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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

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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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

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13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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