This archive report was first published on 30 November 2019.
Let's be candid about the male contraceptive ¶
On November 30, 2019, a breakthrough in male contraception was announced, sparking both excitement and skepticism. The development of a viable male contraceptive has been a long-standing goal, and it's about time men take control of family planning.
According to a report by Form Ni Gani, a movement working on family planning, men often view contraception as a women's affair. This misconception is one of the reasons men don't know or care about the family planning method their significant others are on, and it's also a reason they don't feel they have to do anything in the process.
Statistics from the report are damning, with 49% of pregnancies being unplanned. While men often claim to use condoms, the reality is that male condom use is a mere 7.9%. It's time to talk about male contraceptives.
The search for a male contraceptive isn't new. Thirty-five years ago, Prof S.K. Gupta from the Indian Institute of Technology developed styrene-maleic anhydride, the polymer now used in current contraceptives. However, previous attempts have been met with side effects, including mood swings and acne.
The latest success story has no reported side effects, but it's unlikely that there are none. The contraceptive works by injecting a polymer into the vas deferens, which shreds sperm and blocks them from leaving the testicles. It's carried out under local anesthesia, and it has a 97% success rate.
However, the effectiveness of the contraceptive lasts for 13 years, which is a major concern for many. Vasectomies were the only option before this, and they were met with resistance due to the misconception that it's a form of castration.
Men's reluctance to take control of family planning is a significant challenge. It's time for men to take responsibility and consider the benefits of male contraceptives. As one author notes, 'Take control of your lives, dear gentlemen.'
