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Health and Wellness

Double Standard Behind Male Birth Control

Mood swings, muscle pain, acne...

Hannah Petronek
Nov 08, 2016
Wheeling, West Virginia
11
Double Standard Behind Male Birth Control
hercampus.com

It is well-known that women have many options when it comes to pregnancy prevention. In addition, it is also well-known that both men and women have a role in pregnancy. So why are men limited on their forms of contraception, right? Shouldn't pills, shots, and patches be available for men also? A male birth control shot was produced and was proven to be 96% effective. So why don't we have access to it if it is proven to be safe and effective? The research was ceased because men were experiencing side effects like mood swings, acne, changes in libido, etc; these are all side effects that women experience as well, but they can't handle it? Double standard, huh?

It is always the woman who has to be in charge of her reproductive health, if she slips and becomes unexpectedly pregnant, society is against her decision to get rid of the baby somehow. Shouldn't men have a responsibility when it comes to safe sex beyond a condom? Women struggle with many hormonal issues due to our body's chemistry. Why can men not put up with the same symptoms and side effects? And what is the harm in making sure you're extra safe should you want to be preventing pregnancy?

To further my claim, why would be holding back on male birth control during teen years specifically? Girls from the onset of puberty can choose to take birth control. Why are we so worried that boys' puberty will be altered due to the birth control? It would not be any different than hormone regulation. Teen pregnancy is high. We can't sit around and claim that "abstinence is the best birth control". Teens and young adults need to be well-educated on safe sex and their contraceptive options. Why is male birth control being held back when it could potentially prevent many teen pregnancies?

Men are extremely privileged in this world, especially when sexual health or reproduction is involved. They get to make all of the decisions, it seems, even though the women are the ones who have to carry a baby or make sure they don't get pregnant. Why are men excluded from this responsibility? It baffles me.



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