Students debate use of male birth control pill

Birth control pills for males may finally be an option in the near future.
Currently, British scientists are developing a hormone-free birth control pill for men.
In approximately five years, the pill could be found within the medicine market.
According to a 2006 MSNBC article, “Scientists develop male birth control pill,” it was reported, “The pill, a single dose taken a few hours before having sex, affects contraction of the muscles that control ejaculation, but wouldn’t interfere with performance or orgasm sensation,” according to information provided by researchers at King’s College London in England.
Similar to female birth control, which uses estrogen and progestin, also called progestogen, hormones to close off the release of eggs to prevent pregnancy, male contraceptives use testosterone and progestin hormones to shut off the production of sperm.
In a separate MSNBC article, “Male birth control pill soon a reality” author John Schieszer found that according to researchers at the Population Center for Research in Reproduction at the University of Washington in Seattle, men can choose from taking the pill orally, have a patch or gel applied to skin, receive injections every three months or have an implant placed under the skin every 12 months.
According to the article, the procedures drop sperm count but do not otherwise interfere with male discharge.
“The release of the pill is dependent on the trial and FDA approval,” said Julie Mickelberry, the director of Public Affairs for Planned Parenthood in Baton Rouge.
Mickelberry said if released, the pill could provide men and women with an equal role in planning families.
At Southern University, males and females alike share their thoughts on the possible option and what it could mean for society, in particular college students.
“I think it’s a good idea, a good addition to what women already have,” said Nathaniel Johnson, a senior finance major from Reserve. “But if it does come out, I think some men will go wild. It will take some time to get used to.”
Johnson said if implemented, his main two concerns are that some men will become more careless and what will result if someone stops taking the medicine.
“I would need to know if it is reversible after the medicine stops,” he said.
Potential side effects are a major concern for many SU males.
Side effects on program participants in Seattle included weight gain, headaches and sweating.
Ayan Reeves, a senior marketing major from New York, said in addition to side effects, price, insurance coverage and whether the drug will be over the counter or prescription are further concerns men should consider.
“I think that it would be good for both young and older men,” he said. “(But) I don’t want to be moody or have weight gain since those are side effects for women.”
Reeves said if the male birth control comes out, it could possibly increase individuals who have unprotected sex.
“It could become an unprotected sex justifier,” he said.
Andrea Young, a senior biology major from St. Louis, agrees.
“It’s a smart idea,” she said. “But still use condoms. Nothing is exactly accurate except abstinence.”
Another concern among students and the release of the pill are sexually transmitted diseases and infections.
“Just because you take birth control does not mean you cannot spread STDs,” said Jamal Taylor, a sophomore history major from Lafayette. “This could make STDs more abundant.”
Terry Bridges, a senior mass communications major from Natchez, said the pill overall would have adverse effects if put into practice.
“I think it is an ideal product for older men and younger women,” Bridges said. “They would be major consumers of the product.”
Bridges said some people may use the male birth control pill as an alternative to condoms, which could still result in pregnancy.
“When one decides to have children, you are going to either commit or submit,” he said. “You have to be serious when using products such as this. It’s easier to be abstinent. There are no worries.”
Wanda Warner, nurse manager at the Southern University Baranco-Hill Student Health Center, said everything is still in the trial phase and on behalf of men, a vasectomy is the only sure way of men preventing reproduction.
In regards to taking contraceptives, “If females are willing to take a risk, then men should too,” Young said.