Earlier this year, a new male contraceptive pill broke the media after passing its first round of human trials. The new method targets a specific cell receptor rather than using artificial hormones or altering the production of testosterone. This already puts it in a favourable position in comparison to previous failed attempts of male contraception, such as the two-hormone injection study in 2016 where the trial was cut short after men experienced side effects of acne and mood swings.
Although this new male contraception is not yet available to the public- and has a long way to go before it is- this big first step has sparked conversation.
“…since it takes two to tango when it comes to pregnancy, shouldn’t the responsibility of preventing pregnancy be shared more equally between men and women?”
Contraception is an under-debated topic throughout society, and since it takes two to tango when it comes to pregnancy, shouldn’t the responsibility of preventing pregnancy be shared more equally between men and women? The burden predominantly falls on women. (I guess men buy condoms if we are speaking about contraception generally rather than just the pill). When it comes to contraception, how is it fair that the biggest inconvenience men are facing is that wrapping up slightly dulls their pleasure (which they have the cheek to voice constantly), meanwhile women have to endure severe side effects when taking the pill- including the risk of cancer- while no one bats an eyelid? Contraceptive methods and reproductive inequality aren’t challenged enough in our patriarchal society.
To start from the beginning, the first contraceptive pill was introduced in the United States in 1960 and became available in the UK in 1961 for married women, though it was initially marketed in both countries for managing menstrual complications before its primary use as contraception became widely accepted. The development marked a significant shift in women’s control over their fertility. Initially, this was a step in the right direction for reproductive equality, however, it has slowly shifted towards a burden.
It has taken over 60 years since then for a contraceptive pill used by men to be brought even close to the market, and I can’t help but wonder why. Logically, if there is a method of contraceptive pill available to everyone, regardless of gender, and both parties can be involved in preventing pregnancy, the reproductive responsibilities would become more equally balanced- what would this look like?
The pamphlet of side effects that come with the female pill includes: blood clots (which can lead to heart attacks and strokes), high blood pressure, nausea, mood swings, visual disturbances and migraines. Researching some of these severe and fatal possible side effects truly stunned me, seeing as the pill is such a widely accepted, casual and dare I say expected part of female adolescence. Throughout secondary school, sixth form and university I have seen myself, my friends and strangers alike all experience the same reminder of our duty. Like groundhog day, the ‘pill alarm’ goes off at the exact same time as yesterday, and I have never once doubted the legitimacy of this reproductive responsibility. I don’t believe the pill is inherently misogynistic- as women should have the choice to prevent pregnancy, along with the choice to terminate pregnancy. However, the lack of research into creating a safer, more liveable pill for women- alongside the lack of shared preventative responsibility between men and women- certainly is.
It’s hard to read about the ongoing male contraceptive trials, where minimising side effects is a thorough process and a priority, without feeling as though women have been cheated and drawn the short straw once again. The male pill currently being researched is hormone free, and phase 1 of the human trials indicated the drug is safe and well-tolerated, with no significant side effects or hormonal changes observed. The personal impact of the hormonal contraceptive pill for women is significant, with a 2023 survey finding that 77% of women experienced lasting side effects.
Furthermore, there are concerns about the increased accessibility of the pill. Does it make women’s lives easier, or instead signify its presumed place in a woman’s life, shining a light on attitudes to women’s healthcare? In the United States, the first contraceptive pill, Opill, was approved for over-the-counter sales in July 2023 and became available to consumers in early 2024. In the United Kingdom, some progestogen-only pills were reclassified to be available without a prescription at pharmacies in July 2021. A friend of mine was given the pill without being asked about any previous mental health conditions, any heart conditions she may have had or within her family, or whether there was a chance she was pregnant. All it took was a quick two-minute consultation. Increased accessibility of contraception seems like a great thing, but at what point does it become a danger to women? The convenience of women carrying the responsibility to family planning is beginning to come at the cost of their well-being.
After all of this, another question arises- would men even take a male contraceptive pill if it ever enters the market? With female contraception, and the side effects that come with it, being so socially accepted, would men burden themselves to use a pill, even if it had no risks? It’s certainly still up for debate, and an important question in the conversation of reproductive inequality. The answer may be hard for women to swallow after years carrying the weight of the responsibility. It’s important to address the inequalities amongst contraception, and the differing attitudes towards men and women using it.
