Male Birth Control Pill - Could be coming soon

[amberpi]

I think this is brilliant...being in risk, I like to use 2 forms and this would make life much easier. If any of y'all are interested in other forms of non bio bc though, I can't say anything better exists than the conceptive films are amazing. None of the ick of some other forms and a great preventitive measure. Sorry if that's tmi.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

The paraguard IUD is a non hormonal form of birth control. It has other side effects but there are no hormones.

Tying tubes is another “no hormones” form if BC. But the women in my family have all had side effects. One aunts body went into a state of menopause after abd had to start taking the pill. My mother and another aunt started having such bad menstrual pain that it was unbearable at times. Another aunt who used to always be very thin constantly looks pregnant. She has that big puffy tummy look. So I’m scared off from it.

 

[GreatLakes]

Meanwhile on the other side of the world the women are dealing with this to make sure they don't have your baby:

Side effects
Common side effects of oral contraceptives include:

Hormonal contraception is taken to prevent pregnancy and for other medical reasons.

• intermenstrual spotting
• nausea
• breast tenderness
• headaches and migraine
• weight gain
• mood changes
• missed periods
• decreased libido
• vaginal discharge
• changes to eyesight for those using contact lenses

We will look at each of these side effects in detail below.

1. Intermenstrual spotting
Breakthrough vaginal bleeding is common between expected periods. This usually resolves within 3 months of starting to take the pill.

During spotting, the pill is still effective, as long as it has been taken correctly and no doses are missed. Anyone who experiences 5 or more days of bleeding while on active pills, or heavy bleeding for 3 or more days, should contact a health care professional for advice.

This bleeding may happen because the uterus is adjusting to having a thinner endometrial lining or because the body is adjusting to having different levels of hormones.

2. Nausea
Some people experience mild nausea when first taking the pill, but symptoms usually subside after a while. Taking the pill with food or at bedtime may help. If nausea is severe or persists for longer than 3 months, you should seek medical guidance.

3. Breast tenderness
Birth control pills may cause breast enlargement or tenderness. This normally resolves a few weeks after starting the pill. Anyone who finds a lump in the breast or who has persistent pain or tenderness or severe breast pain should seek medical help.

Tips for relieving breast tenderness include reducing caffeine and salt intake and wearing a supportive bra.

4. Headaches and migraine

Some people experience side effects with "the pill," such as irregular periods, nausea, headaches or weight change.
The hormones in birth control pills can increase the chance of headaches and migraine.

Pills with different types and doses of hormone may trigger different symptoms.

Using a low-dose pill may reduce the incidence of headaches.

Symptoms normally improve over time, but if severe headaches start when you begin taking the pill, you should seek medical advice.

5. Weight gain
Clinical studies have not found a consistent link between the use of birth control pills and weight fluctuations. However, fluid retention may occur, especially around the breasts and hips.

According to one review, most studies have found an average weight gain of under 4.4 pounds (2 kilograms) at 6 or 12 months with progestin-only birth control. Studies of other birth control methods showed the same gain.

Some types of hormonal contraceptive have been linked to a decrease in lean body mass.

6. Mood changes
Studies suggest that oral contraceptives may affect the user's mood and increase the risk of depression or other emotional changes. Anyone experiencing mood changes during pill use should contact their medical provider.

7. Missed periods
Even with proper pill use, a period may sometimes be missed. Factors that can influence this include stress, illness, travel, and hormonal or thyroid abnormalities.

If a period is missed or is very light while using the pill, a pregnancy test is recommended before starting the next pack. It is not unusual for a flow to be very light or missed altogether on occasion. If concerned, seek medical advice.

8. Decreased libido
The hormone or hormones in the contraceptive pill can affect sex drive or libido in some people. If decreased libido persists and is bothersome, this should be discussed with a medical provider.

In some cases, the birth control pill can increase libido, for example, by removing concerns about pregnancy and reducing the painful symptoms of menstrual cramping, premenstrual syndrome, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids.

9. Vaginal discharge
Changes in vaginal discharge may occur when taking the pill. This may be an increase or a decrease in vaginal lubrication or a change in the nature of the discharge. If vaginal dryness results, added lubrication can help make sex more comfortable.

These changes are not usually harmful, but alternations in color or odor could indicate an infection. Anyone who is concerned about such changes should speak with their medical provider.

10. Eye changes
Hormonal changes caused by the birth control pill have been linked to a thickening of the cornea in the eyes. Oral contraceptive use has not been associated with a higher risk of eye disease, but it may mean that contact lenses no longer fit comfortably.

Contact lens wearers should consult their ophthalmologist if they experience any changes in vision or lens tolerance during pill use.

Risks
The combined pill can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, such as blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a clot on the lung, a stroke or heart attack.

Birth control pills have also been associated with an increase in blood pressure, benign liver tumors, and some types of cancer.

