Male birth control? Yes or no?

Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by Envy
I suffer from extreme menstrual cramps and I've heard this, too, could help me, but I'm also told I'm too young, and I don't want any children ever. So they stuck me on birth control and for 2 years I had issues with depression and ... more
Goth, there is no "legal" age limit or number of children to do this procedure. Some (most) GYNs seem to think they know MORE about what you want then you do. They assume young women don't want children now, "But will change their minds when they hold a little baby in their arms." Bullshit. Women should have the CHOICE to permanently prevent pregnancy at ANY age, they know their mind and body better than some doctor and it is a travesty that most young women can't get a procedure that they WANT because some doctor assumes she or he knows what the patient will want in the future. (and the female doctors aer just as bad, if not worse, because most of them don't have kids until they are in their 40s, and think everybody thinks like they do.)
07/25/2010
Contributor: AU AU
Quote:
Originally posted by P'Gell
Goth, there is no "legal" age limit or number of children to do this procedure. Some (most) GYNs seem to think they know MORE about what you want then you do. They assume young women don't want children now, "But will change their ... more
I like the way you think.

I do understand if doctors want to protect themselves from the few ladies that might get mad at them later, but still...it's frustrating that so many people think like that. As a child, people told me I would want a child someday, or I would love having a child once I held my own. It seemed like such an alien concept for me. I'm 28, but I'm still pretty sure that I will feel the same at 48. My significant other and I just don't want kids. Still, we don't want an unnecessary medical procedure, either. I do support young people who want a sterilization surgery, though. It seems like men might get less pressure against it... :/ I think the childfree group I'm a part of Facebook said that they were compiling a list of doctors that are willing to treat young people, also this group shares experiences: link
07/26/2010
Contributor: AU AU
Yes, there are condoms. But in my relationship, we never use them--we just don't like them at all. We've been using the withdrawal method for 10 years, and we haven't had any accidents. Still, it might be nice to feel more secure sometimes. I have had libido troubles even without birth control, so I'm a little scared of what they would do to me. Maybe nothing, but I don't feel like trying it. My significant other doesn't hate doctor visits as much as I do, and if there was a birth control for him to take, he said he might like to try it.

I have seen two relationships where a girl used pregnancy to keep a guy. In one case, the girl stopped using her birth control and said she was still on it. Of course, a guy could do this, too. But then the other person should protect themselves if there is fear of this.

Ugh. Sexual warfare.

