Feminist Blackboard

Oct. 1, 2011 @ 7:31 PM _

Did you know that some scientists are working toward a male contraceptive? The one that is up as a topic right now happens to be a male hormonal contraceptive. One man is quoted as saying that he doesn’t want to have to medicate himself and with the onslaught of problems women face at the hands of hormone therapy, he is not going to be eager to participate any time soon. Hmm.

It is said that in the near future, hormonal male contraceptives could become commercially available as they already are within reach. This means men may have the option of taking a daily oral pill, gel or patch for the skin or a three times a month shot. But, to almost no one’s surprise, men don’t seem to be clamoring to admit their fervor for the devices. I wonder why?

In fact, people seem to be so, shall we say, luke warm on the idea that scientists at the Population Center of Research in Reproduction say there still is a chance for it not going through due to lack of funding. Which is too bad, it sounds interesting. The contraceptive releases testosterone over three months and is “potentially safe and practical.”

Female contraceptives use hormones as well as progestrins and estrogens. These are used in order to shut off the release of eggs. Male ones would work very similarly, shutting off sperm production.

What are the side effects? 45 year old Quentin Brown noticed sweating and headaches; he has no complaints. He dodged some of the other listed side effects such as acne and weight gain. He believes in the idea behind the pill and has hopes other men will take his lead and also use it once it is on the market. He is quoted by saying, “It is time for men to have some control. I think it would empower men and deter some women out there from their nefarious plans, some women are out there to use men to get pregnant. This could deter women from doing this. An athlete or a singer is someone who could be a target and they could put a stop to that.”

Hold the phone. I was on board with good ole Quentin for a second there. Men need empowerment? Only women have nefarious plans? Since when? Well, that was erroneous and pathetic of him.

Oh, I’m sorry, I’m here to talk about contraceptives, not that idiotic quote. I’m sorry. Well, erm. Anyway…
It is believed these contraceptives may be on the market within 5 to 7 years and many, many trials are being done all over the word in places such as Asia, Europe and America. Source.

Oh, speaking of which… I was told the trial in Germany was halted due to the obscene side effects. (citation needed on this last fact.) OH WAIT. They are the same effects as female contraceptives.

Anyway, as always, the real question is this: WILL MEN USE IT?
YOU WEIGH IN! Ask your boyfriend, friend, husband or any other man in your life. Also leave your personal opinion as well!