For a while there, it seemed male birth control was right on the horizon. But a new hormonal birth control trial for men was cut short recently after participants reported side effects. Even though the male contraceptive was found to effectively prevent pregnancy, side effects like depression, weight gain, acne, headaches, and changes in mood—things women have encountered since the pill’s inception in the 1960s—led several men to pull out of testing.
The four-year worldwide study of 320 men found that an injection of progestin and a synthetic form of testosterone stopped pregnancy in 96% of female partners in monogamous heterosexual relationships. But the trial was stopped for “safety reasons” after 20 participants dropped out due to side effects—even though nearly 39% of the symptoms reported were unrelated to the shot. As women all over social media have pointed out, these side effects are the very same ones that women have experienced for 60 years. One person on Twitter said, “So male contraception can’t be put in place because 6% experience side effects, yet 50% of women experience side effects from contraception.” Thanks, guys—looks like it’s back to rubbers again!
Are you a fan of safe sex? Come have some side effects-free fun with us!
Check out more about a male birth control trial being stopped after men pulled out due to side effects:https://www.buzzfeed.com/
