The birth control pill was approved by the FDA in 1960 and became the symbol of the sexual revolution, and now, a new breakthrough in women’s contraception could eliminate some of the problems associated with the pill.
NewScientist.com reported on a birth control gel that “could replace the pill.” The beauty of the gel is that it can be applied once-daily to a woman’s arms, shoulders, legs or stomach and doesn’t have “side effects of weight gain, sickness and dulling sexual desire.”
The birth control gel may be an improvement from the pill, but the responsibility of pregnancy prevention still falls on the woman (and maybe rightfully so).
But that too could soon change.
For the first time, a birth control pill for men may be in reach, and scientists are saying it’s 100 percent effective, has no side effects and can be easily reversed – according to numerous reports.
Currently, birth control options for men consist of using a condom, having a vasectomy or abstaining.
Options for women include the birth control pill, patch or shot; intrauterine devices (IUDs); female condoms and sterilization, just to name a few.
Birth control pills cost $15–$50 a month depending on health insurance and pill type, and you have to remember to take it at the same time every day so there are no little surprises down the road.
Possible side effects include mood swings, weight gain, severe cramps and decreased libido.
To top it all off, some men still have the nerve to complain about us being too crazy, dramatic or otherwise emotionally unstable. At best, some days we’re just “unreasonable.”
(Because men are always so full of reason and responsibility. Right.)
The reality is that sex is hardly considered a strictly procreational activity anymore. We do whatever we can to prevent pregnancy, even if that means inserting foreign objects into our bodies and having our hormones altered.
Being able to choose if and when to have children puts us in control of our bodies and lives, freeing us to have sex for pleasure. But even as sexually liberated women, we’re left to bear the brunt of risks and responsibilities when it comes to sex and pregnancy prevention.
For the sake of equal partnership, men need to take up more responsibility in this area. But first, they need more options.
In the meantime, everyone is waiting – women for their newfangled gel, men for their magic pill and me for a real sexual revolution. Together we wait.