progestin. Women’s bodies produce this naturally, but when taken as a birth control pill, these hormones regulate the menstrual cycle. It prevents the egg from implanting in the female’s uterus, and pregnancy is prevented. Estrogen and progestin are also produced in males but in small amounts.
Now that we have the science down, let’s get into what could happen. If a man took birth control pills a couple of times, they would be fine, and nothing would happen. If there were a case that they took it regularly over a long period of time, then they would start to see some changes. Some changes they would begin to experience include breasts growing, decreased sex drive, testicle shrinkage, reduced facial hair, softer skin, and wider hips. In addition to these changes, there is also a higher chance of infertility because there is now an imbalance of hormones in the body, affecting the quality of sperm. They may also find that they are quickly and easily exhausted, have reduced muscle mass, have trouble focusing, and may even have hot flashes.
So, it’s advised for men to stay away from birth control pills. If you’re a man that took a couple out of curiosity or on accident, you should not worry about any changes.
Will Male Birth Control Pills Ever Be A Real Option?
The reality is that there is no definitive answer to whether or not a birth control pill will be an option for men. Until a scientific breakthrough minimalizes the risks it has on male bodies, they are still stuck with the original 3 options.
Now, if you think this is not totally fair, there should be something done about it; rest assured that there are doctors in the process of doing just that. Meanwhile, know that there are hormonal and non-hormonal birth control options for women to use. It’s best to speak with your doctor about the effects each option can have on your body. Then using this information, choose the option that is best for you.
