Be Careful What You Wish For!
This just in! CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta says a birth control pill for men is about a year away from approval and purchase in the United States. Male birth control is already available in Europe.
Before the great female celebration begins–and I assume there will be dancing in the streets when men can share in the hassle and the cost of reproductive responsibility–let’s think this through.
How does a male birth control pill work? How effective is it? What are the side effects? But the big question is–
(wait for it…)
WILL MEN FOLLOW (OR EVEN READ!) THE DIRECTIONS?
Sue here with my TWIST (The Way I See Things!) I’m on the proverbial fence here. But first, the facts: The birth control pill for men, just like a woman’s birth control pill, delivers small doses of hormones that shut off the production of sperm, and it is 98% effective in preventing pregnancy. The pill must be taken every day, although there is a monthly, injectible version. The pills must be taken for three months before they take effect. Because men don’t ovulate, they take the pill every day of the month. The only side effects researchers have discovered so far are a potential, small weight gain and a lowering of HDL, the good cholesterol.
OK. What’s wrong with this picture? I’m not big on generalization, so let me preface this by saying I’m sure there are many men out there who will embrace this form of birth control with the same dedication as women, taking their pill every day to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. Let’s talk about who I think are the majority of men–and believe me–I love men! I’m married to one. But I just don’t think most men have the predisposition to take a daily pill (unless it’s a matter of life or death, and I’m not sure birth control will fall in that category for most guys.) Here are a couple of scenarios: Wakes up late. In a rush. Forgets the pill. Or heading out of town for a weekend. Forgets to pack the pills. Oh, well.
But wait. There’s more. As a wife, I’m wondering if men on birth control will feel more inclined to cheat. I’m wondering if my husband remembered to take his pill that morning. I’m wondering if I should still keep taking “the pill” as a back-up measure.
As a single woman, I’m wondering if I should believe my date (who’s making some serious moves) when he says he’s on the pill, especially if I’m not. As a single woman, I’m wondering how many partners a man who now considers himself “bullet-proof” has racked up.
As a man on the pill, I’m wondering if I remembered to take my pill this morning. I’m wondering why this woman is telling me she’s pregnant and it’s mine.
There’s probably a lot more to wonder about from everyone’s perspective. How about you? What’s your take on birth control pills for men?
That’s my TWIST on what’s sure to be a talked-about topic for a long time to come. Meanwhile, there are lots of super, new baby gift goodies at Corner Stork Baby Gifts. With Earth Day approaching, how about a couple of all-natural gifts? Chubby Rabbit is precious, plush and made of 100% natural materials. So is the Deluxe Organic Baby Gift Set, a basket full of washcloths, blankets, bibs, a hooded towel and more!