I simply think if women can have control, men can in the same way, too. There is a great demand for a male birth control, someone will try to deliver it. I'm curious about how it will change things. I don't think it would be a very bad thing if people are educated properly on it.
07/27/2010
Contributor: twistedheartsx twistedheartsx
I have to agree with a post above me, they need to get things together with women birth control first. But when it came down to it, I wouldn't see why a man couldn't take birth control just like a woman. It'd probably be safer for couples.. if they can get things right with birth control in the first place.
08/02/2010
Contributor: Midway through Midway through
Hmm, if we could make it to where my man would get pregnant instead of me also, that'd be fabulous... LOL
08/03/2010
Contributor: Anally Fixated Anally Fixated
Quote:
Originally posted by El-Jaro
I've heard that this exists, but I'm really doubtful on it. It really seems that the only reason this isn't pushed is that it is thought to emasculate a guy; If he can't produce children, he's less of a man. BUT it's totally ... more
There is NO way in hell I would ever take anything that would stop my sperm production. I would be way too afraid of long-term, lasting effects after stopping the medication. This question just scares the crap out of me.
09/16/2010
Contributor: iceman681 iceman681
Quote:
Originally posted by El-Jaro
A vasectomy is an option for men, but (i think) it's more dangerous and not as for sure.
i did it and never noticed a change in anything. i have an awesome son and thought that was enough. if i ever decide to have another it can be a well thought out PLANNED child.
09/16/2010
Contributor: ScottA ScottA
Definitely consider it, depending on the product. Female hormonal birth control seems to have a whole bunch of irritations attached, hopefully male wouldn't have them.
11/07/2010
Contributor: Phoenix713 Phoenix713
Quote:
Originally posted by El-Jaro
I've heard that this exists, but I'm really doubtful on it. It really seems that the only reason this isn't pushed is that it is thought to emasculate a guy; If he can't produce children, he's less of a man. BUT it's totally ... more
I do believe it is sexist (birth control) and I commend you for being brave enough to make this post. I have actually thought of this myself, why they don't make male birth control. It's been so hard on my wife to use it, and I don't think it's fair. Why couldn't I take it instead? I couldn't bring myself to be "neutered" as they call it, but I don't want her to go through that pregnancy thing again. It was so mentally hard for her. I would have done it for her if I could. And yes, I would DEFINITELY take male birth control if it existed! I would love for it to happen.
11/07/2010
Contributor: Phoenix713 Phoenix713
Quote:
Originally posted by LikeSunshineDust
And there are plenty of men that leave anyway...
Like my father....I don't like what was said about the "internal parasites!" Babies can't help that they've been conceived and born. It's not your post, I know, but I am still offended.
11/07/2010
Contributor: Phoenix713 Phoenix713
Quote:
Originally posted by P'Gell
Goth, there is no "legal" age limit or number of children to do this procedure. Some (most) GYNs seem to think they know MORE about what you want then you do. They assume young women don't want children now, "But will change their ... more
I can definitely agree with that. People keep telling my wife she'll want another baby one day. Her pregnancy was hard enough versus her depression. Not being able to control her own body....That was so hard for her. Why would she want to go through that again? Doctors can be idiots!
11/07/2010
Contributor: Phoenix713 Phoenix713
Quote:
Originally posted by Midway through
Hmm, if we could make it to where my man would get pregnant instead of me also, that'd be fabulous... LOL
Yeah, to make it even. I think it'd be fair. I wish I could be pregnant so I knew what it felt like for the poor woman instead of her having to go through that! I commend all women who are pregnant or who ever have been. It must be a crazy road to travel. You never want to go through that road alone.
11/07/2010
Contributor: Sera Sera
Quote:
Originally posted by El-Jaro
I've heard that this exists, but I'm really doubtful on it. It really seems that the only reason this isn't pushed is that it is thought to emasculate a guy; If he can't produce children, he's less of a man. BUT it's totally ... more
If I was a guy, I would. I think birth control is sexist, because they only make it for women. It's the "woman's" problem, you know? Men don't go through half of the things women do, like pregnancy, and I think male birth control might be a good start to make us more even.
11/08/2010
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by Anally Fixated
There is NO way in hell I would ever take anything that would stop my sperm production. I would be way too afraid of long-term, lasting effects after stopping the medication. This question just scares the crap out of me.
Yeah, a lot of women feel the same way about the pill. (Plus cancer and heart disease and blood clot and stroke risk.) But, circumstances force some of them to take it anyway....
11/08/2010
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by Phoenix713
I do believe it is sexist (birth control) and I commend you for being brave enough to make this post. I have actually thought of this myself, why they don't make male birth control. It's been so hard on my wife to use it, and I don't ... more
I understand what you are saying, but vasectomy is not "neutering." It's not even close. Only the vas deferens (the tube that connects the testes to the urethra) is cut and cauterized. That's IT! The Testes remain exactly as they are! Save a tiny incision which heals in a few days. It is safer than Tubal Ligation for women (which requires opening the abdominal wall, and using general anesthetic, with all the inherent risks) The man still makes the same amount of semen, as the amount of sperm which contributes to each ejaculation is minuscule.

There are health risks associated with Tubal Ligation (premature menopause, due to cutting off blood and nerve supply to the ovaries, bleeding, infection due to opening the abdominal wall, post surgical healing time is MUCH longer than for a Vasectomy) is common, but there is NO risk of such a things due to Vasectomy. For permanent birth control, Vasectomy is a much safer, just as effective and less intrusive procedure. It usually takes less than 30 minutes and can be done in a doctors' office. The only test is easy, the man goes back to the doctor about 6 weeks after the procedure and gives a semen sample and it's analyzed. Usually no sperm are present. There is NO test that easy to see if a Tubal Ligation "took." The closest thing is an injectable dye, shot into the tubes and then X-Rayed, it's intrusive, painful, requires radiation and not even all that effective. Jerking off into a cup and letting them look at it under a microscope is painless and risk free.

The Vasectomy is a much more humane procedure and has less side effects. And is just as effective.
11/08/2010
Contributor: Xavier7 Xavier7
Quote:
Originally posted by El-Jaro
I've heard that this exists, but I'm really doubtful on it. It really seems that the only reason this isn't pushed is that it is thought to emasculate a guy; If he can't produce children, he's less of a man. BUT it's totally ... more
YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES
12/09/2010
Contributor: VanillaFreeSex VanillaFreeSex
I would love this option. Not getting pregnant is very important to me, but none of the available methods are good options for me except condoms. Which in a committed relationship I would prefer not to have to use, plus they aren't as effective as other options.
12/18/2010
Contributor: PussyGalore PussyGalore
No thanks. I don't think I would trust the man to take actually take it.
12/18/2010
Contributor: VanillaFreeSex VanillaFreeSex
looks like many of us females have had the effects of depression and libido loss from the pill. I always found that to be ironic. If I'm on the pill I have no interest in sex, and even when i did, it messed with my natural lubrication.

