The Agenda of Free Choice: Birth Control

Oral contraceptives are considered an effective form of birth control that can be used to prevent pregnancy, regulate PCOS symptoms, help with hormonal acne and much more. Many may view oral contraceptives as a form of taking control of your reproductive autonomy, after all what can be more feminist than allowing yourself to have jurisdiction over your monthly reproductive cycle? However, during the 70s feminists themselves began to question the side effects of the pill, and they viewed it as another form of patriarchal oppression. When push comes to shove, why are multiple clinical trials that involve the testing of potential contraceptives for men stopped once participants start reporting the side effects? Side effects that women themselves have been experiencing when on the pill as well, such as weight gain, depression and acne.

Although the burden of birth control has been mainly a woman’s issue, there is still research being conducted on producing a contraceptive that is suitable for men. A recent trial shows that a non-hormonal male contraceptive has been proven to be effective in mice with no obvious side effects. Even though research towards developing a contraceptive for men has been going strong for decades, one of their main concerns seem to stem from the fact that the side effects (similar to the ones women experience) are too detrimental to allow the drug into the market. This begs the question of why are female hormonal contraceptives approved despite their side effects?

Many women, including myself have struggled with hormonal birth control. One quick search on any type of social media platform such as YouTube or TikTok shows you that a wide range of women struggle with the side effects of the pill.

Women on TikTok talking about their negative experiences with oral contraceptives

Now, you may say that you can always use condoms, or get a copper IUD if you want to steer clear of substances that alter your hormonal regulation. Although condoms can be effective they are single use only and can slip or tear, these mishaps can go unnoticed, and the consequences can be much more complicated to deal with if there’s no ‘second line of defense’ to prevent a pregnancy. Copper IUDs can be a great alternative for some women, however, they also contain side effects such as making your period flow heavier and worsening menstrual cramps. It’s not like any woman deserves to experience a heavier flow and worsening cramps, but if you already experience such things, a copper implant will worsen your symptoms even more. Other symptoms of copper IUDs can include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and liver damage.

A look on the bright side…

A multitude of studies have been conducted on the attitudes towards men and their willingness to utilise male contraceptives if they were to reach the market. A study from 2021 shows us that among a young adult population 45% of the participants reported that they are willing to utilise male hormonal contraception. Another paper reveals that 41% of men are willing to take Vasalgel, a male contraceptive that is currently being developed in the U.S. We cannot predict the future, but we can be optimists and hope that when the day comes that a male form of contraceptive hits the markets and its use becomes legalised, that more men will be willing to utilise such alternative as a form of birth control.

For us Women…

While we wait for more birth control options to be widely available for men besides condoms and vasectomies, what are the alternatives? I think it’s about establishing a clear consensus with your sexual partner. Make the use of condoms clear and non-negotiable, be sure the condom stays on during sex and is properly placed. The attitude and responsibility the both of you have towards sex and its potential risks should be equal.

Furthermore, just because one form of birth control did not work for you, it doesn’t mean that none will. Make it clear with your Gynaecologist or General Practitioner the history you have with a certain type of birth control. If you’re willing to test out different methods, a proper specialist will propose alternatives if the pill or other kinds of hormonal contraceptives do not work in favour of your wellbeing and body. We should never suffer at the expense of controlling our reproductive capabilities.