Talk about double standards! Sexually active women who use contraceptives such as the pill frequently experience side effects such as nausea, headaches, mood changes and weight gain. However, one study on male birth control injections was shut down after a fraction of participants experienced similar reactions.
In fact, only three percent of male participants faced these “severe” side effects – such as mood fluctuations, increased libido and acne – which 30 percent of women taking hormonal contraceptives experience on a daily basis.
Over a four year period, the University of Edinburgh study tested the effectiveness of testosterone and progestin injections on male fertility. More than 20 men dropped out of the study early because of the side effects experienced, such as depression.
However, these effects are not new to women using contraceptives. In fact, they are part of everyday life.
Elisabeth Lloyd, a biology professor at Indiana University, told CNN, “(Between) 20 or 30 percent of the women who take oral birth control pills experience depression and have to take medication for it. So the difference just struck me.”
Although the prevention of pregnancy has been up to women for decades, this short-lived trial shows that there is a market for effective male birth control. But with the trial ending so soon, the question remains: Can men take it?
Since male birth control injections seem to be a ways away, get caught up on other types of birth control with ENTITY’s Optimal Health page. Also, read about how you can Take Control of Your Reproductive Health.
