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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

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Original poster

New male pill

46 replies

Hoardasurass · 13/12/2023 19:21

So scientists are starting trials on a non hormonal contraceptive pill for men (non hormonal due to side effects in hormonal pills).
Now if we ignore the fact only an idiot would trust a man to actually take it as its not as if the man faces the consequences of him forgetting, but wtf are they doing this for men but not women? Shouldn't they be working on a female non hormonal contraceptive pill as women are being actually harmed by the current options
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/12/13/british-men-first-in-the-world-new-male-contraceptive-pill/

British men to be first in the world to try new male contraceptive pill

Scientists hope results of an upcoming trial of the hormone-free drug will ‘finally enable men to have an effective birth control option’

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/12/13/british-men-first-in-the-world-new-male-contraceptive-pill

OP posts:
Palmasailor · 13/12/2023 19:37

A lot of men would like this option. It’s a good idea that we can have more options.

newtlover · 13/12/2023 19:42

this is a good idea, men should be able to take this responsibility
obviously this will only work in monogamous relationships with a high level of trust, but they do exist

PurpleBugz · 13/12/2023 22:53

I agree it is a good idea for some couples but agree the men don't face the consequences like women do it they don't take it correctly.

I've always been irritated women have to deal with hormonal contraception and the side effects but men couldn't possibly be expected to deal with that.

SnowflakeSparkles · 13/12/2023 22:59

I think extra contraceptive options are a good thing and especially if it's not yet again putting the onus on women. It's only a good sign that society is moving toward seeing contraception as men's responsibility as well.

Have you looked into the history of the Dalkon shield? Even modern contraception hasn't been designed with womens' needs in mind though it is getting better.

I don't think it's fair at all to yet again find a way to blame women OP, by saying "only an idiot" would trust their sexual partner to take this pill. Casual sex with people you don't know very well of course, but that is just common sense. It's up to the individual and with every method of contraception, there are issues with user error and everyone should approach sex with the attitude that unless you get sterilised, then by DTD you risk pregnancy occurring.

Toseland · 13/12/2023 23:35

I'm so sick of women being treated so appallingly whilst men fritter money on themselves.

TempestTost · 14/12/2023 01:05

Men and women have different kinds of bodies. The sort of bc pill that will be most effective in men might not be in women, and vice versa. Or that will have the most significant side effects.

It doesn't make any sense to demand that because we can make something work well for one sex, that it is equally viable for the other.

As for whether women can trust men to take it, that really depends. There are plenty of men that don't trust women to take it either.

aname1234 · 14/12/2023 13:30

This is a great option. it really depends on the side effects though. The pill side effects can be horrible for women, but so can condoms (UTIs), leaving not many current options.

CliantheLang · 14/12/2023 15:38

Now if we ignore the fact only an idiot would trust a man to actually take it...

This was my first thought. It's good that British women - as per the comments, here - can be so cavalier about this. Your rights aren't under attack. Most women in the world aren't so lucky.

pickledandpuzzled · 14/12/2023 16:20

I’d be pleased as a mum of boys- it’s extra protection for men, and gives monogamous couples more choices.

It does leave women more vulnerable to future fakers, and if the woman is keen to avoid pregnancy she’ll want to take her own precautions.

So a mixed bag really

Psychoticbreak · 14/12/2023 16:29

I would be happy that a man can take this and have his end of contraception covered but I think both partners if not wanting children take precautions. It would be better for both rather than trusting one to do it.

BookwormDadUK · 14/12/2023 16:41

This is brilliant! DW and I are trying to figure out contraception for after our current pregnancy and we hate all current options! This is the dream answer... When it's available, obviously...

FreshWinterMorning · 14/12/2023 16:43

LOL, I would never trust a man to take this properly/adequately. I prefer to sort my own birth control ta!

Mens lives are not affected one iota when a baby comes along. They're not going to be arsed to take the 'new male pill.'