The pill should not be taken by:

• women who are pregnant
• smokers over the age of 35 years, or anyone who stopped smoking within the last year and is over 35 years old
• anyone with obesity
• those who are taking certain medications
• anyone who has or has had thrombosis, a stroke, or a heart problem
• anyone with a close relative who had a blood clot before the age of 45 years
• people who have severe migraines, especially with an aura as the warning sign
• anyone who has or had had breast cancer or disease of the liver or gallbladder
• anyone who has had diabetes for at least 20 years or diabetes with complications

If any of the following occur, the user should see a doctor.

• abdominal or stomach pain
• chest pain, shortness of breath, or both
• severe headaches
• eye problems such as blurred vision or loss of vision
• swelling or aching in the legs and thighs
• redness, swelling or pain in the calf or thighs

They may indicate a more serious condition.

Long-term effects
Use of birth-control pills may increase the risk of long-term health problems.

Cardiovascular problems

People with a history of blood clots, heart attacks or stroke are advised not to take the combination birth control pill.
Combination pills can slightly increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects, such as heart attack, stroke, and blood clots. These can all be fatal.

The risk is higher with some pills. A doctor can advise on suitable options.

Anyone who has uncontrolled high blood pressure or a personal or family history of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke should ask their medical provider about alternative methods.

Cancer risk
Female hormones that occur naturally, such as estrogen, are thought to affect the chances of a woman developing some types of cancer. It is therefore possible that using a hormone-based method of birth control could have a similar effect.

Ovarian and endometrial cancer: These appear to be less likely among women who use the pill.

Breast cancer: There appears to be a slightly higher chance of breast cancer developing in women who have recently been using the contraceptive pill, and especially if they started using it during their teenage years. However, after 10 years of not using the pill, the risk appears to be the same as for someone who has never used it.

Other factors may play a role, such as a woman's age at starting puberty and menopause, her age at her first pregnancy, and whether or not she has had children.

Cervical cancer: Long-term use of the pill has been linked to a higher risk of cervical cancer, compared with those who have never used it. However, most types of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Whether HPV is linked to the use of oral birth control pills has not yet been confirmed.

Liver cancer: Oral contraceptives have been linked to a higher chance of developing benign liver tumors, but these rarely become cancerous. Some studies have suggested that liver cancer risk is higher after using oral contraceptives for at least 5 years, but other studies have not had the same results.

That's their choice. I never made anyone take any medication. I didn't have unprotected sex regardless of my partner's pill situation until I was committed enough to the person that an accidental pregnancy wouldn't be a problem. I still used my own protection in addition because you just never know.

 

[Klayfish]

Just love the level of male bashing....

 

[LSUmiss]

Oh come on you know us poor women have had to endure all these side effects so that men dont have to worry about being fathers. Its not like we enjoy the freedom to have sex and not worry about getting pregnant, we do it for the men. Its their turn to suffer all the hormonal effects for us, its only fair.

No but it’s also just been yet one more thing that women have had to endure that men don’t. So finally something comes out that might even the score & men say “oh I don’t know. That seems risky”.

 

[mom2rtk]

No but it’s also just been yet one more thing that women have had to endure that men don’t. So finally something comes out that might even the score & men say “oh I don’t know. That seems risky”.

But that's not always a societal thing. This is a biology thing. It's easier to prevent one egg than it is to prevent millions of sperm. And because of biology, women have more at risk.

I for one am glad. The pill was a godsend in controlling the chronic pain I had from endometriosis. And it's probably the only reason I was able to have kids when the time came (because it interrupted the damage that was being done to my system on a monthly basis).

 

[LSUmiss]

Just love the level of male bashing....

I’m not bashing men. I just think it’s laughable that men would have the nerve to say some of the stuff that’s been said when this has been a problem for women. Honest acknowledgment of that is all I really would want. But, to me, it just lacks insight to even type it out b/c it’s obvious that some men don’t realize the sacrifices that women often have to make to have “freedom”.

 

[LSUmiss]

But that's not always a societal thing. This is a biology thing. It's easier to prevent one egg than it is to prevent millions of sperm. And because of biology, women have more at risk.

I for one am glad. The pill was a godsend in controlling the chronic pain I had from endometriosis. And it's probably the only reason I was able to have kids when the time came (because it interrupted the damage that was being done to my system on a monthly basis).

I’m not saying it was a conspiracy against women why birth control was first introduced for women or that there aren’t any other benefits. My only point (and I think many others’) is that men have commented about the “risks”. Some of us feel like uh yeah...we have BEEN enduring “risks”.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

But that's not always a societal thing. This is a biology thing. It's easier to prevent one egg than it is to prevent millions of sperm. And because of biology, women have more at risk.

I for one am glad. The pill was a godsend in controlling the chronic pain I had from endometriosis. And it's probably the only reason I was able to have kids when the time came (because it interrupted the damage that was being done to my system on a monthly basis).

I agree.

I personally like to take control of my own uterus. I don't want to "depend" on a man to tell me he's taken the pill and then he misses a few and I'm pregnant. Also on the flip side, I've told my son not to depend on a woman to handle birth control. Even if she's on the pill protect yourself.

