Comparing Attitudes Toward Male and Female Contraceptive Pills
The male birth control pill, also known as the “male pill,” is a form of contraception for men that is taken orally. It is designed to lower the amount of sperm produced, making it difficult for a man to impregnate a woman. The idea of a male birth control pill has been around for several decades, but the development of an effective and safe pill has been a challenge. Currently, the main options for male contraception are condoms, vasectomy, and withdrawal. The development of a male birth control pill would provide men with an additional option for preventing pregnancy and would also help women reduce the side effects of birth control pills.
Attitudes towards a male contraceptive pill may differ from those towards a female contraceptive pill. Some people may view the development and use of a male contraceptive pill as a way to promote gender equality and shared responsibility for birth control. Others may view it as an unnecessary addition to the current options, such as condoms and vasectomy, that are already available.
There may also be societal attitudes and cultural norms that contribute to the acceptance or rejection of a male birth control pill. In terms of responsibility, it can be argued that the development and use of a male contraceptive pill could help to shift the burden of birth control away from women and onto men. However, ultimately, the responsibility for contraception should be a shared decision between partners.
Concerns About Side Effects and Acceptance of the Male Pill
Research on a male birth control pill has been ongoing for many years, with several different approaches being studied. One approach is using hormones to lower sperm production (Trombley, 2022). Another approach uses non-hormonal methods, such as compounds targeting sperm function(Trombley, 2022).
Despite the ongoing research, a male birth control pill has yet to be approved for use by the FDA. The development of a safe and effective male birth control pill is a complex process and requires further research and clinical trials(Trombley, 2022). It is important to note that, even if a male birth control pill becomes available, it may not be suitable for every man.
Men should consult their healthcare provider to determine the best contraceptive option for them. Studies on birth control do not provide information on whether one partner can be trustworthy when it comes to contraceptives. However, side effects of such pills are well-addressed and presented in the scholarship. For example, the scholarly literature often discusses hormonal imbalances (Trombley, 2022). The future research should examine more issues related to birth control pills.
Research-Based Evidence
The qualitative study of Kriel et al. (2019) in South Africa examines the influence of male partners on family planning and contraceptive (FP/C) uptake and use. The study was conducted in a community and healthcare setting in KwaZulu-Natal province. The data were collected from focus group discussions with community members and healthcare providers and individual in-depth interviews with key informants.
The study’s results reveal male partners’ complex and evolving role in FP/C uptake and use within this setting. Themes from the data include the dual nature of male involvement in FP/C use, with both positive and negative influences. Factors that negatively influence male attitudes and perceptions towards contraceptive use include limited understanding, misunderstandings about side effects, male dominance in relationships, and physical abuse. On the other hand, pathways that positively influence FP/C uptake and access include social support, adequate information, and shared responsibility.
References
Kriel, Y., Milford, C., Cordero, J., Suleman, F., Beksinska, M., Steyn, P., & Smit, J. A. (2019). Male partner influence on family planning and contraceptive use: perspectives from community members and healthcare providers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Reproductive health, 16(1), 1-15.
Trombley, A. S. (2022). Empowerment, resistance and the birth control pill: a feminist analysis of contraception in the developing world. Dartmouth Undergraduate Journal of Politics, Economics and World Affairs, 1(2), 11.