Two scientific discoveries may spur advancements in contraception. Scientists in China have been testing the effectiveness of monthly testosterone shots as a form of male contraceptive. Following the identification of a “genetic fault that leads to male infertility,” scientists from the University of Iowa suggest one outcome of further study could be the development of male contraception similar to the Pill for women. If these male contraceptives make it through test phases to the general public, they have the potential to dramatically alter the current contraceptive landscape.
One part of the article on the male contraceptive shot stuck out to me:
“Previous attempts to develop an effective and convenient male contraceptive
have encountered problems over reliability and side effects, such as mood swings
and a lowered sex drive.”
While I think it is important to limit the negative side effects that contraceptives have, female contraceptives have side effects that are more numerous and severe than mood swings and decreased libido, and women have been using them for years. The development of these products was not halted until every side effect could be removed. The article leaves me wondering where the impetus to delay development comes from. Are potential male customers unwilling to use contraception that has side effects?
Ultimately, having a wider range of contraceptive choices will be beneficial to men and women. I hope the emphasis on eliminating the side effects of male contraceptives will prompt manufacturers of female contraceptives to work to eliminate serious side effects from their own products.
I also wonder how men will respond to the availability of a new male contraceptive. What kind of men will the pill or shot appeal to? How will the introduction of the pill change the discourse around contraception in the United States? Erica’s question, “how in the world are drug companies going to market this option to men?” has also sparked a lot of interesting debate.
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