 

[LSUmiss]

I agree.

I personally like to take control of my own uterus. I don't want to "depend" on a man to tell me he's taken the pill and then he misses a few and I'm pregnant. Also on the flip side, I've told my son not to depend on a woman to handle birth control. Even if she's on the pill protect yourself.

I agree with this & now both parties can & should be equally responsible.

 

[AnnaFloridaLover]

Just love the level of male bashing....

Where exactly is this male bashing of which you speak?

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

No but it’s also just been yet one more thing that women have had to endure that men don’t. So finally something comes out that might even the score & men say “oh I don’t know. That seems risky”.

Yes birth control methods (a variety of them) have had and still do carry risks (sometimes severe risks). The risks involved with men taking a birth control pill will likely follow how it did for women in that risks won't be fully known in the beginning.

As far as birth control each woman, with what information they know medically speaking, does need to make decisions on their own regardings the risks involved but the truth is when we are talking about biology birth control helped women in different ways than the birth control pill would be for men.

I do think medically speaking we need to tread carefully with a male birth control pill but I'm not going at it from a "good now it's men's turn to deal with the risks".

I got on birth control when I was just under 16. I did it because after over 3 years my periods were far from regular, I was having terrible cramps that I would call "bring 'um to your knees and tears to your eyes", I was missing school, I also got terribly bloated, was irritable, etc. Birth control, while not perfect, helped alleviate or lessen some of those issues and yes I knew that I was at an increased risk of blot clots and knew that there have been cases where prolonged usaged of birth control caused fertility issues, etc and we reviewed those risks in regards to what birth control method we used.

I guess in other words maybe using 'endure' is rubbing me the wrong way because without the ability to take birth control I was miserable.

 

[Hikergirl]

No but it’s also just been yet one more thing that women have had to endure that men don’t. So finally something comes out that might even the score & men say “oh I don’t know. That seems risky”.

Speak for yourself, I haven't had to "endure" anything. I've always been thankful for the BC pill regardless of some of the side effects. It lets me have control of whether I give birth or not.

 

[LSUmiss]

Speak for yourself, I haven't had to "endure" anything. I've always been thankful for the BC pill regardless of some of the side effects.

You have had to endure EXPOSURE to potential harmful side effects like anyone else who who has used it.

ETA: Again my ONLY issue is that some men have the nerve to comment on the side effects which ignores (or at least seems to) the fact we have had that potential exposure for years now. Most men weren’t worried about the side effects when we were the ones exposed.

 

[Hikergirl]

I’m not bashing men. I just think it’s laughable that men would have the nerve to say some of the stuff that’s been said when this has been a problem for women. Honest acknowledgment of that is all I really would want. But, to me, it just lacks insight to even type it out b/c it’s obvious that some men don’t realize the sacrifices that women often have to make to have “freedom”.

Sacrifices? BC is a choice a woman makes. They could have always relied on a man to put on a condom if they didn't want to use BC themselves. Hormonal BC is a choice it isn't a sacrifice.

 

[LSUmiss]

Sacrifices? BC is a choice a woman makes. They could have always relied on a man to put on a condom if they didn't want to use BC themselves. Hormonal BC is a choice it isn't a sacrifice.

It’s a sacrifice to make a choice that could be harmful to your health b/c it’s the most effective option.

 

[Hikergirl]

You have had to endure EXPOSURE to potential harmful side effects like anyone else who who has used it.

No, I didn't have too, I chose too.

 

[Hikergirl]

It’s a sacrifice to make a choice that could be harmful to your health b/c it’s the most effective option.

We get it, you think men should have to make sacrifices and suffer and how dare they be concerned about any of that.

 

[Klayfish]

I’m not bashing men. I just think it’s laughable that men would have the nerve to say some of the stuff that’s been said when this has been a problem for women. Honest acknowledgment of that is all I really would want. But, to me, it just lacks insight to even type it out b/c it’s obvious that some men don’t realize the sacrifices that women often have to make to have “freedom”.

I'm saying this with a smile on my face, because it honestly doesn't bother me one bit...but do you realize that you said you're not bashing men, but your very next sentences appear to do exactly that...bash. Just sayin'

As far as this topic goes, I really think it's a personal decision. In a relationship, these things should be openly discussed and decided on, by both parties.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

It’s a sacrifice to make a choice that could be harmful to your health b/c it’s the most effective option.

This goes with any medication. Birth control makes a woman's body do something very unnatural for most women. Not ovulate. No matter what way you cut it there will be side effects. There are harmful side effects. For me the lesser of two evils is to take the pill and not have unwanted pregnancies.

I don't think a man saying "I won't take it because of the side effects" means he's downplaying a woman's exposure to the same side effects. I know plenty of men who have went and had vasectomies so their wives aren't exposed to birth control. Those same men would most likely refuse a male birth control pill due to the side effects.