Imamumgetmeoutofhere · 14/12/2023 16:46

I would absolutely trust my husband to take this. I cannot take hormones and we dislike condoms. We have 100% completed our family and a pregnancy would be devastating for us, me especially health wise.

SnowflakeSparkles · 14/12/2023 20:50

FreshWinterMorning · 14/12/2023 16:43

LOL, I would never trust a man to take this properly/adequately. I prefer to sort my own birth control ta!

Mens lives are not affected one iota when a baby comes along. They're not going to be arsed to take the 'new male pill.'

What a ridiculous thing to say. We don't all live in a world where all male partners are just one night stand strangers. Of course in the majority of cases fathers will be somewhat involved in having a child.

Also I know this isn't from a feminist perspective, but at a population level I think it would be good if men can take a form of contraception themselves and have reassurance against unwanted pregnancies.

I think the less unwanted pregnancies there are in the world the better for women.

There is nothing about introducing an option for men which removes the provision for women who currently have access to contraception.

I have always thought it was weird that the focus on particularly hormonal contraception has been on designing it for women. Men have much less complex reproductive systems and there are health benefits to having cycles apparently.

gamerchick · 14/12/2023 20:55

I just thought it was typical they would go all out to find something without the side effects we have to put up with. Nothing but the best for dudes

DinoDays · 14/12/2023 23:42

I'd love my sons to have the option for this. Yes they can use a condom.

But the more choices for contraception better.

As a woman I wouldn't trust a partner, I would still want to use my own contraception too.

Well ... if I still needed it, which don't. And I can not tell you the relief that is!

TempestTost · 15/12/2023 00:48

Men in many countries are very much financially on the hook if a woman gets pregnant. They can try and get out of it, but many don't manage it. It's a substantial cost. One that they should be obligated to meet, but it will make a significant difference to their lives.

And there are plenty that feel obligated to support the child, financially but also in other ways by being a parent. I know three men who married due to a pregnancy they didn't want, to women they wouldn't have stayed with otherwise.

SnowflakeSparkles · 15/12/2023 12:57

Again I think this is a positive thing, but I will admit I didn't read the actual article.

I do love how the first line is about how men will "finally have an effective birth control option".

It's so tone deaf, ignoring the fact that female contraceptives were designed by men and very much with men's pleasure in mind, allowing them to have sex without condoms without risking pregnancy. Ignoring the impact on women's health and comfort for years and years.

HeraSyndulla · 15/12/2023 12:58

If it works you’ll see the birth rate plummet.

Palmasailor · 15/12/2023 16:50

HeraSyndulla · 15/12/2023 12:58

If it works you’ll see the birth rate plummet.

It will change the balance, women won’t be able to trick men into pregnancy anymore.

it will all have to be agreed beforehand so all in all a very good thing.

RufustheFactualReindeer · 15/12/2023 17:41

I agree that there should be research into a non hormonal birth control for women

BertieBotts · 15/12/2023 20:07

Really, you think women tricking men into pregnancy is a large factor in the current birth rate? LOL

Palmasailor · 15/12/2023 20:32

BertieBotts · 15/12/2023 20:07

Really, you think women tricking men into pregnancy is a large factor in the current birth rate? LOL

I think it’s a large factor in the outcomes of individual men’s lives when it happens.

so anything to remove that risk is welcome.

BertieBotts · 15/12/2023 20:42

Absolutely. Bring it on.

An unplanned pregnancy is much more disruptive to a woman's life than a man's, though. And contraception will always have a failure rate so the idea that a new method of contraception will magically ensure no more unplanned pregnancies ever comes across as very naive.

fedupandstuck · 15/12/2023 20:46

@Palmasailor there are already many many ways to avoid the risk of unwanted parenthood if you are a man (use existing contraception yourself rather than relying on the woman to do so, don't have unprotected sex ever, get a vasectomy, don't have PIV sex). Plus many many ways for men to avoid responsibility (both practical and financial) if it happens despite taking those avoiding actions.