It takes two people to have sex, so it’s only natural that both people should be responsible for preventing unwanted pregnancies, right? Unfortunately, birth control has been solely women’s job for pretty much forever. It’s time for that to change.
- Women have had to bear the burden alone for too long. Since my parents sat me down and had the painfully awkward “talk,” I’ve known one simple truth about sex: it’s a female problem. Men can hump whatever comes their way with little consequence while we women have to consider the repercussions very carefully. How can I prevent an unwanted pregnancy? How can I be safe? The idea that it’s our sole responsibility sends out the wrong message about equality
- Birth control options suck. “If you don’t like the pill, why don’t you check your options?” Sure, that’s a great idea… except the options as they stand right now freakin’ suck. You can have hormone injections that send your emotions into overdrive, an implant that does the same thing, or maybe an IUD which can make your periods longer, heavier, and more painful. Fun.
- The side effects seriously suck. It’s not as though the pill is a walk in the park. From painful headaches and mood swings to a higher risk of depression, the side effects of this little tablet are real, but we’re just supposed to shut our mouths and deal with it I guess. Why is that burden ours and ours alone? Why can’t men shoulder some of this BS for a couple of decades?
- Again, it takes two to tango. It’s like getting in a car and expecting the woman do up everybody’s seatbelts for them as well as her own. It makes zero sense, guys! If guys are grown enough to have sex with us, they’re grown enough to play an active role in preventing pregnancy.
- It’s not emasculating at all. What on earth is inherently feminine about contraception? The problem we have right now is that the pill has forever been seen as a women’s issue. It’s just what we have to deal with, so of course, men are going to get a little pissy when we ask them to take the reigns. That doesn’t mean it shouldn’t happen. When it becomes the norm, opinions will change.
- It’s about responsibility. Would you want to be with a guy who can’t be responsible for himself? I don’t think so. Asking him to make sure that his sperm isn’t going to get you pregnant should be no big deal. You’re in this together and there’s no reason that he shouldn’t play his part. There’s something extremely strong about a man who doesn’t hesitate to step up to the plate.
- It shows balance in relationships. When you’re in a serious relationship, you have to compromise with your partner. The two of you should strike a balance and make sure that, as often as possible, you’re both making a 50/50 effort. That’s just what’s fair. You divide up chores and duties, so why should the job of taking care of birth control be any different?
- It would be a positive step forward for all of us. Let’s be honest. When the male pill comes out properly, it will be a positive step forward for us all. For too long, women have had to shoulder the burden of contraception on our own and it’s not OK. It says a lot about where society places women—almost equal… but not quite. We’re still the only ones who have to deal with the consequences of sex.
- The trials have already started. Earlier this year, there were reports of a male pill that actually works. While a lot of guys are totally put off by the idea, thankfully there are some reasonable guys out there who’d be open to giving it a try. According to a poll by the Telegraph, more than half of men would be willing to take the male pill if it was widely available. Around a quarter said that they wouldn’t be sure and the rest said that they wouldn’t take it at all. While that’s by no means a 100% yes rate, it means that guys are more willing than we might imagine. As it becomes more normalized, attitudes will change too. I seriously can’t wait.