When i recently ended up single, I went off the pill. There i was alone and suddenly very very horny and less depressed. It kinda pissed me off. the irony of it.

no longer single, and using condoms. with the occasional need for the emergency contraception pill. (then the next month is horrid)
12/18/2010
Contributor: nyc cpl nyc cpl
Quote:
Originally posted by El-Jaro
I've heard that this exists, but I'm really doubtful on it. It really seems that the only reason this isn't pushed is that it is thought to emasculate a guy; If he can't produce children, he's less of a man. BUT it's totally ... more
Yes, I would be very happy to use it. I dont like using condoms at all.
12/19/2010
Contributor: Lady Neshamah Lady Neshamah
i have been hearing about this coming on the market for years.... as of yet, i don't know if it's come out....
12/25/2010
Contributor: misslady misslady
Well, I'm not a man, but I'm all for it. Mainly because no form of birth control is 100% effective, and having two people preventing pregnancy is better than one.

I'd love to have a child one day when I'm mentally and financially prepared, but right now I'm not. My number one goal as a future mother is to be able to provide my child with all of the lessons and opportunities I feel I missed out on, and I would be so sad if I wasn't able to fulfill that.
12/30/2010
Contributor: Chevylady37 Chevylady37
men do have birth control it is the condom. If you think it is sexist just don't take it
01/10/2011
Contributor: lamira lamira
If there was male birth control, I would want my partner to take it and I know he would. We both do not want children, so that extra security would be great.
01/10/2011
Contributor: Hot'n'Bothered Hot'n'Bothered
Honestly, even though I am married, I like being in control of the birth control situation. That's just one thing that I refuse to rely on anyone else for, in terms of protection. (Even though I completely trust DH..)
01/10/2011
Contributor: Vaccinium Vaccinium
I'm married and my wife had a tubal ligation, so it's moot point for me. That said, a year ago I was on a medication called Flomax, one of the side effects of which was "decreased ejaculate". Decreased? How about absolutely zero!

I'm not sure whether this would be the end result of male pharmaceutical birth control, but if so, I would never, ever take it. Mind you, I was never a fan of condoms, but even the thickest, most sense-dulling condom is preferable to shooting blanks. The intensity of my orgasm while on Flomax was much, much reduced and it felt.....uncomfortable . I'm not sure how to describe it beyond that, but it wasn't entirely pleasant. It was almost like the feeling of minor cramping.

This is a rather unsavory way to look at it, but imagine the last time you had food poisoning or a stomach virus and you vomited. If your stomach was full, it was an intense feeling, but typically you feel much better afterward. Now contrast that with the dry heaves, which are very uncomfortable and don't make you feel good afterward.
01/10/2011
Contributor: Vaccinium Vaccinium
Quote:
Originally posted by P'Gell
I understand what you are saying, but vasectomy is not "neutering." It's not even close. Only the vas deferens (the tube that connects the testes to the urethra) is cut and cauterized. That's IT! The Testes remain exactly as they ... more
My wife had a tubal, and it was her decision. Of course, it was an easier decision because she elected to have it while she was in the OR delivering our second child via Caesarean. She figured, if she was already flayed open, she'd might as well have it done, and I couldn't argue with that.

However, had she not already been cut open, it would have been me that got fixed. It wasn't necessarily because it was more dangerous for her (admittedly, I didn't know that until I read your post), but because I figured I'd rather have it be me than her. I couldn't imagine asking my wife to go through any medical procedure if I could do it instead.
01/10/2011
Contributor: Mojoe821 Mojoe821
I would definitely use it. I don't want children, especially unplanned ones.
01/16/2011
Contributor: Avant-garde Avant-garde
It makes more sense to remove the bullet from the gun than to wear a bullet proof vest.
01/16/2011
Contributor: Sin Secret Sin Secret
Quote:
Originally posted by El-Jaro
I've heard that this exists, but I'm really doubtful on it. It really seems that the only reason this isn't pushed is that it is thought to emasculate a guy; If he can't produce children, he's less of a man. BUT it's totally ... more
I'm only on BC for medical reasons, not to prevent pregnancy, but if there were male BC forms, I'd definitely support it.
01/27/2011